A WEEK ON THE WRIST: The Rado Captain Cook Automatic channels 80s style with playful fun
Henry ZwartzIf the resurgence of the mullet as a fashion statement as we emerge from lockdown(s) in Australia isn’t enough to convince you, then perhaps the decision by large watchmakers to revitalise two-tone models could help. And yes, it’s true. Mullets are coming back. God help us.
Watches are, after all, part of the luxury and fashion world. And so reflect the trends of fashion. Rolex recently sparked a lot of talk when they released a two-toned Explorer. DOXA – with the help from some of the team here at Time and Tide – brought back it’s Aubry-era ’80s classic, in the SUB600T Pacific. Man, that beautiful blocky case design is something else, the colours, too, are joyously vibrant, not muted. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the aesthetic in the 1982 classic Tron.
Rado, then, aren’t an exception with the release of a couple of two-tone models in their popular Captain Cook line-up. I had the chance to get hands-on with two of these models over the course of the last week. One of the bracelets combines steel with yellow-gold coloured links, while the other plumps for more of a rose-gold hue. As a bit of a dive watch nut, the idea of having not one but two options in two-tone was a little exciting.
Being a millenial born in the ’90s I associate two-tone with the previous decade. To me it used to symbolise the excess and wealth of, say, a New York broker. Perhaps because, back then, the use of precious metal was a power/wealth display. Not for me, thanks (in that context). But the times they are a changing…
Nowadays, to me at least, it’s a display of something different, playful, fun. Not taking oneself too seriously even. And that’s what these Rados mean to me. Some have said it’s a perfect statement for “the Australian man about town”. I think of them differently.
I think this watch makes a strong case as a unisex option that would be as comfortable at work on a Friday, followed by the inevitable Sydney pilgrimage to the beach after work, before heading to a cool bar or the pub. No need to take it off.
The specs will be familiar to anyone interested in the Captain Cook line. The Swatch group movement is also familiar to many. The 03.763.835 is the improved ETA 2824-2 with 80 hours of power reserve.(Incidentally, what’s with Swatch group’s movement naming conventions anyway…? Sounds like they were invented by Professor Fink from The Simpsons.)
The watch itself comes at a 42mm case size with a nicely slim 12.3mm height, despite the 300m water resistance rating. The Rado is not sporting true gold. It’s stainless-steel construction keeps the price moderate at $3500 Australian dollars on a bracelet.
The Captain Cook lines have luscious dials. And this one is no exception, with a beautiful sunray pattern on the dial that comes alive under direct light.
Would I get one? Personally I’m still not sold on two-tone just yet. But that’s just a matter of subjective taste, and not the fault of Rado. This Captain Cool ticks a lot of boxes, and looks handsome while doing so. It would certainly make a feel-good contender for a one-watch collection.
Rado Captain Cook Automatic Pricing and Availability:
The Rado Captain Cook Automatic is widely available for $3,500