Rado Captain Cook - 1960's

We're big fans of the Rado Captain Cook re-issue of 2017, which is a very cool looking diver, in a great size with good specs for reasonable money. What is even cooler, though, is the original.

Released in 1962 and produced until 1968, the original Captain Cook was Rado's take on the dive watch. It utilises a 35.5mm case made in steel, which tends to wear larger than its specs suggest due to the use of broad lugs with a 19mm spacing. Atop this case sits a large, concave, inward sloping bi-directional bezel surrounding a domed acrylic crystal. Within this lies a beautiful tropical dial, with red date wheel and the signature swinging anchor at 12. It's powered by an A Schild AS1701 automatic movement, and mounted to a generic BOR bracelet to fit roughly a 7.4in wrist with two spare links included, with correct 'Kissing Seahorse' sliding clasp. Super cool.

The case is thick and sharp, with excellent finishes and strong lines. Shows wear commensurate with its age. Bezel is in excellent condition with minimal wear, and rotates as it should.

Dial has taken on a spectacular tropical tone, and is in lovely condition. Plots are all in place, with some degradation present. All light up and drop off at the same rate under UV. Outer track shows some marks. Tritium hands are full, and show some degradation as expected. Minute hand, and some of the second hand light up under UV. Hour hand does not. Anchor at 12 swings freely.

Service history is unknown. Winds smoothly, date changes over at midnight. Currently keeping time at around -37secs a day at around 225 degrees of amplitude.

No box or papers. Comes with 2 spare links, Watch Vault cleaning cloth and Watch Vault travel pod.

A super cool vintage diver that is seldom seen.

Brand: Rado

Model #: Captain Cook

Year: 1960's

Case Material: Steel

Case details: 35.5mm

Movement: A Schild AS1701Automatic

Dial: Tropical

Hands: Tritium

Bracelet: Generic Beads of Rice with correct sliding clasp, 2 spare links

Paraphernalia: Watch Vault cleaning cloth and Watch Vault travel pod

Grading: Excellent vintage condition

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see here for details.

BONUS Watch Vault travel single watch pod with each watch purchased directly from our website. Watch travel pod is shock and water resistant with a moulded foam interior to keep your watch protected.