DESIGN AND FINISH Rado is one of those brands that often goes unnoticed amid the Swatch Group ’ s other brands , but this watch refuses to get lost and is unapologetically bold . The Hyper- Chrome Captain Cook comes in two distinct sizes . I got my hands on this large-and-in-charge , 45mm model and was surprised by its slight weight of 147 grams on the metal bracelet . The chunk of metal feels like a tool or a weapon on my wrist , but with the refined edges and smoothness of a surgical instrument . The massive lugs are brushed with a finely integrated bracelet with alternating polish . The case is predominately a titanium alloy that highlights Rado ’ s nichework using alloys and other ceramic composite materials .
Titanium is found in more and more watches , and for good reasons . It represents a lightweight alternative to heavier stainless steel . The downside of the metal is that it tends to be easily scratched .
The lugs on this case jut out like the bow of a ship and remind me of design elements in vintage Omega Flightmasters or Seiko Bullheads .
The bezel is a black , high-tech ceramic insert engraved and enclosed in a carbon-diffused steel unidirectional ring . The ring slopes toward the curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides . The bezel and crystal create a bowl shape that highlights the bezel ’ s triangle at 12 , and Arabic numerals at 15 , 30 and 45-minute marks .
The 120-click ratcheting bezel is polished on its coin edge and mirrors the polished links on the center of the bracelet . I am a guy who loves steel bracelets but have never liked mixed-metal finishes . It might offer versatility in matching your attire , but I think the mixed titanium and polished steel draws more attention to the bracelet and less to the case , even though the case stands nearly 14mm high .
The bezel functions with some firmness so there ’ s no casual bump or slight push with a finger to move it off its mark . You have to really grab it to turn and the coin-edge provides the traction . Once it ’ s set , however , there ’ s some
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