Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton
THE WARM, VIRILE SHADE OF GREAT ADVENTURE
The ongoing success story of the Captain Cook Skeleton series takes another creative turn, with the introduction of a new model trimmed in warm, soulful rose-gold PVD on crown and bezel, and signature stylistic features well-known and loved. The iconic box-shaped sapphire crystal, for instance, treated with antireflective coating on both faces, opens onto a stylish, smoke-tinted dial that adds undeniable character next to the superb skeleton movement and its finely detailed, see-through plate and exquisite geometry. The proven and reliable 25-jewel R808 automatic calibre, tested in a full five positions and equipped with an antimagnetic NivachronTM hairspring, provides exceptional precision and an impressive 80 hours of power reserve. Thanks to a second sapphire crystal in the black PVD-coated titanium case back, the movement and its components, intricate layers and details can be observed in operation from the top, or the underside of the watch.
Leading a rugged existence full of adventure never meant that it should be done without style. The new Captain Cook wears a rotatable bezel and crown in stainless steel with a warm rose-gold colour thanks to PVD treatment, the stainless-steel base allowing for crisp and well-defined bezel teeth, a lovely touch that adds to the timepiece’s sporty, strong character. The bezel is enhanced by a laser-etched anti-fingerprint high-tech ceramic insert in the same masculine matt black as the case and bracelet. The special insert carries markers and numerals also in rose-gold colour, for a lovely contrast against the darker ceramic elements.
As in all Captain Cook models, the visual composition is rhythmic and virile, underscored by bold and large bezel markers, numerals, hands and indices. For perfect visibility in low light conditions, these latter components are treated with a special black Super-LumiNova® that emits an eye-catching, rather spaceage blue colour. The unique comfort of high-tech ceramic is a notable factor in the success of this line in which the monobloc assembly allows for a surprisingly streamlined case. The undeniable feel of high-tech ceramic speaks for itself, and here, the comfort extends from the case into a gorgeous three-row bracelet in matching matt-black high-tech ceramic, and its titanium three-fold clasp with opposing ceramic pushbuttons for secure, easy-to-handle fastening. Typical high-quality components such as a screw-down crown and precise Rado assembly allow for water resistance up to 30 bar (300m).
The design of the entire line has matured into a comprehensive selection of tremendous character, under Rado’s Art of Ceramic production and cutting-edge technology. Tasteful creativity is visible throughout, from the Côtes-de-Genève engraving to the various shades of metal and elements used in the movement, its oscillating weight, or the PVD-coated moving anchor symbol and its synthetic ruby backplate, always a delight to watch. The new model is a clear and heartwarming celebration of maturity in the watchmaker’s art, from the Master of Materials.
Why High-Tech Ceramic? – Because it feels like nothing else….
This is exactly what Rado high-tech ceramic is all about. It's why we say, "Feel it." The ancient origins of its base material render its durability almost inevitable, but it is indeed a great testimonial to the knowhow and experience of the "Master of Materials" that it has proven to be true. High-tech ceramic is a
beautifully light substance, and one that is also magnificently scratch-resistant.
In itself, all that might be enough qualities to love, in one exceptional material, but surprisingly, it doesn't stop there. Not only is ceramic durable and impervious to almost everything, it has a rare silkiness to the touch that makes for exquisite comfort against the skin. Place it over a human wrist — fine, large, gentle or rugged, and it feels like it was made to be there — since forever. This is of course particularly true for timepieces making use of ceramic elements also in their bracelet, where the sensory experience becomes total and absolutely unforgettable.
About High-Tech Ceramic
Chronologically-speaking, high-tech ceramic was first introduced by Rado in 1986. Its sensuous feel, durability, scratch resistance and surprising light weight, quickly conquered the hearts of watch enthusiasts the world over. Though related in some respects to more common forms of ceramics we all know, hightech ceramic is truly a product of advanced science. Under highly exacting conditions, extremely pure and finely calibrated powders of aluminium oxide, zirconium oxide and silicon nitride with perfectly uniform grain sizes, are shaped into a particular form then baked at high temperature to create an object or a watch case of the desired dimensions and properties. New methods developed by Rado involve the use of a plastic carrier medium mixed with the mineral powders, to allow injection into precision moulds at pressures around 1000 bar. Once cooled, the pieces are removed from their parent mould and the carrier agent dissolved in a standard chemical solvent process, prior to a final sintering phase at 1450°C. This precisely controlled sintering is what makes possible the extraordinary level of density and hardness of High-Tech Ceramic, over regular ceramic. The procedure is true rocket-science territory, as the dimensions of the first moulded elements shrink during sintering; the particles tighten up as porosity disappears and precise calculations must take into account this important change of around 23% in the dimensions. The reward is a case that now stands at 1,250 on the Vickers scale and is ready for final diamond-tool machining and finishing, into an impressive Rado timepiece.