Rado’s Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton is a timepiece that features mix materials, vintage details and advanced features.
IN March this year, renowned brand Rado ushered in a young generation of watch enthusiasts by naming South Korean superstar Ji Chang-wook as their new ambassador.
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’s chief executive officer Adrian Bosshard, described 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,” said Bosshard, adding that Ji’s professionalism, appeal, determination and work ethic matched 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.
Ji is the new face of Rado’s Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton timepiece.
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, transforming the surface properties of the ceramic, while imparting a unique metallic appearance with rich anthracite hues.
Era of modern adventurers
The Rado Captain Cook collection has since become the brand’s most iconic series, with Captain Cook models sporting vintage looks similar to its predecessor.
In 2023 however, Rado upped the ante by introducing Rado’s Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton – the latest in their iconic series.
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.
The watch also features an anti-magnetic NivachronTM hairspring that has been tested in five different positions, and provides power reserve of up to 80 hours.
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 to the different product lines it graces.
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 superb matte-finished monobloc case, is framed by a circular-brushed plasma high-tech ceramic bezel insert that matches the case and outer bracelet links.
The dial of his watch is hand-treated with white Super-LumiNova to enhance readability in low-light conditions.
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 case-back also features a sapphire crystal, providing a clear, unobstructed view of the mechanical movement and intricate core watch components.
Breaking new ground
For Ji, who professes his interest in Swiss watches, 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,” expressed Ji.
The South Korean star will be making a special appearance in Malaysia, in conjunction with the opening of Rado’s new boutique store in Pavillion KL on Nov 23.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by both Ji and Bosshard, will take place at 3pm and will be an exclusive invitation only event. However, fans of Ji will have the opportunity to see him up close as he graces the red carpet before the opening ceremony.
