Well, hello again! Long time no see! It has been more than two years ago that I spent some quality time for a review with a Rado Captain Cook 37 mm, the first modern re-edition of the original 1962 model. If that re-edition followed closely the original design, this year’s Captain Cook is a bit more daring with its new colour scheme and a gorgeous bracelet.

Two years ago when Rado reintroduced the Captain Cook, there were two sizes: a 37 mm following the original design, a bulky 45 mm and another 37 mm with diamond indexes targeting ladies. For those who found the 37 mm too small and the 45 mm too big, this year Rado launched a new collection with 42 mm models, declined in a wide range of colours: grey, vintage brown, black, green and blue. Out of these colours, I find the green and the blue the most interesting as they open up new possibilities in exploring a more cheerful side of wearing a watch. In this review, as you can tell from the pictures, we will take a closer look at the green version, without going into the details that I already covered in the previous write-up. I would focus more on what is new in 2019.

Rado Tradition Captain Cook 42 mm

The colour of the dial took my breath away! Absolutely gorgeous! The layout of the dial was very familiar, it’s the same as the 2017 model, only sized up, but the colours are different, the white lume filled indexes and hands offer a great contrast with the green dial. It looks very sharp and it works well with the stainless steel package.

Take this watch for a walk on a sunny day and you will be treated to quite a show. The sunray dial and the green ceramic bezel will come alive and start dancing as you move the watch. The domed crystal, the convex dial with sunray finish and a slightly darker gradient towards the edges, together with the metallic chapter ring will all contribute to these surprising light effect.

I could not stop taking pictures of this watch and when it came to selecting a few for this review, it was quite hard eliminating most of them.

When it comes to the 42 mm case, it will fit comfortably anyone. Even for me, with my small wrist, it did not bother me at all, despite the fact that the crown is now longer, it just helps with the grip when winding the watch.

Rado Tradition Captain Cook 42 mm

For this model, you have the option to go with a vintage leather strap or on a beads-of-rice bracelet. The price is the same, $2,600 CAD, personally, I would recommend the bracelet, here is why.

Rado Tradition Captain Cook 42 mm bracelet

First of all, the look. The brushed outer links and the polished inner links together with the polished lugs are… beautiful!

Secondly, the bracelet gives the watch an extra sparkle, even a bit more sporty look too, but you can still pull it off in any context.

Rado Tradition Captain Cook 42 mm on bracelet

The third reason, which is especially true when it comes to the green or the blue Captain Cook, as an owner, I would have a hard time not trying out aftermarket straps with these watches. Something wild, that would go well with their colourful dial, or a vintage leather if I would want to tone down things.

The 42 mm Captain Cook was a lot of fun to review and painful to return…

More about it at rado.com

Rado Tradition Captain Cook 42 mm with its lume shining in the dark.

Technical specs

Ref. number: R32505313

Thickness: 12.1 mm

Water resistance: Water-resistant 20 bar (200 m)

Crown: Screwed crown

Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

Case back: Screw-down case back

Case & Bezel: Stainless steel High-tech ceramic

Dial: green

Date display: Yes

Movement Power Reserve: up to 80 hours

Bracelet: Stainless steel

Bracelet reference: 07.03697

Rado Tradition Captain Cook 42 mm

A closer look at the Rado Tradition Captain Cook 42 mm dial

Rado Tradition Captain Cook 42 mm