Watch Académie Automatic Bronze Royale ACY 1302

The Watch

Ralf Tech is a manufacturer of scuba diving equipment founded in 1996. In 2008, the company turned its focus to watchmaking and has since created timepieces with a strong, unmistakable identity. Its collections are celebrated for their military designs and authentic character. The Académie model, inspired by the 1950s and 60s, meets Ralf Tech's standards while embracing a different style and movement type - more elegant, classic, and unmistakably vintage in its aesthetic. The new Royale Bronze ACY 1302 edition is a limited run of just 100 pieces, taking its name from the title given to the French royal navy under the monarchy in 1624. Timeless in character, it features a round case crafted in CuAl8 bronze - exceptionally solid, corrosion-resistant, and built to last. A satin finish reinforces the vintage aesthetic, making this timepiece truly one of a kind. The case measures 41 mm in diameter with a slim mid-section and gently downward-curving lugs. On top sits a "glassbox"-type sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment and 2.5 mm thickness, offering superior protection against scratches and damage. On the right side, the knurled and screw-down crown allows easy adjustment of hours and minutes. The case back is screwed down and engraved with the limited edition number and the brand name, guaranteeing a water resistance of 20 ATM.

The Dial

The dial of this watch strikes a timeless style with a bold, avant-garde edge. Sporting a neo-vintage aesthetic, it communicates the time with effortless clarity. It is dressed in a rich royal blue with a matte finish, and is beautifully centered by a beige fleur-de-lys - the symbol of the French royal navy. Its edge is defined by a minute track complemented by dot and baton indexes painted in an eggshell color to reinforce the vintage character without compromising legibility. All markers are filled with Superluminova "old radium" treatment for clear readability day and night. They surround medium-sized white Arabic numerals ensuring easy hour reading. These elements are tracked by two baton hands in 316L stainless steel - also treated with Superluminova "old radium" - and a slim seconds hand crafted in CuAl8 bronze, creating a perfect pairing with the case. The finishing touch: the brand's signature below 12 o'clock and the place of manufacture displayed on either side of the 6 o'clock index.

The Movement

This model is powered by an automatic RTA003 movement built on the SEIKO NH35/NH36 caliber for an optimal power reserve of 40 hours. Thanks to its bidirectional winding, it operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph, features 24 jewels, and includes a "stop-seconds" system for ultra-precise time-setting. This caliber is robust, accurate, and reliable - exactly what you'd expect from a military-inspired timepiece.

The Strap

One of this watch's standout features is its decidedly vintage calfskin leather strap. In a warm golden brown hue, it is hand-stitched and features a 22 mm lug width. Its look is a perfect match for the model's military aesthetic, and it adjusts to your wrist with precision for exceptional comfort. The clasp is a pin buckle also crafted in bronze.

This timepiece comes with a second strap in tropic-style silicone, the same size as the first. In black, it fastens with a pin buckle and delivers a sportier look.

Water Resistance

This model offers a water resistance of 20 atmospheres, or 200 meters. Ladies and gentlemen, here's a watch that's ready to dive deep with you! This model is built for freediving. Water holds no fear for it - you can even use a pressure washer with this timepiece on your wrist. Showers, baths, lap swimming, and freediving are all fair game. However, for scuba diving with tanks, we recommend a timepiece with a higher water resistance rating. Also, avoid operating the crown or pushers while submerged to protect the integrity of the movement.