Rado’s relationship with tennis started on the clay courts of Gstaad in 1985, and four decades later, that partnership still delivers aces. The latest proof comes in the form of the Captain Cook x Tennis Limited Edition, a watch that captures 40 years of shared values between horology and the sport where split-second timing can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
The 39mm Sweet Spot
As Rado renews its role as Official Timekeeper for the Mubadala Citi DC Open, this commemorative piece is limited to 1,985 pieces — a direct nod to the inaugural Swiss Open. Slotted right between Rado’s vintage-inspired 37mm Captain Cook and the contemporary 42mm models, this 39mm version (seen before in other limited-editions such as the Over-Pole revival in 2022) is 12mm thick and still constructed from stainless steel with Rado’s signature circular-brushed plasma high-tech ceramic bezel insert. Of course, the rotating timing bezel is topped with a luminous triangle at 12 o’clock. Fortunately, the 39mm version retains the Captain Cook’s 300m of water resistance as well.
Tennis in the Details
While most of the watch’s features are the same as the other Captain Cook models currently available, the Tennis Edition separates itself with its tennis-specific touches. The ruthenium-to-white gradient dial creates a subtle shift in tone that somehow evokes the rhythm of a rally, building from quiet anticipation to explosive finish. Fans of the sport will appreciate the four dark yellow Super-LumiNova dots marking 3, 6, 8, and 12 o’clock positions, representing tennis scoring: 15, 30, 40, game. Most importantly, the yellow theme continues with the seconds hand tip, inspired by the look of a tennis ball in motion.
Rado’s Tennis History
The brand’s tennis credentials run deep. From its first Gstaad tournament to current partnerships with stars like Barbora Krejčíková and rising talents in the YoungStars program, Rado has been courtside for tennis’s evolution. And the caseback reinforces this heritage with embossed textures representing grass, clay, and hard courts.
Built for the Long Game
Inside, the Rado calibre R763 automatic movement makes a return here as well, delivering an impressive 80 hours of power reserve with an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring. It’s based on the proven ETA architecture but exceeds COSC standards in multiple positions. While it beats at 21,600 vph (not the smoothest tick in its price range), the movement prioritizes accuracy and reliability.
Up Your Strap Game
Perhaps the most compelling feature on the limited-edition watch is the EasyClip system enabling quick strap changes. The watch comes with a polished and brushed “grains-of-rice” bracelet plus three NATO-style straps: blue for hard courts, green for grass, and orange for clay, each giving the watch a different personality entirely.
Spec Sheet
Model: Rado Captain Cook x Tennis Limited Edition
Case Size: 39mm
Case Thickness: 12mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Rado calibre R763 (ETA base)
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Water Resistance: 300m
Straps: Steel bracelet plus three NATO options
Limited Edition?: Yes, 1,985
Pricing & Availability
The Rado Captain Cook x Tennis Limited Edition carries a $2,800 price tag and comes complete with its quartet of strap options in a leather travel pouch. It’s available now from Rado’s website, limited to just 1,985 pieces.
Recap
Rado Captain Cook x Tennis Limited Edition
Rado celebrates 40 years of its history as an official tennis timekeeper with this tennis-themed Captain Cook, now in 39mm with a cool gradient dial effect and 4 strap options.
