Dear friends, After the demise of BASELWORLD, the COVID years and the reorganization of the major Swiss trade shows, RALF TECH is back to basics with a return in Switzerland to TIME TO WATCHES for the first time. A show on a human scale, alternative/challenging brands, a friendly environment, all the ingredients are there to make this 2024 edition a significant lever for our return to Switzerland. This edition will be an opportunity for us to revisit the success of THE BEAST, a now mythical timepiece belonging to the very exclusive club of three watches that have exceeded -3682 meters, the average depth of the oceans. It will also be an opportunity to unveil the 2024 collection, rich in novelties, including an "extraordinary" one in the literary sense of the word. At TIME TO WATCHES, we'll be presenting the SPACE MILLENIUM, a brand-new model born of collaboration between CNES (the French space agency) and RALF TECH.
SPACE MILLENIUM combines innovative solutions and ultra-tech materials for uncompromising results. Combining grade 1 titanium (T35 aerospace), ceramfine® and a honeycomb dial, the WRX has shrunk from 195 to just 95 grams, while maintaining optimal legibility. And of course, its Electric RTE001 movement gives it a 12-year autonomy, whatever the conditions of use. The SPACE MILLENIUM flew at zero G for the first time on March 27! We invite you to discover it, all our new watches and our new magazine, in Geneva from April 9 to 14. I wish you an excellent weekend and hope to see you in Geneva!
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The Ralf Tech WRX, many would say a simple looking watch, few would notice anything more than its shape and colour... and they would miss one of the most legendary and advanced timepieces in history. Not to mention this machine is not simple nor boring! Since I saw it in a French magazine in 2009 in Montpellier I have been mesmerised by its shape, huge size and its beautiful simplicity. I still recall it was the incredibly coloured WRX Chrono midnight. I had the impression that its shape had been grounded down in countless battles and trials, which is not too far from reality since its original shape was perfected after years of test at the wrist of real operators of elite military units. The iconic shape looks and feels massive when handled but disappears when you wear it on your wrist, this is due to the incredible art and skills of the people who designed and perfected it over several years to make it the perfect tool for any situation. As said, boring it isn't, there have been many many many iterations of this magnificent timepiece, from the simplistic beauty and quirkiness of the E-Matics, to the masterpiece of the MIllenium made with aerospace titanium to the incredible machines that are the latest Electric movements, a watch that will never stop even after years of being left in a drawer. Without even mentioning the Manufacture editions which are simply works of art, love and passion. I have seen this watch do the most incredible stunts, being smashed on concrete walls, used in simulated battles (I have not witnessed it in action!), I have seen it being tortured by years of abuse and lack of care (by me...) and not once in my entire life I have seen one of these fail, even when by lack of care ( and not by failure of any of its components) one of these got flooded by sea water and left to marinate, the movement still works now, years later, after a clean up (still have the thing in my collection and use it very often). My love for this timepiece will not leave me until I have air in my lungs. I know there are better watches out there (The Beast for example) but my heart belongs to the WRX, let's face it, it is as eternal as it is legendary and I am sure my collection of WRXs will vastly outlast me and my descendants... The WRX is in my opinion the only watch anyone needs, it can be glitzy and precious but also incredibly capable and reliable in any situation.
Strond is a British watch company that specializes in aviation-inspired timepieces. One of their most popular models is the SSC-101 GMT, which is inspired by the Concorde, a supersonic airliner that was in service from 1976 to 2003. In addition to the collection, DC3 and DC4 airplane inspired timepieces have been launched to roaring success. As per the Concorde watches, these timepieces include pieces of the real aircraft in their dials. Find the Strond collection here The SSC-101 GMT features a 42mm stainless steel case with a black dial, and is powered by a Swiss-made Miyota 8217 automatic movement. The watch also has a 24-hour GMT hand, which is a nod to the Concorde's ability to fly at supersonic speeds. In addition to the SSC-101 GMT, Strond also offers a number of other aviation-inspired watches, including the DC-3 Automatic and the DC-4 Vintage Automatic. These watches are all inspired by classic aircraft, and feature similar design elements to the SSC-101 GMT. One of the things that makes Strond watches unique is that they incorporate pieces of actual aircraft into their designs. For example, the SSC-101 GMT has a dial tag that is made from a piece of the Concorde's fuselage. This gives the watches a sense of authenticity and history that is sure to appeal to aviation enthusiasts. Strond watches are also relatively affordable, with prices ranging from around £200 to £400. This makes them a great option for people who are looking for a stylish and well-made aviation-inspired watch without having to break the bank. Overall, Strond watches are a great choice for people who are looking for a stylish and well-made aviation-inspired timepiece. With their unique designs and affordable prices, Strond watches are sure to appeal to a wide range of consumers. The story behind the DC-3
One of the longest-used airliners ever, the Douglas DC-3 nears 80 years in the air as an aviation icon. The Douglas DC-3 is universally recognised as the greatest airplane of its time, some would argue that it is the greatest of all time…….. James Bond piloted a Douglas DC-3 airliner. Indiana Jones hopped a ride on one for his last crusade. This aviation icon even stars in a reality TV show. The Douglas Aircraft Company built the "Douglas Commercial 3" and was based on the 1933/34 Douglas DC-1 and DC-2. Design work began in 1934 and he DC-3 debuted in the mid-1930's as an aviation rock star. THE FIRST FLIGHT December 17, 1935, was a sunny but cool afternoon in Santa Monica, California. The holidays were coming and spirits were high in the Douglas Aircraft Company. It was another ordinary day at Clover Field, a big polished propeller caught the sun’s light as it began to turn. Slowly it revolved and then a belch of blue-white smoke appeared. The engine roared into life, and the propeller was lost in its own motion. A second propeller came to life. For a few minutes, the engines roared and then the plane began to move forward. A few engineers and draftsmen watched the shiny airplane taxi out to the runway. The DST sat at the edge of the runway for about five minutes, its engines running at full throttle. Then it began to move, slowly at first but within 1,000 feet it lifted off, effortlessly. The lives of millions of people throughout the world were about to change.With its two powerful propeller engines it revolutionised the travel industry by cutting typical coast-to-coast flight time across the United States from 25 hours to just 18. Pilots, both military and civilian, loved the DC-3. It took off easily, cruised comfortably at 185 mph at 10,000 feet, and had a ceiling of 23,200 feet and a low stalling speed (67 mph). Pilots said it landed itself, and it had a cruising range of 1,500–2,100 miles. When production of the DC-3 ended in 1945, more than 13,000 of them had been built. The DC-3’s ease of handling and maintenance, its facility at taking off and landing on short runways, and its remarkable reliability combined to keep it flying in many regions of the world into the 21st century. WRX Automatic Carbon Tech 3After the success of the « hors collection » Carbon Tech (2017) and Carbon Tech Blue (2020) models, RALF TECH is back with a unique forged carbon model, the 3rd of its name. CARBON TECH by RALF TECH is an innovative material from the SMC carbon family. A true exceptional material, composed of long carbon fibers with multilateral woven reinforcement. We find in this new unique piece the same virtues as those present in its predecessors: its excellent chemical resistance but also its strengh, an essential notion for our professional customers and a true mark of the RALF TECH Maison. The WRX Automatic Carbon Tech 3 is distinguished by its black color with an iridescent appearance with changing reflections depending on the light. Real urban camouflage, it incorporates all the codes of avant-garde watchmaking. Visually, the discreet iridescent black case and the sage dial contrast with the orange seconds hand. The orange indexes, marked with Arabic at 3-6-9-12, are distinguished by their industrial and miltary style, which reinforce the unusual side of this unique piece. The WRX Automatic Carbon Tech 3 is of course equipped with our unidrectional turning bezel made of « Ceramfine® », an alloy of ceramic and titanium powder that gives, in addition to its matte finish in accordance with the case, solidity, durability and easy reading of the immersion time. This unique model is powered by our cllssic RTA002® self-winding mechanical movement which offers a power reserve up to 45 hours. Accuracy and reliability are therefore the order of the day. This WRX Automatic Carbon Tech 3 with its exceptional character is mounted on a black barénia calfskin strap lined with Nubuck® and other customization options are available at no extra charge. Please note that this piece is a « hors collection » unique model. Available from March 18, 2023 in boutiques and on www.sincrono.co.uk Price £16,500. TECHNICAL CARACTERISTICS:
> RTA002® self-winding mechanical movement > 25 jewels, 28’800 a/h, incablocs ® > Power resereve up to 44 hours > Real water resistance of 1000M / 3300FT > Complies with the ISO 6425 « diving watches» standard > Functions hours, minutes, seconds, calculation of immersion time > Carbon Tech SMC case, 47,5mmdiameter (excluding crown) > « sage » color dial > Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, 5,9mmthick > Black hands and orange seconds hand, professional luminescent « Superluminova® » C3 > Unidirectionnal turning bezel , 120 clics, matte black « Ceramfine® » insert, C3 luminescent maker > Screwed and engraved caseback with 01/01 number > reinforced, screwed and protected crown > Black « Barénia » calfskin strap and black silicone strap, 26mmbetween the lugs, ovals perforations, 26mm screwed buckle > Delivered in a NATO polycarbonate case > Unique piece « hors collection » > Swiss Made NEW WRV ELECTRIC BLACK « PIRATES SHADOW » & « ECUME »After the launch of the WRV Electric Black Operator in spring of 2021, RALF TECH introduces today two new versions of the WRV in dark colors...The latest version of the mythical "Pirates Shadow" and the new "Ecume” version. Originally... Designed in 2012 by Frank Huyghe and launched in 2014, the WRV is the second watch model to see the light of day at RALF TECH. With this little something original that takes us back to a time when scuba diving was then considered a dangerous sport reserved for an elite and a few military divers, the WRV adapts to all situations without denying its origins... A WRV Black 2.0 These new versions of the WRV Black are equipped with the "Electric" movement, a Ceramfine® bezel and the innovative encapsulation system guaranteeing a certified water resistance of up to 300 meters. These specifications, already seen on the WRX Electric, allow to propose the hours, minutes and seconds functions with a power reserve of up to 100,000 hours, where most mechanisms propose a reserve of only about 40 hours. Another change, this new WRV is equipped with a new bottom case that features an encapsulation system. This system, unique in the world, allows the back of the watch to be sealed to the case, guaranteeing optimal water resistance. Only RALF TECH has the right tools to open and close this new WRV, and will be able to guarantee their water-resistance after revisions. Finally, the 120 click unidirectional rotating bezel allows the calculation of immersion times with the greatest precision. Its matte Ceramfine® insert provides increased shock resistance while giving it a strong character.
Technical characteristics of the two models:
Available for sale in stores or on www.sincrono.co.uk as of March 8, 2023.
Retail price: £2100. Technical specifications: www.sincrono.co.uk Information : info@sincrono.co.uk Official Press release from Maison Ralf Tech |
A 100% new waterproofing system. Another change is that the new WRVs now have a case back with a new "encapsulation" system. This innovation allows the watch back to be sealed to the case, guaranteeing optimal water-resistance. In order to secure the maintenance of WRV watches, only RALF TECH has the specific tool to open and close the case back of new models, thus guaranteeing, revision after revision, the original water-resistance of WRV watches. A minimal maintenance program. Since the majority of WRV users are professionals, the idea was to make their lives easier. Often absent, evolving in degraded conditions, their watch must remain a powerful and safe tool. Thanks to the new movement and our novel waterproofing system, minimal maintenance is required for these latest generation WRV watches. A visit every 10 years will allow us to check the watch's energy system, change all the seals and re-capsulate the watch, thus ensuring the peace of mind of WRV users for the next 10 years. |
Spectacular technical features!
Thickest scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the market (for a standard watch) with a thickness of 3.5mm, 8mm thick case band at strategic points, large straps held by anti-tearing threaded rods, Ceramfine bezels for the most extreme, water resistance guaranteed up to 300 meters for certain finishes, the WRV are intrinsically high-performance tools.
Operating in a range of use from -10° to +55° their resistance to shock and vibration is exceptional. With 12 years of power reserve, their autonomy reaches record levels. Their dials make them ultra legible. These technical characteristics validated by sea trials are the sum of all RALF TECH's know-how.
Assembled in France (in Morteau, French Jura mountains), complementing the Automatic and Chronograph Automatic versions, the new WRV should logically become the essential reference for "Tool Watches" for adventure professionals, whether military or civilian. Their performance and design should finally appeal to alternative watchmaking enthusiasts. The new WRV will be available in 6 different finishes, 3 of which will be available immediately upon launch.
Thickest scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the market (for a standard watch) with a thickness of 3.5mm, 8mm thick case band at strategic points, large straps held by anti-tearing threaded rods, Ceramfine bezels for the most extreme, water resistance guaranteed up to 300 meters for certain finishes, the WRV are intrinsically high-performance tools.
Operating in a range of use from -10° to +55° their resistance to shock and vibration is exceptional. With 12 years of power reserve, their autonomy reaches record levels. Their dials make them ultra legible. These technical characteristics validated by sea trials are the sum of all RALF TECH's know-how.
Assembled in France (in Morteau, French Jura mountains), complementing the Automatic and Chronograph Automatic versions, the new WRV should logically become the essential reference for "Tool Watches" for adventure professionals, whether military or civilian. Their performance and design should finally appeal to alternative watchmaking enthusiasts. The new WRV will be available in 6 different finishes, 3 of which will be available immediately upon launch.
Retail price: between £1450 and £1500 depending on the version.
Available for sale on www.sincrono.co.uk from March 5th 2021.
Information: info@sincrono.co.uk
Available for sale on www.sincrono.co.uk from March 5th 2021.
Information: info@sincrono.co.uk
Originally...
Designed in 2008 and developed with the help of the combat swimmers of the French Navy Commando Hubert, The members of this military elite unit have been employing it in their operations since 2010, the WRX Hybrid is the first "tool watch" created by RALF TECH.
To establish itself as the benchmark timepiece for elite units, the WRX has continued to evolve, remaining at the forefront of watchmaking innovation since its creation. Equipping the majority of special forces units in France and beyond, the WRX is a safe and efficient tool. Used by professional divers and skippers all over the world, it is synonymous with know-how and reliability.
As the environments in which WRXs evolve become more and more demanding, a new generation has been in preparation for several years.
The next generation
Always in search of new challenges, since 2019 RALF TECH has been pursuing an intensive campaign of deep sea trials in collaboration with the French Navy in order to test new technical solutions, both in terms of robustness and water resistance.
At the same time, RALF TECH has also been working for several years with its partners on the declination of the famous Hybrid movement in order to give it an unrivaled autonomy.
On October 8th 2020, after 2 years of development and experimentation in natural environment, RALF TECH launches a new generation of WRX combining considerable technical improvements and new finishes. These WRX are, among other things, equipped with a new "Electric" movement, new "Sandwich" dials and an innovative encapsulation system guaranteeing a real certified water resistance of up to 1000 meters.
Designed in 2008 and developed with the help of the combat swimmers of the French Navy Commando Hubert, The members of this military elite unit have been employing it in their operations since 2010, the WRX Hybrid is the first "tool watch" created by RALF TECH.
To establish itself as the benchmark timepiece for elite units, the WRX has continued to evolve, remaining at the forefront of watchmaking innovation since its creation. Equipping the majority of special forces units in France and beyond, the WRX is a safe and efficient tool. Used by professional divers and skippers all over the world, it is synonymous with know-how and reliability.
As the environments in which WRXs evolve become more and more demanding, a new generation has been in preparation for several years.
The next generation
Always in search of new challenges, since 2019 RALF TECH has been pursuing an intensive campaign of deep sea trials in collaboration with the French Navy in order to test new technical solutions, both in terms of robustness and water resistance.
At the same time, RALF TECH has also been working for several years with its partners on the declination of the famous Hybrid movement in order to give it an unrivaled autonomy.
On October 8th 2020, after 2 years of development and experimentation in natural environment, RALF TECH launches a new generation of WRX combining considerable technical improvements and new finishes. These WRX are, among other things, equipped with a new "Electric" movement, new "Sandwich" dials and an innovative encapsulation system guaranteeing a real certified water resistance of up to 1000 meters.
Unchanged design.
A good recipe can be improved, but its basis must remain the same. Based on this premise, the aesthetic perception of the WRX should remain unchanged. A successful gamble with its distinctive semi-cushioned shape and its strong taut lines inspiring confidence and power. The WRX remains recognizable and acknowledged.
100% new dials.
The new WRX Electric now has new sandwich type dials. Composed of two thicknesses they allow to apply a large quantity of SuperLuminova® on a disc placed under the main dial. Thanks to this stencil technique, readability is excellent by day and visibility is exceptional at night.
This novelty also adds relief to the dials which improves the overall look and legibility of the dial.
A 100% new movement.
The new WRX Electric inaugurates a new type of movement at RALF TECH. Developed in Switzerland for our house, this new movement works according to a system of micro hybridization. It combines precision, reliability and energy savings.
Built from the mechatronic base of the hybrid movement equipping the previous generations of WRX, the RTE001 movement reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies the quartz power supply as much as possible.
Its autonomy can go up to 100,000 hours, i.e. almost 12 years, whereas most movements offer a power reserve of 40 hours for automatic movements and about 2 years for traditional quartz.
A 100% new waterproofing system.
Another change is that the new WRXs now have a case back with a new encapsulation system. This innovation allows the watch back to be sealed to the case, guaranteeing optimal water-resistance. In order to secure the maintenance of WRX watches, only RALF TECH has the specific tool to open and close the case
back of new models, thus guaranteeing, revision after revision, the original water-resistance of WRX watches.
A good recipe can be improved, but its basis must remain the same. Based on this premise, the aesthetic perception of the WRX should remain unchanged. A successful gamble with its distinctive semi-cushioned shape and its strong taut lines inspiring confidence and power. The WRX remains recognizable and acknowledged.
100% new dials.
The new WRX Electric now has new sandwich type dials. Composed of two thicknesses they allow to apply a large quantity of SuperLuminova® on a disc placed under the main dial. Thanks to this stencil technique, readability is excellent by day and visibility is exceptional at night.
This novelty also adds relief to the dials which improves the overall look and legibility of the dial.
A 100% new movement.
The new WRX Electric inaugurates a new type of movement at RALF TECH. Developed in Switzerland for our house, this new movement works according to a system of micro hybridization. It combines precision, reliability and energy savings.
Built from the mechatronic base of the hybrid movement equipping the previous generations of WRX, the RTE001 movement reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies the quartz power supply as much as possible.
Its autonomy can go up to 100,000 hours, i.e. almost 12 years, whereas most movements offer a power reserve of 40 hours for automatic movements and about 2 years for traditional quartz.
A 100% new waterproofing system.
Another change is that the new WRXs now have a case back with a new encapsulation system. This innovation allows the watch back to be sealed to the case, guaranteeing optimal water-resistance. In order to secure the maintenance of WRX watches, only RALF TECH has the specific tool to open and close the case
back of new models, thus guaranteeing, revision after revision, the original water-resistance of WRX watches.
A minimal maintenance program.
Since the majority of WRX users are professionals, the idea was to make their lives easier; often operating in extreme and harsh conditions, their watch must remain a powerful and safe tool. Thanks to the new movement and our novel waterproofing system, minimal maintenance is required for these latest generation WRX watches. A visit every 10 years will allow us to check the watch energy system, change all the seals and re-capsulate the watch, thus ensuring the peace of mind of WRX users for the following 10 years.
Spectacular technical features
Thickest scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the market (for a standard watch) with a thickness of 5.9mm, 10mm thick caseband at strategic points, large straps held by anti-tearing threaded rods, Ceramfine bezels for the most extreme, water resistance guaranteed up to 1000 meters for certain finishes, the WRX are intrinsically high performance tools.
Their new features now make them monsters of efficiency.
Operating in a range of use from -10° to +55° their resistance to shock and vibration is exceptional. With 12 years of power reserve, their autonomy reaches record levels.
Their dials make them ultra legible. These technical characteristics validated by sea trials are the sum of all of RALF TECH know-how and experience over the decades in the most difficult environments on the planet.
Assembled in France, complementing the Hybrid and Automatic versions, the new WRX becomes the essential and preferred reference for adventure professionals, whether military or civilian.
The new WRX will be available in 6 different finishes, 3 of which will be available from October 2020.
Prices start at £1800
Available for sale www.sincrono.co.uk from October 8th.
Information: info@sincrono.co.uk
Since the majority of WRX users are professionals, the idea was to make their lives easier; often operating in extreme and harsh conditions, their watch must remain a powerful and safe tool. Thanks to the new movement and our novel waterproofing system, minimal maintenance is required for these latest generation WRX watches. A visit every 10 years will allow us to check the watch energy system, change all the seals and re-capsulate the watch, thus ensuring the peace of mind of WRX users for the following 10 years.
Spectacular technical features
Thickest scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the market (for a standard watch) with a thickness of 5.9mm, 10mm thick caseband at strategic points, large straps held by anti-tearing threaded rods, Ceramfine bezels for the most extreme, water resistance guaranteed up to 1000 meters for certain finishes, the WRX are intrinsically high performance tools.
Their new features now make them monsters of efficiency.
Operating in a range of use from -10° to +55° their resistance to shock and vibration is exceptional. With 12 years of power reserve, their autonomy reaches record levels.
Their dials make them ultra legible. These technical characteristics validated by sea trials are the sum of all of RALF TECH know-how and experience over the decades in the most difficult environments on the planet.
Assembled in France, complementing the Hybrid and Automatic versions, the new WRX becomes the essential and preferred reference for adventure professionals, whether military or civilian.
The new WRX will be available in 6 different finishes, 3 of which will be available from October 2020.
Prices start at £1800
Available for sale www.sincrono.co.uk from October 8th.
Information: info@sincrono.co.uk
Sincrono
Distributor of fine timepieces and luxury accessories since 2011. RALF TECH, Strond, BVOR Perseo and more.
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