Presented for the first time in full ceramic, this new Rado Captain Cook model is a limited edition of only 1962 units. It comes with a matt-black high-tech ceramic case and slightly smoky sapphire dial surface.

In addition, the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic watch features a full-ceramic rotating bezel sporting a black, laser-etched ceramic insert with bright, bold numbers and markers in stylish relief.

The visual composition is rhythmic and strong, between the bezel markers, numerals, and the dial’s large indices behind the box-shaped sapphire crystal so typical of the Captain Cook. The hour and minute hands are visible even in low-light conditions thanks to the Super-LumiNova® treatment.

Rado’s ingenious use of a monobloc design allows for a thinner case. Driving the three-hand display, the 25-jewel self-winding calibre incorporates the antimagnetic NivachronTM hairspring. The PVD titanium case back has a black-tinted sapphire crystal window that offers the views of the exquisite movement.

The Rado calibre R808 stands out with its airy, open, horizontal platine design and its Côtes-de-Genève engraving, as well as the yellow-finished train bridge. The oscillating weight echoes the shape of the famous Rado anchor.

The Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic watch comes with a matt-black bracelet in high-tech ceramic, with a titanium triple-fold clasp equipped with ceramic push-buttons.

Technical details

Model: Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Limited Edition
Ref. R32147162

Movement
Rado calibre R808, automatic, 25 jewels, 3 hands, 80-hour power reserve, antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring, exceeds standard test requirements from 3 to 5 positions for higher accuracy

Case
Matt black high-tech ceramic case, monobloc construction
High-tech ceramic turning bezel with a laser structured black high-tech ceramic insert with relief numbers and markers, triangle in matt metallised yellow gold coloured
Circular brushed, black PVD coated titanium case back with black-tinted sapphire crystal
Black high-tech ceramic screw-down crown
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both faces
Water-resistant to 30 bar (300m)
Special engraving on case back: LIMITED EDITION N° XXX/1962
Dimensions: 43.0 x 49.8 x 14.6 (WxLxH in mm)

Dial
Black, slightly black-tinted sapphire crystal
Brushed, yellow gold coloured applied indexes with black Super-LumiNova®, blue light
Brushed, yellow gold coloured moving anchor symbol with synthetic ruby backplate Yellow gold coloured printed Rado and Captain Cook logos mention of 300m / 1000ft
Hands: Brushed, yellow with black Super-LumiNova®, blue light

Bracelet
Matt black high-tech ceramic
Titanium 3-fold clasp with black high-tech ceramic openers

Rado celebrates the 60th anniversary of the iconic DiaStar watch by launching a special model designed by Alfredo Häberli.

Rado is a pioneer in using innovative materials in watchmaking. Introduced in 1962, the first DiaStar brought together a case made of “Hardmetal” and a sapphire crystal watch glass for the first time in a single timepiece.

The various DiaStar models through the past sixty years have used this special “Hardmetal” alloy, a blend of tungsten- carbide ceramic with a metal binding agent that is injection moulded, sintered under vacuum and then mechanically finished using diamond tools.

Other processes have come into play at different times, such as the DiaStar The Original’s titanium-nitride CVD treatment, to give the model its distinct gold colour while retaining a tremendous surface hardness that soft and delicate gold could not have provided.

Rado engineers continued to spearhead their research, introducing new materials, such as high-tech ceramic, plasma high-tech ceramic and their very own CeramosTM into specific product lines. The latter was chosen for the case of the new 2022 DiaStar 60-Year Anniversary Edition.

Lighter than the tungsten carbide-based “Hardmetal”, CeramosTM brings the new lightness of titanium carbide to the exceptional characteristics of high-tech ceramic, while also adding the possibility of creating colours with a metallic sheen, in shades of steel, rose gold or yellow gold.

The DiaStar 60-Year Anniversary Edition watch features a metallic grey, circular brushed dial with date and graphical day display in two-colour scheme in grey or natural colour Super-LumiNova® at 6 o’clock.

This commemorative model stands out with its hexagon facetted sapphire crystal and the polished Ceramos™ bezel with radial brushing on the conical part.

The Rado R764 automatic movement with 80 hours of power reserve and an antimagnetic NivachronTM hairspring ensures reliable and precise timekeeping.

The watch is available in both an Anniversary Edition, as well as a standard DiaStar Original model with a parallel-stripe-faceted sapphire crystal, polished and brushed H-link stainless-steel bracelet, and a range of different, exciting dial colours.

The DiaStar Original 60-Year Anniversary Edition is delivered in a stylish grey pouch with a woven stainless steel mesh bracelet “Milanese”, as well as a textile strap, quickly interchangeable for a different look, thanks to the EasyClip system.

Technical details

Model: Rado DiaStar Original 60-Year Anniversary Edition, Ref. R12163118

Movement
Rado calibre R764 (gold plated), automatic, 25 jewels, 3 hands, date and graphical day display with 2 colour scheme in grey or natural colour Super-LumiNova® at 6 o’clock, 80-hour power reserve, antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring, exceeds standard test requirements from 3 to 5 positions for higher accuracy

Case
Polished Ceramos™ bezel radially-brushed conical external surface
Polished stainless steel middle part
Polished stainless steel crown, with matt anchor symbol
Hexagon facetted sapphire crystal anti-reflective coating on inside face
Polished stainless steel case back
Special engraving on case back: DIASTAR ORIGINAL 60-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION, DESIGN ALFREDO HÄBERLI
Water-resistant to 10 bar (100m)
Case dimensions: 38.0 x 45.0 x 12.3 (WxLxH in mm)

Dial
Metallic grey, circular brushed
Dot indexes filled with natural colour Super-LumiNova®
Silver coloured moving anchor symbol on metallic grey background
Grey printed Rado logo

Hands
Rhodium coloured with natural colour Super-LumiNova®
Rhodium coloured second hand with blind hole

Bracelet
EasyClip system
Satin brushed stainless steel “Milanese”, polished sides, satin brushed cover with polished openers
Additional grey textile strap, satin brushed stainless steel extendable folding clasp and polished pushers

Model: Rado DiaStar Original
Ref. R12160213 / R12160103 / R12160303

Movement
Rado calibre R764 (gold plated), automatic, 3 hands, day/date at 6 o’clock, 80-hour power reserve, antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring, exceeds standard test requirements from 3 to 5 positions for higher accuracy, day date background matching the colour of the dial with white printing

Case
Polished Ceramos™ bezel
Stainless steel middle part
Stainless steel crown, with matt anchor symbol
Parallel facetted sapphire crystal anti-reflective coating on inside face
Stainless steel case back
Water-resistant to 10 bar (100m)
Case dimensions: 38.0 x 45.0 x 12.1 (WxLxH in mm)

Dial
Blue / dark grey / green brushed in two directions
Silver coloured moving anchor symbol with red background
White printed DiaStar, Rado and automatic logos

Hands
Rhodium coloured with white Super-LumiNova®

Bracelet
Polished/brushed H-link stainless steel, clasp with openers

Introduced in 1962, the “Over-Pole Worldtimer” watch by Rado was dedicated to globetrotters. This iconic timepiece featured a turning bezel with the key cities of the world, for quick estimation of the time in those locations.

To mark the anniversary of this popular timepiece of the 60s, Rado has launched a new Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition, updated with the brand’s latest technological features, while preserving the “vintage” look.

The totally-modern workings are housed in a polished stainless-steel case, around which the key elements of the original design are clearly recognizable, such as the inward-sloping bezel with city names, the classic red date-numeral at 3 o’clock and the box-shaped glass, always a conversation piece.

In the reissue, the bezel carries a black, polished high-tech-ceramic insert with laser engraving, for the city names, and the new glass is sapphire crystal, treated on both faces with anti-reflective coating. Real watch-lovers will marvel at the tactile, hands-on quality of the new model, thanks to its action-ready, explorer-centred, manually-wound movement.

The screw-down case back now also includes its own sapphire crystal, showing the mention “Limited Edition” and the timepiece’s edition unit number.

Successful reissues of any iconic object typically retain key features, while updating those which technology has found smart ways of improving. As the “Master of Materials”, Rado has solid experience in evolving its product line in keeping with innovations in materials, design and production techniques.

The new Over-Pole model is a perfect example. The edition will be produced as an exclusive series of 1962 units, with a manual-winding movement that provides an impressive 80 hours of power reserve. The movement, equipped with a NivachronTM antimagnetic hairspring, was chosen for its distinctive reliability and accuracy, and allows the new Over-Pole to exceed test requirements by five full points.

The new Rado Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition is delivered in a stylish brown pouch with a second bracelet, in rice-grain-style stainless steel, quickly interchangeable for a different look, thanks to the EasyClip system.

Technical details

Model: Rado Captain Cook Over-Pole
Ref. R32116158

Movement
Rado calibre R862, manual winding, 17 jewels, 3 hands, 80-hour power reserve
Date (with red numerals) at 3 o’clock, antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring, exceeds standard test requirements from 3 to 5 positions for higher accuracy, Côtes de Genève

Case
Polished stainless-steel case
Dimensions: 37.0 x 43.1 x 10.3 (WxLxH, mm)
Polished stainless-steel bi-directional turning bezel with polished black high-tech ceramic insert with laser engraved/lacquered cities in silver colour
Polished stainless-steel crown
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both faces
Water resistant to 10 bar (100m)
Polished stainless-steel screw-down case back with sapphire crystal
Special engraving on case back: LIMITED EDITION XXXX/1962

Dial
Silver to black gradient, curved, rhodium coloured applied indexes
White Super-LumiNova® dots on 24-hour scale, silver-coloured “Worldtimer”
Rhodium-coloured moving anchor symbol with ruby backplate
Black printed Rado and Over-Pole logos

Hands
Polished rhodium-coloured, curved
White Super-LumiNova® with light green luminescence, on minute and hour hand

Strap
EasyClip System
Brown vintage leather, stainless-steel pin buckle
Additional stainless-steel rice grain bracelet, stainless-steel triple-fold clasp

Edition
Limited Edition of 1,962 pieces (consecutive numbers)

Rado is participating in the special auction “The Pink Dial Project”, organised to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month, in October 2021. Created by Revolution and other key industry publications, the event will raise funds for research, treatment and greater awareness for this important cause.

Along with a number of other high-end brands, Rado will contribute a one-off version of its famous Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic timepiece, with special pink detailing as well as commemorative markings.

The Captain Cook model is one of Rado’s most iconic timepieces. Bold and expressive in design, it is also built using the most cutting-edge technologies: a matt plasma high-tech ceramic case with monobloc construction, an R734 automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve and Nivachron™ antimagnetic hairspring, as well as a contrasting matt/polished plasma ceramic-link bracelet and a titanium triple-fold clasp with Ceramos™ release.

Apart from its unique trim, this one-of-a-kind timepiece will be identical to the original model, with the same high-end R734 movement with 80-hour power reserve, a boxed sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both faces, as well as a contrasting matt/polished plasma ceramic-link bracelet and a titanium triple-fold clasp with Ceramos™ release.

For the fundraising special event “The Pink Dial Project”, the one-off timepiece to be auctioned will feature, inside the stainless steel bezel with matt plasma ceramic insert, a stunning pink flange to honour the colour internationally associated with breast cancer. Neatly, the colour complements the ruby backplate and rhodium tone of the moving-anchor symbol beautifully.

Its case-back will also carry an engraved, special decoration with the organiser’s “REVOLUTION” logo and the mention “UNIQUE PIECE” to ensure that the event and charitable cause will long be remembered.

Other features such as the box-shaped sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both faces, the appliquéd indices and rhodium-coloured hands, both treated with white Super-LumiNova®, and water resistance to a pressure of 30 bar (300m) are identical to those of other Captain Cook models.

Technical details

Model: Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Pink Dial Project
Ref. R32128102

Movement
Rado calibre R734, automatic, 25 jewels, 3 hands, 80-hour power reserve, antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring, exceeds standard test requirements from 3 to 5 positions for higher accuracy

Case
Matt plasma high-tech ceramic case, monobloc construction
Hardened stainless steel bezel with matt plasma high-tech ceramic insert, with engraved white lacquered numbers and markers, triangle in white Super-LumiNova®
Circular brushed titanium case back with black tinted sapphire crystal window bearing the engraved mention “UNIQUE PIECE” and the organiser’s “REVOLUTION” logo
Hardened polished stainless steel screw-down crown
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both faces
Water-resistant to 30 bar (300m)
Dimensions: 43.0 x 49.8 x 14.6 (WxLxH in mm)

Dial
Dark grey, black tinted sapphire crystal
Appliquéd indices with white Super-LumiNova® treatment
Rhodium-coloured moving-anchor symbol with ruby backplate
Pink flange, to underline the event “The Pink Dial Project”
White printed Rado and Captain Cook logos
Hands: Rhodium-coloured with white Super-LumiNova®

Strap
Matt plasma high-tech ceramic outer links, with polished plasma high-tech ceramic middle links
Titanium triple-fold clasp with Ceramos™ release

Swiss watch brand Rado presents its newest addition to the True Square Collection, the True Square “Over the Abyss”, designed by New Delhi artist duo Thukral and Tagra.

Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra’s work focuses on something that is intrinsic to humans but sometimes forgotten in modern societies: the relationship of us individuals to our communities. This is why their work is often described as social design. The duo always tries to understand their existence and questions the status quo, thus naming their work: Over the abyss.

The Indian duo included their focus on social design to create together with the Master of Materials a timepiece with a unique time display that superimposes the local time of the wearer to several time zones of the world.

These different time zones are symbolized by 37 hands that are painted in a gradation of colours ranging from blue to pink, and looking like enchanting fireworks in the middle of the dial. Two discrete but powerful SuperLuminova dots indicate the local time.

The captivating dial with colour strikes is encapsulated by a 38mm matt blue high-tech ceramic case of square shape with gently rounded corners, an homage to Rado’s iconic shape from the 70s and updated for the 21st century.

The case back features a painting by the duo called Dominus Aeries that explores visions from the future with references from the past. Therefore, both front and back of this timepiece are beautiful art expressions of Thukral and Tagra.

About Thukral & Tagra

Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra from India form the art and design practice Thukral and Tagra. Their work is primarily manifested in painting, sculpture and art installations through which they try to paint a vision of the future which is compelling, comforting and engaging.

Their earlier work dealt with tropes of migration and motifs of a globally manifested consumer culture and their recent work has dealt with the interpretation of Indian mythological narratives and symbols.

Their 18 year trajectory and unique design eye have allowed them to participate in numerous exhibitions across the world, and have made them one of the most compelling and sought after Indian artists.

Technical details

Model: Rado True Square x Thukral & Tagra, Over the Abyss
Ref. R27070202

Movement
Rado Calibre R763, automatic, 25 jewels, 2 star shaped hands, 80 hours power reserve

Case
Mat blue high-tech ceramic case, monobloc construction
Mat blue high-tech ceramic crown
Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
Blue PVD coated titanium case back with digital printed drawing on sapphire crystal insert with special engraving: THUKRAL AND TAGRA
Water-resistant to 5 bar (50m)
Dimensions: 38.0 x 44.2 x 9.9 (WxLxH in mm)

Dial
Blue lacquer
Blue flange with light blue printed Swiss Made logo
Light blue printed Rado and Automatic logos
Hands Multi-coloured gradient, from blue to pink
Star shaped with 18 hour hands and 19 minute hands
White Super-LumiNova® indicator on minute and hour hand

Bracelet
Mat blue high-tech ceramic titanium 3-fold clasp

To design this exceptional timepiece, Yuan Youmin – graphic designer, lecturer and curator – has drawn inspiration from traditional elements of his homeland China.

This new Rado True Square design collaboration watch evokes the fascinating cultural history of China, combined with modern minimalism. The traditional steelyard served as a motif. This important measuring instrument has been anchored into Chinese everyday life for almost two thousand years. It consists of a rod with markings, a weighing tray and a movable counterweight.

The new watch picks up on some of these elements stylised in its design. The recessed, round dial in the centre, for example, represents the weighing tray, the lever arms of the steelyard become the slender hands, and the traditional hexadecimal dot graduation serves as the basis for the design of the hour markings.

Their yellow gold colour has also been chosen carefully. It traditionally stands for the pure heart and honesty of the tradesman working with the steelyard.

The four segments that connect the round dial with the angular case feature polished black lacquer, a further classic Chinese technique. Yuan ultimately chose the image of a phoenix, the famous symbol of eternal rebirth, for the case back of the watch.

The craftsmanship of the watch is just as refined and sophisticated as its design. The basis was the new ground-breaking True Square – the first watch made from solid high-tech ceramic with rounded edges, whose flowing shapes are created using injection moulding. It unmistakably bears the signature of the watchmaker from Lengnau and impresses with pioneering materials, innovative design, scratch-proof longevity and a pleasant, sensual feel.

The new Rado True Square x Yuan Youmin is driven by a Swiss-made automatic calibre with an 80-hour power reserve.

About Yuan Youmin

Graphic designer Yuan Youmin was born in Anhui, China, in 1971. He is a professor at the China Academy of Art and Director of the China Design Museum. His agency is called STUDIO0909. He also works as a curator and art director and has previously supported Rado during Shanghai Design Week.

Technical details

Model: Rado True Square x Yuan Youmin, True Heart
Ref. R27078152

Movement
Rado calibre R763, automatic, 25 jewels, 80-hour power reserve

Case
Polished black high-tech ceramic case, monobloc construction
Sandblasted black PVD coated titanium case back with lettering: SPECIAL EDITION YUAN YOUMIN, Phoenix
Polished black high-tech ceramic crown
Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides with Rado, Automatic and Swiss Made logo metallised in yellow gold colour on the inner side
Water-resistant to 5 bar (50m)
Dimensions: 38.0 x 44.2 x 9.6 (W x L x H in mm)

Dial
Black, disc-shaped with grooves
Yellow gold coloured, diamond-cut dots
Four black lacquered areas between the dial and housing
Hands Black and yellow gold-coloured

Bracelet
Polished black high-tech ceramic case
Titanium 3-fold clasp