INTRODUCING: The Rado Captain Cook 2022 collection
Fergus NashThe Rado Captain Cook has proved a big hit since its launch in 2017 with its vintage-inspired looks reimagined with a smooth, contemporary edge that gives the watch a unique character among the hundreds of other Swiss dive watches. The range has gradually expanded over the last few years to include a 37mm version, different case materials and, more recently, a high-tech ceramic model with a smoked sapphire dial. Now that high-tech ceramic approach has spawned another six references that are being earmarked for true adventuring types.
This outdoorsy angle that Rado are pushing for the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic models is actually merited given how a good dive watch can really stand up to anything when required. The use of ceramic as a case material isn’t just about the colour variety and liquid-like shine when polished, it’s also fantastic for activity because of its scratch and heat resistance that makes it both more comfortable in the summer and less susceptible to wear. That said, Rado’s mastery of ceramic has been apparent for a multitude of years now, and they’re not afraid to show it with the variety of polished, brushed and matte finishes across the watches and the bracelets. 
At 43mm in diameter, 49.8mm lug-to-lug and 14.6mm thick, this is definitely a watch that’s best suited to someone who wants to embrace a sizeable timepiece without entering into outlandish territory.
From a practical perspective, this scale aids the legibility of the 1960s skin-diver style hands as well as offering a hefty appearance that reforms its toughness. And this watch is built to perform, too – it’s the first Rado offering to qualify for ISO 6425 dive watch certification mainly due to its water resistance of 300m.
The most traditionally captivating of the six references is made of a silvery grey ceramic that almost looks like titanium, with the two-tone finish created simply by the different polished and matte surfaces. Although available in a grey fumé dial, the smoked blue sunburst dial matches the cool tones of the case and just begs to be viewed beneath some rippling water.
The other two versions of the case come in a moody charcoal black or a dusty khaki taupe that truly toes the line between brown and green, either with a matching ceramic bracelet or a beads-of-rice effect rubber strap.
The main change between the initial Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic and the new additions is the use of opaque dials, slightly widening the appeal of these watches as skeletonisation can be divisive among watch enthusiasts. The free-spinning anchor logo is of course still a dial feature, giving you just one more reason to stare at the watch as you move your wrist around. The automatic movement meanwhile is still the fan-favourite R763 produced by ETA, with its 80-hour power reserve and antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring. It all adds up a highly credible package that shows the Captain Cook still offers plenty of room to evolve.
| Case Material | High-Tech Ceramic |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm x 49.8mm x 14.6mm |
| Water-Resistance | 200M |
| Dial | Blue, grey, black, green |
| Straps | Matching ceramic bracelet / matching beads-of-rice rubber |
| Movement | Calibre R763 |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Complications | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Price | $4,775 AUD on rubber / $5,275 on bracelet |