In 1962, Rado entered the thriving dive watch market with the Captain Prepare dinner, aiming to compete with heavyweights just like the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and the Rolex Submariner. Nevertheless, Rado’s strategy set it aside: the Captain Prepare dinner showcased distinctive sword-and-arrow palms, daring indices, and a domed acrylic crystal, combining performance with putting design. This stability of ruggedness and elegance made the Captain Prepare dinner not solely a dependable instrument for diving but additionally an attention-grabbing on a regular basis timepiece that stood out in a crowded area.
Right this moment, the Captain Prepare dinner stays a cornerstone within the dive watch class, with restricted version fashions just like the Excessive-Tech Ceramic Skeleton additional evolving this iconic design. These trendy iterations construct on the basic dive watch heritage, mixing cutting-edge supplies with the timeless attraction of the unique.
TL;DR ClickyBezel The ceramic blue case and clasp provide a refined but understated magnificence, whereas being just about scratch-resistant. The ceramic materials provides the watch a satisfying heft, enhancing its sense of robustness and high quality on the wrist. The watch boasts spectacular wrist presence, highlighted by a pop of lime inexperienced on the bezel and an attention-grabbing skeleton dial that reveals Rado’s intricate R808 motion. Though the design could not go well with everybody’s style, it makes a daring assertion as an ideal summer time timepiece. Though the value of this restricted version variant could seem steep at first, it’s affordable in comparison with rivals providing ceramic circumstances and skeleton dials. Design and Aesthetics 
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At first look, essentially the most putting function of this restricted version Captain Prepare dinner is undoubtedly the skeleton dial, showcasing the R808 motion. Though the motion will not be essentially the most visually fascinating beneath the signature arrow-shaped indices at 12, 6, and 9 o’clock, its brushed end enhances the instrument watch aesthetic. The acquainted handset pays homage to the unique Rado Captain Prepare dinner, with a daring sword-style hour hand and an arrow-style minute hand that work seamlessly with the general dial design.
The standout function of this watch is undoubtedly its polished navy blue high-tech ceramic monobloc case. To my shock, I discovered it much more interesting than different ceramic circumstances I’ve encountered. The high-contrast lime inexperienced bezel, although maybe divisive amongst fans, provides a daring contact that enhances the Captain Prepare dinner’s adventurous spirit. Along with the polished blue ceramic case, it preserves the watch’s heritage whereas showcasing a up to date design that displays Rado’s dedication to innovation.
Construct High quality and Sturdiness 
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Along with the case, each the bezel and insert are crafted from Rado’s high-tech ceramic, making certain that your entire watch is scratch-resistant. This selection of fabric enhances the watch’s sheen and sturdiness, permitting it to resist the weather whereas sustaining that contemporary, out-of-the-box really feel for years to return.
To finish the watch head, it includes a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on either side, offering distinctive legibility whereas echoing the classic aesthetic of the unique Captain Prepare dinner’s acrylic crystals. Along with its scratch-resistant properties, the sapphire crystal introduces a delicate distortion when seen from sure angles. Some could discover this impact distracting, however I respect it for including a layer of visible intrigue, significantly underneath excessive angles and lighting circumstances.
Regardless of the intricacies of its case housing a skeleton dial, this Rado Captain Prepare dinner boasts a formidable water resistance of 300 meters, which is outstanding for a watch that mixes magnificence and complexity. The thickness of the watch, together with its monobloc case building, contributes to this sturdiness, though the added heft can typically be noticeable on the wrist. Nevertheless, provided that this can be a assertion piece, I don’t thoughts the substantial presence in any respect.
Options and Specs 
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As talked about earlier, this restricted version Captain Prepare dinner is operating Rado’s modern R808 motion, a marvel of contrasts, know-how and intelligent geometry, that permits a definite view of the varied elements. I significantly respect this as Rado may have simply used one other motion that isn’t as symmetrical and complex. To be trustworthy, nobody would’ve batted a watch nevertheless it’s this consideration to element on growing a correct skeleton watch that units this other than lots of skeleton watches in the marketplace.
Not solely does the R808 caliber look spectacular, however additionally it is feature-rich, geared up with an anti-magnetic Nivachron™ hairspring that has been totally examined in 5 positions, offering a formidable 80 hours of energy reserve. I have to admit, throughout the seven days I wore this piece to collect my ideas for this evaluate, I didn’t absolutely respect the excessive energy reserve. Nevertheless, for many who incessantly rotate via their assortment, this Rado Captain Prepare dinner is more likely to be able to put on everytime you select to choose it up once more.
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When it comes to sizing, the watch measures 43mm in diameter and 14.6mm thick, leaning towards the bigger aspect—there’s no sugarcoating that. It’s certainly an enormous watch. I’ve a 7.25-inch wrist, and though it sits effectively, I can’t assist however want it have been a millimeter or two smaller for a greater match. I feel my buddies with smaller wrists would respect this as effectively, although this can be a results of the restrictions of the caliber designed to suit inside this case. Moreover, having just lately worn smaller watches (starting from 34mm to 40mm), my judgment could also be influenced by the distinction of something bigger than 40mm on my wrist.
Efficiency Overview 
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This Restricted Version Rado Captain Prepare dinner in Excessive-Tech Ceramic comes fitted with a blue rubber strap, that includes a textured element on the surface that enhances the blue case and affords a pleasant distinction with its matte end. The clasp is provided with an extension that slides out, permitting you to simply slip the watch on and off. Initially, I assumed this may be a micro-adjustment, nevertheless it’s really designed for ease of use when placing the watch on or eradicating it all through the day.
As talked about earlier, this watch leans towards the bigger aspect. Though I discovered it may slip underneath a jacket cuff on colder days, albeit snugly, it really shines as a summer time watch, greatest paired with shorts and a T-shirt on the seashore. You’ll undoubtedly really feel its presence on the wrist, so that you would possibly should be aware of doorways—one thing I’ve needed to be careful for when carrying bigger watches.
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Working the watch is easy, because of its easy three-hand design, which, for my part, is the perfect configuration for a pure dive watch. The big crown is straightforward to grip, making time-setting easy. The bezel affords optimistic suggestions with no backplay, making it straightforward to align with the minute hand for timing dives—or in my case, timing the proper al dente pasta. I’d price the rotating bezel clicks a 7/10 for his or her slight springy really feel throughout ratcheting however a strong 10/10 for alignment and total ease of use.
As for legibility, it may be a bit difficult at first due to the skeleton dial, however when you get accustomed to the format, studying the time turns into second nature. After sundown, the Tremendous-LumiNova® actually shines, illuminating the indices, palms, and even the 12 o’clock marker on the bezel—a nice shock that I found on my preliminary evening with the watch.
Comparisons 
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The Rado Captain Prepare dinner holds its personal alongside iconic dive watches just like the Omega Seamaster, Rolex Submariner, and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. Nevertheless, many of those rivals sit in the next worth vary, typically exceeding $8,000. For underneath $5,000, the Captain Prepare dinner affords an all-ceramic case paired with an modern skeleton dial design—options that sometimes command a premium within the watch world.
One comparable timepiece that involves thoughts is Christopher Ward’s just lately discontinued C60 Idea, which additionally featured a skeleton dial showcasing its in-house caliber. Nevertheless, the place the C60 Idea lacks is within the absence of a ceramic case, giving the Captain Prepare dinner an edge in novelty and materials sophistication.
The great thing about the watch trade is its range, providing one thing for everybody throughout a variety of worth factors. As for this restricted version Rado Captain Prepare dinner Excessive-Tech Ceramic Skeleton, it stands as among the finest values for these searching for a mix of unique supplies and design, all whereas staying true to the mannequin’s wealthy heritage.
Conclusion
I’ll be trustworthy—once I first obtained this look ahead to evaluate, I used to be a bit skeptical, considering it may be simply one other timepiece crossing my desk, particularly since skeleton watches aren’t normally my model. Nevertheless, after carrying it solely for seven days, I discovered myself totally having fun with the expertise. As talked about earlier, this model of the Captain Prepare dinner is undeniably an announcement piece. However for these searching for one thing really distinctive for his or her assortment, the Rado Captain Prepare dinner stands out as a watch that may simply distinguish itself from the remainder in your watch field. Typically, it’s the surprising watches that go away essentially the most lasting impressions.
