Ralf Tech Académie 37: two new automatic watches inspired by military horology
Ralf Tech is expanding its Académie collection with two new self-winding mechanical watches: the Académie 37 California and the Académie 37 Veteran. These 37 mm models draw inspiration from the design codes of historic military timepieces while incorporating signature technical features of the French brand, including a screw-down crown and water resistance rated to 100 meters. Produced in a limited run of 100 pieces each, they will be available for purchase starting November 14, 2026, at a price of 1,500 euros.
Two new interpretations in the Académie collection
Created in 2019, the Académie collection holds a special place in the Ralf Tech catalog. It departs from the typically imposing dimensions of the brand’s dive watches, embracing a more classic aesthetic instead. With the new California and Veteran models, Ralf Tech continues this direction, utilizing a 37 mm diameter case. This relatively compact format pays homage to the proportions of many military and civilian watches from the 20th century—an era that predates the widespread adoption of cases exceeding 40 mm. Both new models share an identical technical architecture, distinguished primarily by their dial designs and the color of their leather straps. Their military inspiration is rooted in historical references rather than the style of a contemporary tactical instrument.
Ralf Tech Académie 37 California: a dial featuring roman and arabic numerals
The first version adopts a so-called "California" dial—a unique configuration that combines Roman numerals in the upper half with Arabic numerals in the lower half. This type of dial is a piece of 20th-century horological history, appearing on various vintage, utilitarian-focused timepieces. On the Académie 37 California, the markers are set against a black background, complemented by a peripheral minute track and central hands for the hours, minutes, and seconds. The indices are treated with "Old Radium" Super-LumiNova; its beige hue visually evokes the luminescent materials used in the past, though it is, in fact, a modern substance—entirely unrelated to the historical use of radioactive paints. The polished stainless steel case is paired with a black, grained calfskin leather strap, which is hand-stitched and crafted in France. This version maintains a relatively understated appearance, with the dial layout serving as its primary defining feature.
Ralf Tech Académie 37 Veteran: inspired by Issue watches
The second new model, dubbed the Académie 37 Veteran, favors a more conventional display. Its black dial features twelve Arabic numerals—a configuration commonly associated with military watches and timekeeping instruments designed for quick reference. The focus here is on legibility, with easily identifiable hour markers and high-contrast hands. As with the "California" model, the indices and hands are treated with "Old Radium" Super-LumiNova, a luminescent material. The primary aesthetic difference lies in the choice of strap: the Académie 37 Veteran comes on a beige bull-leather strap, also crafted in France and hand-stitched. This combination of a black dial, Arabic numerals, and a light-colored strap reinforces the watch’s connection to historical field watches. Both models, however, share the same mechanical specifications and dimensions.
An RTA003 automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve
The Académie 37 California and Veteran models are equipped with the RTA003 caliber, a self-winding mechanical movement. Unlike a quartz watch, this mechanism relies on energy stored in a mainspring. Winding occurs primarily through the movement of the wearer's wrist, which drives an oscillating weight (rotor). The RTA003 caliber offers a power reserve of up to 40 hours, meaning that a fully wound watch can continue to run for approximately 40 hours when not being worn. Its functions are limited to displaying the hours, minutes, and seconds; there is no date window. In the provided specifications, Ralf Tech does not disclose the movement's frequency, jewel count, or daily accuracy. Consequently, it is not possible to make a comprehensive technical comparison with other automatic calibers based solely on this information.
A 37 mm case, water-resistant to 100 meters
Despite their classic appearance, the two new Académie models retain several technical features typically found in sports watches. The case is crafted from polished 316L stainless steel—a material widely used in watchmaking for its corrosion resistance and suitability for daily wear. The case diameter is 37 mm, and it features a domed sapphire crystal with a "glass box" design. This style of crystal is distinguished by its raised profile, inspired by vintage acrylic crystals. It measures 2.5 mm in thickness and includes an anti-reflective coating. The watches are also equipped with a screw-down crown and a screw-down case back, which is engraved with the individual serial number for each piece in the limited edition. The water resistance specified in the technical data sheets is 100 meters, or 10 bar. This rating allows for aquatic use, provided it remains within the parameters set by the manufacturer. However, it is not sufficient to classify these Académie 37 models as professional diving watches under the ISO 6425 standard. Unlike a traditional diver’s watch, they lack a rotating bezel designed for tracking immersion time. Furthermore, Ralf Tech includes an additional black silicone "Tropic-style" strap, which is better suited for regular exposure to water than leather straps.
Two limited editions of 100 pieces each
The Académie 37 California and Veteran models will be available starting November 14, 2026. Each version is limited to 100 pieces, bringing the total announced production to 200 watches across both versions. The retail price for both models is the same: 1,500 euros. Specifications
Ralf Tech Académie 37 California vs. Veteran – Technical Specifications
| Specifications | Académie 37 California | Académie 37 Veteran |
|---|---|---|
| Case diameter | 37 mm | 37 mm |
| Case material | Polished 316L stainless steel | Polished 316L stainless steel |
| Movement | RTA003 automatic | RTA003 automatic |
| Power reserve | Up to 40 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Dial | Black, Roman and Arabic numerals | Black, Arabic numerals |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating | Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Water resistance | 100 metres | 100 metres |
| Main strap | Black grained calfskin leather | Beige bull calf leather |
| Additional strap | Black Tropic-style silicone | Black Tropic-style silicone |
| Limited edition | 100 pieces | 100 pieces |
| Retail price | €1,500 | €1,500 |
Both watches are described as made in France and will be available through authorised Ralf Tech retailers and the brand's official website. The watches are stated to be manufactured in France and will be available through authorized Ralf Tech retailers as well as on the brand’s official website.
A historical approach to the military watch
With these two "Académie 37" models, Ralf Tech explores another facet of military horology. The French brand—renowned for its dive watches and its ties to various specialized units—opts here for a more compact format and a design inspired by instruments used over the past century. The "California" stands out with a dial that combines two different numeral systems, while the "Veteran" favors a more traditional layout featuring Arabic numerals. Equipped with automatic movements, steel cases, and 100-meter water resistance, both models retain a functional character, though they are distinct from the professional dive watches found elsewhere in the Ralf Tech collection. Priced at 1,500 euros and limited to just 100 pieces per version, these two new releases are aimed primarily at enthusiasts of French mechanical watches and historical military aesthetics.
More…
Helium valve: the small release mechanism for saturation divers, and the still-disputed question of its origin
MTM Special Ops Cobra 47mm: a titanium chronograph renewed and offered in three finishes
The 5 favourite dive watches of October: five divers’ watches born in contact with their users
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4: Captain Price’s watch
Get ready for the next dive! Receive our latest news and inspiration dedicated to military and dive watches.
Subscribe
Editor: Éric Barse
Journalist, entrepreneur, and founder of the websites www.cafe-racer-only.com and www.scooter-3-roues.com, Eric Barse divides his time between his passions: motorcycles, travel, and watches. A graduate of the Saint-Cyr military academy and the 2nd RPIMA (Parachute Regiment) before pursuing a career in communications and digital media, he has a true passion for authentic watches that have accompanied his two-wheeled adventures for many years, from the Indian Ocean to Africa and Latin America!
