Revisiting a former yet still-notable success story, is one of watchmaking’s great creative moments. The new timepiece must bring the best and most iconic elements of its predecessor, together with all that is exciting and innovative today—at the forefront of the very latest design, technology and style. It’s a tall order, and the new Captain Cook Chronograph meets the challenge with panache. For the first time as a chronograph, the explorer favourite makes a brilliant return, in updated, exquisite proportions thanks to a unique, slimmer automatic movement, quite a rarity in the field.
In this modern era of broad choices, the “Master of Materials” Rado also brings not one but three variants of their new chronograph, in distinct shades and strap/bracelet configurations sure to please even the most demanding enthusiasts. The timepiece and extra straps, which use the convenient EasyClip system for quick, effortless changes to suit the wearer’s mood or particular occasion, come in a handsome special case, to keep everything safe between outings. On the outside, the new Captain Cook Chronograph wears that charming, characteristic box-shaped glass, in scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both faces.
The thinner, more comfortable and stylish 43mm case, in either polished stainless steel or circular-brushed bronze, features a polished high-tech-ceramic inlay on the bezel, in blue or black, as a perfect complement to the flange and the dial colour of the particular model. The latter presents a silver-to-blue gradient, another silver-to-black and another a blue sunray finish, all of them exquisite next to the appliquéd indices, markers and numerals, with key elements treated with Super-LumiNova® for excellent readability even in low-light conditions. In particular, the hour hand, with its bold and characteristic arrowhead tip, and the minute hand, strong and unmistakeable, as well as the red-tipped chronograph seconds sweeper, allow easy timekeeping in any exploration or journey, in the city or the great outdoors.
The anchor symbol remains a delightful touch, in rhodium colour against a red backplate on this rugged and reliable timepiece, whose features now include a chronograph dial at 9 and standard seconds at 3 o’clock, in perfect visual equilibrium with the lower date window at 6 o’clock. The date itself is displayed in red against silver, in keeping with former models. Inside, the new, thinner R801 automatic movement, with 37 jewels, five hands and 59 hours of power reserve thanks to a NivachronTM anti-magnetic hairspring, exceeds standard accuracy test requirements by as much as five positions. Water resistance to 30 bar is assured by a screw-down case back, screw-in crown and pushbuttons, and Rado’s predictably unwavering high-quality production technics.
Virile as ever and full of character, the new Captain Cook Chronograph is delivered with two additional straps in different materials and shades, according to the specific model. The two stainless steel models come with a matching three-row stainless steel bracelet with brushed central links and extensible folding clasp, and an additional coffee-brown or blue leather strap with contrasting stitching, as well as a sporty NATO-style, woven nylon strap, in blue or black, with steel pin-buckle closure. The bronze-coloured model comes with a NATO-style strap with a gold-coloured stripe down the centre, as well as a blue leather strap with accent stitching, and an additional NATO-style strap in deep blue, all with bronze pin-buckle closure.
To keep everything together, the new Captain Cook Chronograph comes in a special case inspired by the built-to-last, two-strapped treasure chests of ancient explorers and navigators. Protected by a tough, black diver-nylon outer covering, the wooden (FSC) box is equipped with metal hardware, around a soft ivory-coloured interior where your spare straps can be safely stored, along with your favourite Rado, when not in use. All done with irresistible good taste and uncompromising precision.
