Collectible! Circa 1968 Rado Captain Cook Cal AS 1789 30J Date Automatic Watch (OH)

Make: Rado
Type: Automatic
Model: Captain Cook
Year of Production: Circa 1968
Movement: Swiss AS 1789 / 1700-1
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 30
Hands and Dial: 3D Baton Indices with Baton Hands
Width: 36.3mm
Height: 41mm
Thickness: 14mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet/Strap: Original Rado Super Engineer SS Bracelet that came with the watch

Rado, established in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, by brothers Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup, began as Schlup & Co. The company gained recognition for its innovative designs and use of unconventional materials, setting it apart in the watchmaking industry.

Introduced in 1962, the original Rado Captain Cook was Rado's inaugural diving watch, named after the famed British explorer, Captain James Cook. It featured a compact 37mm stainless steel case, a domed acrylic crystal, a rotating bezel, and a distinctive pivoting anchor logo on the dial, which indicated the watch's automatic movement.

This particular Rado Captain Cook houses the Swiss AS 1789 automatic movement, operating at a frequency of 18,000 BPH and featuring 30 jewels. The movement is known for its reliability and precision, contributing to the watch's enduring appeal.

The watch features a black-tone dial with applied 3D baton indices and matching baton hands, offering a clean and sophisticated look. The stainless steel case measures 36.3mm (w/o crown) in width, 41mm in height, and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 16.5cm; hence, suitable for both men and women.

The original acrylic crystal with Rado logo has been carefully polished, restoring its clarity while preserving the watch's vintage charm. The signed crown is located at the 3 and 4 o'clock position, allowing for manual winding, time-setting functions and bezel adjustment respectively. Due to its degradation, the main crown was replaced with an original Rado signed Captain Cook crown.

This timepiece has undergone a full servicing process, that is disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, oiling, and calibration on 6 May 2025, ensuring reliable performance for years to come.

This Captain Cook is equipped with the AS 1789 movement with 30 Jewels that operates at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher after hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of -2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 191very good straight line! Such readings are exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking calibration conducted.

All components of this watch are believed to be original, with no aftermarket or modified parts. While the watch retains its original seals and gaskets, it has not been tested for water resistance due to its age.

The watch comes with the original Rado SS bracelet that came with the watch. It has a unique sliding buckle that allows for a snug fit.

Please note that this vintage watch does not come with its original box or documentation. However, it will be accompanied by a suitable aftermarket box or pouch for storage and presentation purposes.

This Rado Captain Cook AS1789 is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and design, offering a piece of horological history that continues to impress collectors and enthusiasts alike.