Discover Rado’s latest direction with the Captain Cook, unveiling a new limited edition with cricket superstar Cameron Green.
Rado is a brand that has become a standout for several reasons. First is its innovative approach to craftsmanship, cementing its reputation as a master of materials. Second is its modern outlook, with a neo-futuristic aesthetic that defines collections like the Anatom and DiaStar. However, one of the most famous and inextricable characteristics of its brand identity is its connection to the illustrious world of cricket.
Since 2023, Rado has ingrained itself into cricket culture. From signing on as the official timing partner of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to its most recent special edition alongside European Cricket, the brand has become synonymous with the gentleman’s game. That influence has spread as far as Australia, where Rado has introduced a new collaborative timepiece alongside its Australian ambassador and cricket star, Cameron Green.
Classy Captain
Together, Rado and Green have introduced a new rendition of the Captain Cook collection, tailor-made for the cricketer. It retains the bold sizing seen across the larger lineup, measuring 42mm in case diameter, 48.6mm lug-to-lug and 12.3mm thick.
What distinguishes the Captain Cook’s silhouette from watches of a similar calibre is its distinctively retro appearance, with a concave bezel framing a box-shaped sapphire crystal. Reinforcing this nostalgic silhouette is the chosen finish, mixing stainless steel with yellow gold PVD components. Present on the bezel and crown, the added warmth gives the watch a more elegant feel despite its bold stature.
The Captain Cook Cameron Green Edition comes standard on a steel and yellow gold PVD bracelet, flowing down to a butterfly clasp. I’ve always loved Rado’s commitment to the beads-of-rice style, as it’s one that blends heritage appeal with comfort and robustness.
But if that’s not to your liking, don’t worry. The brand has you covered. Through its interchangeable EasyClip system, Rado also offers a black rubber strap and a green-and-gold NATO fabric strap. This makes switching up the look of the Captain Cook seamless, transforming it from a flamboyant statement piece into a hardy diver almost instantaneously. This adaptability is bolstered by the watch’s 300m water resistance, lending it a toughness that belies its flashy design.
Game Face Green
And yet, the design is suitably flashy, hinting at both Rado’s cricket connections and Cameron Green’s standout identity. What immediately catches the eye is the vibrant fumé green dial, which fades to a subtler tone around the edges. A gold-accented minute track surrounds the dial, while gold hands and indices are interspersed across the green backdrop.
Though the initial assumption might be that the dial represents a cricket pitch, Rado worked with Green to showcase both his sport and his roots. The green and gold therefore symbolise the beauty of the game, as well as Australia’s national colours.
Like the European Cricket edition released earlier this year, the new watch repositions several elements to demonstrate the brand’s love for cricket. The rotating anchor logo has been removed from the dial, instead appearing just below the Captain Cook typeface. In its former place, three golden pips sit above the Rado typeface.
Collectively, they complete the cricket pitch narrative: the white text represents the popping crease, the golden pips the wickets, and the red logo the ball itself. The red accent also appears on the seconds hand and in the text within the date window.
Personally, this dial configuration might be one of the more handsome layouts I’ve encountered within the Captain Cook line. Even without the Cameron Green association, I’d love to see Rado pursue similar colourways in the future, especially across its more ambitious lineups, like the Anatom and True Square.
Weekend-Proof Warrior
While the watch’s design and silhouette are immediately recognisable, the Cal. R763 typically powering the lineup is somewhat hidden from view. Inside the case, the movement beats at a steady 3Hz (21,600VpH) with a power reserve of 80 hours. Equipped with a Nivachron balance spring, it also offers enhanced resistance to magnetism and shocks. The finishing is good, if somewhat utilitarian, though, as mentioned, it’s difficult to appreciate at a glance. That’s not without good reason, however, as the caseback features three final touches paying tribute to Cameron Green.
The first is the caseback itself, which has been darkened and depicts a silhouette of Green with his cricket bat. Just above it is his signature. However, the most interesting detail to me is the limited-edition engraving, reading “One of 459”. The reference to 459 might seem like an odd place to stop, but Green has made his own mark on history as the 459th Australian Test cricketer. It’s a significant piece of heritage to carry on one’s shoulders, and one that Rado has familiarised itself with through its involvement in this fantastic sport.
Initial Thoughts
Though ambassador collaborations in watchmaking can often seem superfluous, Rado’s partnership with Cameron Green strikes a surprisingly strong chord with me. Not only is Green at the top of his game, but he’s Australian. The brand is no stranger to championing Aussie heroes, having previously partnered with Ash Barty. To see it do so again with Green is nothing short of awesome, positioning him on a global platform alongside one of the world’s best watch brands.
I was also concerned that we wouldn’t see the European Cricket edition’s unique dial layout again after its limited run, so the fact that it has returned in a different form, with a distinct identity, promises much for the future of the collection and this design. Overall, the Rado Captain Cook Cameron Green Edition doesn’t compromise on anything that made the collection great in the first place. Instead, it uses those strengths as a springboard to push its talented individuals further into the spotlight.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | R32138318 |
| Dimensions | 42mm case diameter x 48.6mm lug-to-lug x 12.3mm thickness |
| Case | Two-tone steel & yellow gold PVD |
| Dial | Green fumé with yellow gold accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Open, sapphire with Cam Green’s signature |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. R763 with date complication |
| Power Reserve | 80h |
| Beat Rate | 3Hz / 21,600VpH |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 30bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Interchangeable two-tone steel & yellow gold PVD bracelet with butterfly clasp Complementary interchangeable black rubber strap with yellow gold PVD pin buckle Complementary interchangeable green & gold NATO fabric strap with yellow gold PVD pin buckle |