For Rado's 2021 Novelties, Past and Future Collide to Create a Diverse Product Range

This year, Swiss watch manufacturer Rado continues to experiment with textiles to live up to its reputation as the “Master of Materials”, adding to its extensive range of Captain Cook models by reinventing the iconic timepiece in a fully high-tech ceramic makeup.

First introduced in the early ’60s, the Rado Captain Cook — named after the British explorer James Cook — was the watchmaker’s attempt at tapping into that era’s diving craze. Despite being produced in low quantities, it was the watch’s design that stood out amongst its contemporaries. A concaved bezel, beads-of-rice bracelet and domed acrylic glass were its key features but its progressive water-resistant technology was arguably its most coveted feature.

Since being relaunched back in 2019, Rado has introduced an array of models to the Captain Cook range, revamping the classic design in a variety of materials. As well as this year’s Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic release, stand-out pieces from the collection include the Captain Cook Automatic, the Captain Cook Bronze Automatic and the Captain Cook Bronze Automatic with a NATO strap. All models boasting an 80hr power reserve, up to 300m water resistance and the brands EasyClip System for changeable straps — perfect for summer months by the sea.

Captain Cook Automatic Stainless Steel

For the Captain Cook Automatic, a polished stainless steel case houses a stainless steel bezel and a polished green high-tech ceramic insert with laser-engraved numbers. Details include the seahorses stamped onto the back and a glassbox sapphire crystal.  Keeping to its maritime heritage, this iteration is built for the water, adding an aura of luxury to accompany relaxed sailing days.

Captain Cook Bronze Automatic

The Captain Cook Bronze Automatic shares a lot of similar technical attributes, however, this time coming in a dusky brushed bronze finish. The polished green bezel seen on its stainless steel cousin returns, only this time it’s paired with a titanium screw-down caseback that also bears the signature seahorse stamps. A key feature of this model is its uniqueness. With bronze developing a layer of patina over time, each watch will have a slightly different color depending on the wearers’ habits and the environmental climate. Its multi-purpose design complements any outfit for a range of settings, whether paired with a two-piece suit or making it a statement piece with a T-shirt and jeans.

Captain Cook NATO Strap

The version with the NATO strap comes in four different colorways: a polished green, blue, brown or red, all maintaining a grounded, earthy tone throughout. Each design carries a polished bronze finish and a matching fabric strap with a distinctive gold stripe running along its middle. Despite its luxurious bezel, this model has been stripped back boasting the casual aesthetic needed for an everyday timepiece.

Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic

Finally, the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic comes in four distinct references, three featuring matte black coatings while the fourth is plasma-treated for a look indistinguishable from polished metal. Each watch features a hardened stainless steel bezel with ceramic insert, while inside each piece contains Rado’s most cutting-edge technology, including premium Rado caliber R734 and a Nivachron hairspring. Similar to its Stainless Steel counterpart, this sleek design complements a smarter look from a luxury addition to a dinner date outfit to making a lasting first impression.

The Rado Captain Cook watches are available to purchase now from the brand’s website.