Académie Automatic Black Pirates Shadow Watch ACY 1201

The Watch

Aja Black Steel Bracelet, 19 cm to 20.50 cm

The Dial

Founded in 1996 by professional diver Franck Huyghe, Ralf Tech builds professional-grade diving equipment. In 2003, the brand took a bold turn and created its first dive watch designed for professional use: the Ralf Tech WR1 - the same watch that accompanied diver Pascal Bernabé on his world record attempt. Every model from this French house is developed in collaboration with deep-sea explorers, a true mark of quality. In that same spirit, Ralf Tech invites you to discover the ACADÉMIE "Pirates Shadow" ACY 1201 - a limited edition of just 100 pieces worldwide. A genuine tribute to the brand's oceanic roots, this timepiece boasts a one-of-a-kind design. Its round case is crafted from 316L stainless steel with a black PVD treatment and a micro-blasted final finish. At 41 mm in diameter, it fits the majority of men's wrists. Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal of the "glassbox" type - slightly domed - offering outstanding scratch resistance. It also features an anti-reflective coating for excellent legibility in any lighting. The screw-down crown, positioned at 3 o'clock, allows for precise time adjustment. Its ridged finish ensures a solid grip, and its tip is engraved with the brand's logo. The case back, in polished stainless steel, is screwed down for outstanding water resistance. It bears the brand and model name, along with key specs including a water resistance of 10 ATM and, most notably, your watch's individual production number out of the 100 pieces made.

The Movement

This Ralf Tech limited edition runs on the automatic Ralf Tech RTA003 movement, based on the architecture of the Japanese Seiko NH35 caliber - a true benchmark in watchmaking, renowned for its reliability and precision. In addition to its automatic winding, it can also be hand-wound via the crown. A hacking seconds mechanism is also included for precise time setting.

The Strap

The strap on this ACADÉMIE "Pirates Shadow" ACY 1201 is crafted from calf leather with a "vintage" finish in a rich dark green tone, accented by white contrast stitching at the lugs. A pin buckle in stainless steel with black PVD treatment - engraved with the brand's logo - keeps everything secure. As a bonus, a second black "tropic" silicone strap is included with this watch.

Water Resistance

This model offers water resistance up to 20 atmospheres, or 200 meters. A serious watch for serious water activities - including freediving! It handles high-pressure washers without breaking a sweat. Showering, bathing, swimming, and freediving are all fair game. That said, 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 movement's integrity.