Ralf-Tech WRX Black Operator Dive Watch.
And why everyday is a school day!
For some unknown reason my watch journey in the last few years has taken me mostly down the military route. not sure why as myself and my family do not have any military background. my “grail ” watch is a Rolex 5517 Milsub ( predominantly issued to the British armed forces in the 70’s and now worth a fortune)
I like to think I keep on top of watches that has been issued but occasionally one slips through the net.The Ralf -Tech WRX Black Operator is one such watch. Frank Huyghe created the company in 1996 to create a watch used for “Technical Diving “which is deeper than recreational diving and requires specific equipment. The subject of this article,The WRX Electric Black Operator (Black O) is the latest version of the WRX used by French Special Forces. The Ralf Tech ‘Black Operator’ was first designed and delivered in the fall of 2020 to two special forces units and a nuclear submarine launcher crew. The reference to “Operator” in its name is the term that designates men in contact with the enemy in external theatres of operations. Now here is the civilian version. Based on the WRX Electric Black, the Operator (“O”) version is characterized by its increased water resistance, its simplified dial, and its matte black ceramic bezel. The black is for added stealth. This watch is limited to 100 pieces per year and currently costs 2400 euro.
(courtesy of Ralf-Tech)
This imposing brute of a watch is 47.5 mm (minus the Crown) is made from 316l steel and has a black PVD coating, the domed sapphire crystal is 5.9 mm thick and the watch is 1000 meters WR. strap width is 26 mm ( with drilled lugs). the movement is where things get interesting.. described as a “hybridization” movement, it is neither completely Quartz or completely Mechanical, it is the best of both of them. the movement of the watch charges a built-in battery that has a power reserve of 12 years. servicing is recommended every 10 years and the back can only be removed by Ralph-Tech. the combat swimmers from the French Navy’s Commando Hubert division have been using the WRX since 2010 and continue to use this model today . Also known as ‘Frogmen’ due to their combat diving specialty, Commando Hubert is the elite tier one unit out of the group and the only combat divers. As such, only the best serve among their ranks, pooling from other Commandos units who have served a minimum of five years in the force. Given their designation, Hubert works extensively with other French units such as the GIGN in counter-terrorism operations. Commandos Hubert is the elite unit of the SOF, known to work alongside France’s DGSE’s Action Division and GIGN. Therefore, Hubert is regarded more of a tier 1 unit, comparable to the SBS and USA’s DEVGRU regarding functionality. the Portuguese Navy DAE ( The Special Actions Detachment ) also uses this watch. below is a video of them on a training exercise (courtesy of Ralph-Tec.)
Although a bit late to the “party” I am super excited to find out about this watch and hope at some point to get my hands on one to try on the wrist.
For further information / ordering please visit. https://www.ralftech.com/en/
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