Rado Captain Cook Mk1

Schlup & Co was founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland. Then in the early 1950’s changed its name to Rado. They are known today for modern design, experimental case materials and elegant, dressy quartz watches. Sporty automatics make up a very small portion of their production, but some intriguing diver’s watches have come from Lengnau, including those named for the 18th Century explorer Captain James Cook.

A Remarkable Piece of Timekeeping History

In 1962 Rado began production of a water-resistant watch with a black rotating bezel and large, luminous hands. Emblazoned on the dial was the name Captain Cook. At a glance ‘, the design offers little to set the watch apart from divers’ watches of other brands, but a few features make this a remarkable and hard-to-find piece. The fact that it is a divers’ watch made by Rado makes it unusual and, of course, it has the ubiquitous rotating anchor, but other facts make it notable.

This particular model was made for only a short period. Production began in 1962 and ended in 1968, during which time only about 8,000 pieces were made. 40 years ago (before mechanical watches became something of an anachronism in the 1970s) and intended to be used underwater, helps account for them being in short supply today. The second notable feature of this watch is its automatic movement, which is perhaps the finest offered by Rado at the time. A lovely automatic movement based on the A. Schild calibre 1700/01 powers the Captain Cook.

The movement sports a gold-plated rotor and is adjusted and outfitted with 30 thirty jewels. Several versions were produced during the first generation’s lifespan, with the second generation featuring a completely different C-cased version equipped with dual crowns and an internal rotating bezel.

35.5mm

19mm

47mm

12.5mm

Final Thoughts

Acquiring a Rado Captain Cook Mk1 demands a high level of patience. As do many vintage watches. This one took me several years to find, as they are becoming rarer every year.

It was well worth the wait though. To own a Mk1, is to own a slice of history. There are very few left, so if you do come across one and are in the position to buy it, then snap it up.