Rado Tradition Captain Cook MKIII Automatic

You might all remember the neo-vintage HyperChrome Captain Cook that was launched last year by Rado, we even reviewed its 37 mm version, which was a very close copy of the original Captain Cook from 1962. This year the Rado Captain Cook MKIII is exploring a different approach, with a more contemporary design and specs.

Despite its bold dimensions, 46.8×48.3 mm with a height of 13.9 mm, the scratch resistant hardened titanium case is quite light. I don’t have the exact numbers for the weight, but when I tried it a few weeks ago, I remember being impressed by its lightness. Another good news when it comes to wearability is the lug-less case design, which means that it should fit any wrist size. I absolutely loved the sandblasted finish of the case that brings out nicely its grey titanium colour, a great frame for the black dial with yellow accents.

Tradition Captain Cook MKIII Automatic

If I would compare it with last year’s Captain Cook, or if you wish with the original 1962 model, there is actually very little resemblance. What was kept is the tick domed crystal, as you can see in the picture above, which gives this package a retro flavour, and the solid case back with the stars and seahorses. Everything else is different – the internal rotating bezel, there is a day-date function, the colour scheme with a generous amount of yellow Super-LumiNova, the shape of the hands, the black textile strap and more water resistance (220m).

Rado Tradition Captain Cook MKII and MKIII

Update: The design of the MKIII is actually based on a later Rado Captain Cook model, also with a tonneau case, internal bezel and that funky 70s-style dial. If the MKIII is too big or too modern for you, I have some good news for you, later this year, Rado will release the Tradition Captain Cook MKII Limited Edition, a 37 mm stainless steel watch with a metal bracelet.

In the US, the MKIII will be available starting in October exclusively at Macy’s with a retail price of US$2,550. Here in Canada, look for it at the nearest Rado authorized dealer.

The back of the Rado Tradition Captain Cook MKIII

Technical Specifications

Rado Tradition Captain Cook MKIII Automatic Ref. 764.6030.3.117

Movement
ETA C07.621, automatic, 25 jewels, 3 hands, day/date at 3 o’clock, up to 80 hours power reserve

Case
sandblasted hardened grade 5 titanium
screw-down titanium case back with 3 stamped seahorses
2 polished PVD coated grade 5 titanium screw-down crowns
box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
thin black metallised anchor in the middle of the sapphire
water-resistant to 22 bar (220m)

Dial
black sunray, applied indexes with white and yellow Super-LumiNova®
black inner turning bezel with white and yellow Super-LumiNova®
large white moving anchor symbol with yellow background
white printed Captain Cook and Automatic logos
rhodium coloured applied Rado logo
yellow printed water resistance

Hands
rhodium coloured with white Super-LumiNova®
rhodium coloured minute and second hand with yellow Super-LumiNova®

Strap
black textile with grey stitching
stainless steel extendable folding clasp
satin brushed PVD coated stainless steel cover

Dimensions
46.8 x 48.3 x 13.9 (WxLxH in mm)