AboutTime Winter 2021 Winter | Page 62

ON THE WRIST

ON THE WRIST

mechanical play in it and this made me do a double-take and make sure its triangle of Super-LumiNova was aimed at the right minute marker on the chapter ring .
The signed and polished grade 5 titanium screw-down crown has been given a hardening treatment to stand up to wear , but it still feels small compared to the rest of the case . Rado ’ s anchor on the crown is a nice visual element , but its size and placement on the case make it hard to unscrew . Sure , this screw-down feature helps give it the 200-meter water resistance , but it might be improved with a larger crown or better placement on the case .
INNOVATION The company launched in 1917 and the Rado name ascended in the market in the 1950s . Their name means “ wheel ” which seems appropriate for the many parts in the mechanical movements , but Rados ’ niche has been finding innovative elements to make watches stronger and more resilient . It has a history of using innovative ceramics , carbide-based composites and watch-case coatings .
Inside all the innovative case materials is a tried and true ETA automatic movement that boasts an 80-hour power reserve .
LEGIBILITY Form is important . Function is essential . This watch blends these two elements on the dial by providing exceptional contrast between the deep black dial and the applied indexes with white SuperLumiNova .
Rado floats a gold anchor rotating on a red disk at 12 o ’ clock above its name along with a subtle Captain Cook at 6 . The date display has a black base that hides at 3 o ’ clock . If your watch needs a date , this is the way to show it on the dial .
The arrow , hour-hand makes no mistake pointing the way and the second-hand has enough contrast in the day and luminescence at night to give you the details .
RARITY AND VALUE The Rado brand is aimed at the “ high range ” market , which is Swatch Group ’ s second-shelf below the prestige and luxury range audience . This watch is in good company with Longines and Union Glashutte and has the legacy and support that comes with Swatch Group . It ’ s this stability and innovative history that has allowed Hyperchrome Captain Cook to be a unique , modern-day sport watch for a fashion-conscious diver . It retails for $ 2,600 .
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