Ji and his Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton.
Renowned brand Rado ushered in a young generation of watch enthusiasts by naming South Korean superstar Ji Chang-wook as their new ambassador in March this year.
The K-drama heartthrob, who rose to fame playing Dong-hae in popular drama series Smile Again, is also known for his lead roles in multiple series such as Empress Ki, The K2 and Healer, and films like Fabricated City.
At the launch in Seoul, Rado chief executive officer Adrian Bosshard describes Ji as the perfect ambassador for Rado’s Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton watch.
“The key element as Master of Materials, a unique brand with a unique product, we need to also select a unique person,” says Bosshard, adding that Ji’s professionalism, appeal, determination and work ethic match Rado’s values.
Pushing boundaries
Rado – a brand first established in 1917, has always been at the forefront of innovative designs in the watchmaking industry, and are best known for pioneering high-tech ceramic timepieces.
In 1962, Rado made horological history by crafting the Rado DiaStar – a scratch-proof watch, and in the same year, unveiled the Rado Captain Cook watch.
The iconic watch, launched at a time when the dive craze took the world by storm, embodied the adventurous, daring nature of British navigator and explorer Captain Cook. It quickly gained popularity among divers and adventure-seekers alike.
This exquisite 35.5mm timepiece showcased several distinctive features, including a concave inward-sloping dive bezel, beads-of-rice-style bracelet and a domed acrylic crystal glass with an additional date magnifying sub lens.
In the 1980s, Rado introduced their high-tech ceramic watches, further solidifying their enduring legacy as masters of material innovation.
This cutting-edge material is crafted by subjecting high-tech ceramic to a high-temperature process, imparting a unique metallic appearance with rich anthracite hues.Modern adventurers
The caseback of Rado's Captain Cook Ceramic Skeleton automatic watch with the R808 calibre.
The Rado Captain Cook collection has since become the brand’s most iconic series, with Captain Cook models sporting vintage looks similar to their predecessor.
In 2023, Rado upped the ante by introducing Rado’s Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton.
This new addition is imbued with a striking skeleton design that highlights the innovative R808 movement, a testament to Rado’s fusion of contrasts, exceptional craftsmanship and clever design.
Originally featured in various finishes and models within the Captain Cook series, the R808 now takes centrestage in Rado’s “Art of Skeletonization” series, offering tasteful variations in finishing that lend a uniquely collectible appeal.
The dial is hand-treated with white Super-LumiNova to enhance readability in low-light conditions.
This stunning new timepiece – well-suited to the modern adventurer – brings together the primal forces of the mineral world, into a plasma high-tech ceramic creation offering reliability, precision and originality.Art of time
The high-tech plasma ceramic case offers exceptional surface resistance, and deep anthracite shades accompanied by a matching plasma ceramic bracelet with lighter links down the centre.
This stand-out timepiece, with a matte-finished monobloc case, is framed by a circular-brushed plasma high-tech ceramic bezel insert that matches the case and outer bracelet links.
Within the sporty-chic rotatable bezel, a warm and bright rose-gold index ring offers contrast, and sits beside the familiar box-shaped sapphire crystal of Captain Cook, with anti-reflective coating on both sides.
In this latest model, the glass has a subtle smoked tint that complements the watch’s enigmatic vibe – a harmonious blend with the delightful plasma grey and rose-gold accents throughout.
On the flip side, the titanium caseback also features a sapphire crystal, providing a clear, unobstructed view of the mechanical movement and intricate core watch components. Breaking new ground
For Ji, this new role as Rado’s ambassador is a truly special honour.
“I have always been interested in Swiss watches, especially in unique designs and special materials,” he says.
The South Korean star will be making a special appearance in Malaysia, in conjunction with the opening of Rado’s new boutique in Pavillion Kuala Lumpur on Nov 23.
Fans of Ji will have the opportunity to see him up close as he walks the red carpet before the exclusive invitation-only opening ceremony at 3pm.
