Introducing: The Rado Tradition Captain Cook MKIII Automatic

August 22, 2018

Rado is one of those brands that has more history than it gets credit for. But last year, the brand released the vintage-inspired HyperChrome Captain Cook Limited Edition (and a few other Captain Cook models) to lots of fanfare from collectors and dive watch enthusiasts. What we have here today is a slightly more aggressive take on the brand's best-known diver, the Tradition Captain Cook MKIII Automatic. If you put it side by side with the HyperChrome Captain Cook, you might not see too much resemblance, but both watches are purpose-built divers C just from different eras. The earlier watch is the 1960s all the way through, while the MKIII has a distinct 70s vibe. The tonneau-shaped case is matte titanium to keep weight down and it has bright yellow accents on the hands, dial, and inner rotating bezel for legibility. This watch is definitely one that's going to get noticed on the wrist, but it's still sharp and well designed.One thing to note is that this watch is exclusive to Macy's in the United States (though it's available through other retail channels globally). This is part of a larger partnership Macy's is launching with a handful of watch brands, so look out for other exclusives like this. Initial Thoughts It's fun to see Rado embracing different aspects of its brand personality. There's the sleek, minimal Rado that's a favorite of design nerds, with polished ceramic cases and clean dials, but there's a sportier side to Rado too. At 46.8mm x 48.3mm, the MKIII is on the larger side. Without seeing how it fits on the wrist, I'm still going to say that I wish it were a little smaller, keeping with the throwback style. I'm glad Rado decided to spring for little details like the boxed sapphire crystal though and making this watch in titanium instead of steel is a great choice C it further differentiates it from the competition (which, in the sub-$3,000 dive watch category, is ample). The Basics Brand: RadoModel: Tradition Captain Cook MKIII AutomaticReference Number: 764.6030.3.117?Dimensions: 46.8mm x 48.3mmThickness: 13.9mmCase Material: Sandblasted grade 5 titaniumDial Color: Black with sunray finish and white and yellow accentsIndexes: Applied batonsLume: Yes, on hands and hour markersWater Resistance: 220 metersStrap/Bracelet: Black textile with grey stitching and stainless steel folding claspAdditional Details: Inner rotating bezel operated by the crown at two o'clock The Movement Caliber: ETA C07.621 Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, and datesDiameter: 25.6mmPower Reserve: 80 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)Jewels: 25Additional Details: Based on the ETA 2836-2, but with a longer power reserve Pricing & Availability Price: $2,550Availability: In the United States it is available exclusively at Macy's; globally it is available through typical retail channels. It goes on sale in October 2018.For more click here.