Swiss watchmaker Rado, which continues its activities under the Swatch Group, is looking for a place in the Heritage Diver segment with today's adaptations of its Captain Cook model, which left its mark on the 1960s and 1970s.
Reproducing old models following today's technology and design trends, i.e. the Heritage trend, which printed its name in golden letters in the world of watchmaking, continues to be an important marketing argument for many brands. Although not among the first names that come to mind, Rado continues to be within the silent followers of this trend. The famous brand keeps the Captain Cook model family, produced between 1962 and 1972, alive with new versions designed faithfully to the original versions’ DNA.
The model we opted for review comes with the product code Ref: R32105313. The model's 42.0mm x 48.6mm x 12.3mm dimensions case is made of stainless steel. The diver bezel on the front of the case is equipped with a bezel made of bright green ceramic with laser-engraved and metalized symbols. Meanwhile, users familiar with the brand will remember very well; Rado is one of the first brands that add ceramic material to their product groups. On the front of the case, there is a domed sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating that reinforces the Vintage theme of the model with its thick and curved structure. The case is equipped with a solid steel case back with a triple sea-horse logo as well as a screw-in Rado signed winding crown and is water-resistant to 300 meters, unlike its predecessors.
The dial of the model is designed in a green tone that darkens out gradually from the center. The dial, which changes color with the sunray surface form according to the angle of the light, has a very simple structure in terms of texts. The Super-LumiNOVA phosphor filled large markers and wide hands offer excellent readability in almost any environment. The date indicator located at 3 o'clock is equipped with a red font date wheel. Let's not forget to add the rotating anchor on the emblem that stands just above the Rado inscription to the importance given to the details.
RADO Captain Cook Automatic (Ref. R32105313) comes to life with the ETA C07.611 movement designed and manufactured within the Swatch Group. The 25-jewel automatic movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph) and offers an efficient power reserve time of 80 hours when fully wound.
The model comes on a high-quality stainless-steel bracelet that balances the case successfully on the wrist. The bracelet is secured by a push-button type folding clasp. Besides offering a harmonious profile both visually and technically with the rest of the watch, the bracelet slightly disappoints us due to its clasp that is more likely found on classic watches and the lack of a diver extension part.
