Back in April 2024, I had a chance to check out the olive green version of the Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton. While previous releases walked a fine line between saturated greens and warm grays, today’s new watch takes a stealthier black approach. But don’t let that fool you. The rose gold PVD details on the crown and bezel really liven up the design. As a result, I like this new black Captain Cook high-tech ceramic skeleton better than the previous model. Let me explain why.
If you were to ask me what color comes to mind when I think of a Rado ceramic watch, my immediate answer would be “black!” As I explained in my review of the Olive Green model, my mother was a big fan of Rado’s black ceramic Dia Star watch. These watches were revolutionary in the 1980s and influenced my perception of the brand as a young boy. I was drawn to its dark aesthetic, and the glossy black material immediately stood out in the windows of many German and Austrian watch retailers. So when I saw the new black version of the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton, I immediately felt a stronger connection than the previous gray or olive green versions.
Rado Captain Cook High Tech Ceramic Skeleton Story
That said, Rado’s modern take on the classic Captain Cook still has a familiar feel. The Captain Cook series design has its roots in the 1960s, and this modern version takes two big steps from the standard design. Firstly, the use of black ceramic completely transforms the watch. But that’s not a huge leap, as this model in this new black outfit immediately references watches from the 1980s and 90s that I’m familiar with.
Furthermore, the dial side has been made into a skeleton, making it even more advanced. This completes the transformation into a modern watch with a technical look. To be fair, this watch doesn’t really resemble a classic diver’s watch anymore. But I think this is a good thing as it shows the versatility of the Rado Captain Cook design. So let’s look at some details to understand what we’re talking about here. The watch features a 43 mm matte black ceramic monobloc case with a thickness of 14.6 mm, lug-to-lug length of 49.8 mm, and 300 m water resistance.
Matte black and rose gold go perfectly together
The case is paired with a rose gold-tone PVD-treated bezel and crown for visual contrast. However, the textured black ceramic insert, which slopes inward, makes the overall appearance quite discreet. But what I like is that the brand chose rose-toned numbers and markings for the inserts. It matches the color of the bezel grip and crown. Additionally, the hands and hour markers are finished in a matching rose tone. The black luminous paint used on the hands and markers is a fun choice that completes the overall stealth theme.
As I mentioned earlier, I like this piece better than the olive green one with white as a contrasting color. Today’s version feels even more stylish. Completing the look is a three-row black ceramic bracelet with a double-deployment titanium clasp. As I mentioned in my review of the Olive Green model, I generally prefer rubber straps over ceramic bracelets. Ceramic bracelets can often feel a little wobbly and plasticky.
Skeletonized Rado R808 movement
The main visual attraction on both the front and back is the skeletonized Rado R808 caliber. This automatic movement created by ETA is a custom version of the Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 caliber. However, the R808 has been skeletonized and modified to perfectly fit Rado watches. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, has 25 jewels and offers a power reserve of 80 hours. ETA’s watchmakers have equipped the caliber with an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring and adjusted its precision in five positions.
To ensure that this skeleton caliber fits into the overall look, it has a brushed nickel finish and a rose gold-treated center bridge. As you can see, this creates a nice layered experience on the dial side.
If you look closely, you’ll see that the rose-toned Rado logo and text on the bottom half of the dial are printed on the sapphire dial, which also features hour markers. It creates a visually layered spectacle that is interesting and fits well on the watch. The sapphire crystal on the case back exposes the custom Rado rotor and provides a detailed view of the caliber’s inner workings. But, of course, it can’t match the front of the watch.
Wearing black Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton
When I put this watch on my wrist, its perfection changed everything. I like this black version both for the details and how it looks on the wrist. It strikes the perfect balance between stealth and stylish beauty. The rose gold-colored details combine with the overall black exterior to make it stand out. However, while I’m not a fan of skeleton watches and have an ambivalent relationship with ceramic watches, this ceramic and skeleton version of the Rado Captain Cook makes sense.
Admittedly, this Captain Cook is not suitable for thin wrists, so you need to be able to wear a larger watch. Besides that, you have to like the modern look of the watch. Finally, the color combination is probably the flashiest of all the versions available. But it’s also not because of the rose gold-colored details. In fact, it is a result of the greater contrast caused by the black ceramic. If you like that color combination, this watch might suit you. I was surprised at how well it matched my everyday clothes.
My favorites from the Captain Cook High Tech Ceramic Skeleton Series
Additionally, the lightweight ceramic material resists wear and tear. The total weight of the watch including the bracelet is 144.3 grams. It’s not super lightweight, but it’s much lighter than most stainless steel watches of this size on a bracelet. In my review of the olive green version, I wrote that I liked the rubber strap better, but I prefer the ceramic bracelet on this new version. It looks great and fits perfectly on my wrist.
Additionally, due to my childhood association with Rado watches, I much prefer the look of this new version to the previously introduced models. We think this black version offers a stealthier, more balanced and unique style than the previous green, gray and blue models. The overall quality of the watch and bracelet is also very good. The bezel rotates with a nice click, and the titanium clasp is easy to use and sturdy. The combination of materials and finishes shows that Rado is very serious about this skeleton series.
Final thoughts on Rado Captain Cook High Tech Ceramic Skeleton
It also costs €4,950, so it’s quite a bit of money. But what you get in return is unmatched in terms of materials, quality and finish. When you think of ceramic watches, you likely think of Hublot, IWC, Omega, Audemars Piguet, and Zenith. These brands offer ceramic watches for at least twice the price of this Captain Cook.
Although there are more and more affordable ceramic watches out there, Rado remains my go-to brand when it comes to this material. Just to be clear, the ceramic skeleton Captain Cook model is at the higher end of the brand’s price range. Still, what they offer is certainly worth the price.
If you prefer a regular dial, choose this black ceramic version. That’s a savings of 1,200 euros. This is a significant amount. But if you like a modern skeletonized version of the classic Captain Cook, I would definitely choose this one over the previous version. It looks more attractive and more balanced. That’s why this new black version is my favorite of the series.
I still prefer the stainless steel or bronze version of the Rado Captain Cook, but this new version is great too. In fact, it’s really good. It’s a long way from the 1962 original, but it still feels like part of the family. This versatility of the Captain Cook series sets Rado apart. The brand elegantly navigates between different styles and executions. The new black Captain Cook high-tech ceramic skeleton is the perfect proof of this.
What do you think of this new black and rose Captain Cook high-tech ceramic skeleton? Let us know in the comments.
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