Rado has built a reputation around its use of unique and innovative materials like ceramic in their watches. But another pillar of the brand’s identity and presence in the broader watch world, is their extensive involvement with the world of tennis. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Rado’s involvement and sponsorship of countless tennis tournaments all over the world.

This summer, at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, Rado launched the brand new Captain Cook × Tennis Limited Edition watch. The watch will be limited to 1,985 pieces, a reference to the year 1985, when Rado’s first sponsorship of a major tennis tournament took place at the Swiss Open in Gstaad, Switzerland.

(Image: Troy Barmore)

The tips of the second hand and the four dots placed around the dial are all executed in dark yellow Super-LumiNova®, in a hue that mimics the vibrant colour of a new tennis ball

The caseback features a special engraving referencing its commemorative status and exclusive production run

The 39mm case is made of polished stainless steel, featuring a rotating steel bezel with a circular brushed ceramic insert. Similar to their Captain Cook × Cameron Norrie Limited Edition from 2023, four tennis-ball-yellow luminous pips can be seen at 12, 3, 6, and 8 o’clock, a reference to the scoring system of a tennis match 15, 30, 40, and match point, a detail which any tennis enthusiast is bound to love. (Get it? Because love is also a part of the scoring system… ah you get it.)

In addition to the stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet, the watch also comes with three NATO-style straps — one in blue, one in green, and one in a clay-esque orange — referencing the three different types of court. It’s a fun way to accessorize a watch that lends itself well to general sporty wear. That application is further backed up by the Calibre R763 automatic winding movement (based on the ETA C07.611) with its impressive 80 hour power reserve, anti-magnetic Novachron hairspring, and 300m of water resistance.

(Image: Troy Barmore)

(Image: Troy Barmore)

The watch was shown publicly at the Mubadala Citi DC Open Tennis tournament in Washington, DC,  the only combined ATP-WTA 500 tournament in the world (meaning a combination of both Men’s Pro and Women’s Pro tournaments, granting 500 ranking points to the winner on the way to Grand Slam and Masters tournaments). Though this is only Rado’s second time sponsoring the tournament, the event itself dates back to 1969, and is one of the most prestigious American tournaments on the calendar.

Tech Specs: Rado Captain Cook × Tennis Limited Edition

Reference: R32222108
Movement: Self-winding Rado Calibre R763; 80-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes; central seconds; date
Case: 39mm × 12mm; stainless steel case, stainless steel rotating bezel, brushed ceramic insert; water-resistant to 300m
Dial: Ruthemium-to-white gradient dial with dark yellow luminous pips at 12, 3, 6, and 8 o’clock
Strap: EasyClip stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet, three-fold clasp; additional nato-style fabric straps corresponding (blue, green, and orange), steel pin buckle
Price: USD $2,800
Availability: Limited to 1,985 pieces