Ralf Tech : the military watch of elite troops and professional deep divers
Watches that will accompany future astronauts into deep space
Since 1996, Ralf Tech has grown from professional diving to become one of France’s most respected watchmakers. From Pascal Bernabé’s world-record dive to elite military collaborations and even space missions with CNES, its iconic models—WR1, WRX, WRV, WRB, and The Beast—are built for extreme conditions. Produced in limited series, they are now highly sought after on the pre-owned market for their toughness, exclusivity, and unique history.
The origins: WR1 and a world record
Founded in 1996 by Frank Huyghe, Ralf Tech made its first mark in professional diving. In 2005, the WR1 became legendary when it accompanied Pascal Bernabé to a record-breaking 330 meters. This achievement set the tone: RALF TECH would build watches for extreme environments, robust and uncompromising.
2011: The WRX Hybrid, a technical evolution
In 2011, Ralf Tech developed the WRX Hybrid, combining electronic regulation with a mechanically rotor-powered charging system. This architecture was designed to bring together precision, autonomy and robustness in a watch intended for demanding use. Depending on the reference and generation, the WRX Hybrid was subsequently offered in civilian versions, professional productions and configurations associated with specialist units.
Certain WRX Hybrid versions were developed, tested or produced in connection with specialist military and police units. Limited or documented configurations may now attract particular interest on the pre-owned market, but their status must be assessed through the exact reference, provenance, condition, full set and accompanying documentation. Discover the pre-owned Ralf Tech WRX watches currently available at Mostra.
2012: The WRV, between vintage and modern
In 2012, the Ralf Tech WRV was launched, inspired by 1970s dive watches but updated with modern technology. Its 43.8 mm cushion case in 316L steel offers 300 m water resistance. Available in automatic or electric RTE001 Long Range (up to 100,000 hours autonomy), the WRV also saw rare editions like the WRV Electric Black Operator (100 pieces).
Robust, reliable, and limited, the WRV is equally sought-after by professionals and collectors on the second-hand market.
2015: Military collaborations and diversification of the collections
During the 2010s, Ralf Tech strengthened its relationships with several units and developed different professional watches and civilian models inspired by these uses. Commando Hubert occupies an important place in the history of the WRX, but watches drawing on this heritage do not all share the same status: a model developed using operator feedback, a professional production, a documented issued watch and a civilian series must be distinguished.
To understand this history and identify the different references, read our guide to the history and references of Ralf Tech Commando Hubert watches.
Ralf Tech also developed watches for other military or professional uses, including certain versions of the Ralf Tech WRB. These references should also be assessed according to their configuration, documentation and method of distribution.
The brand subsequently diversified its collections with the Ralf Tech Académie, offering a more classic interpretation, followed by the WRB, a more compact and accessible watch that retained the robustness and legibility associated with Ralf Tech.
Discover our WRX, WRV, WRB and Académie comparison >
2022: The Beast, extreme performance
WRX C “The Beast” Electric Amphibian
In 2022, Ralf Tech unveiled The Beast, designed for extreme depths. With a 47.7 mm steel case and 4,000 m water resistance, it is among the world’s most capable dive watches. Powered by the RTM001 automatic (77-hour reserve), made in France with Pequignet, it marked a milestone in French watchmaking.
The Beast has since appeared in multiple limited editions: “Original” (black dial), “Tundra” (olive green), “Amphibian” (for amphibious ops), and “Ocean” (deep blue). Used by French Commandos Marine, it has become a benchmark for toughness and exclusivity—highly valued on the pre-owned market.
2024: The Space Millenium with CNES
In 2024, Ralf Tech announced an official partnership with CNES and French astronauts. The WRX Hybrid Space Millenium, limited to 100 pieces, features grade 1 titanium, 1,000 m water resistance, and the RTE001 “Electric” micro-hybrid movement with 12 years of autonomy. French astronaut Thomas Pesquet was seen wearing one during the Ocean Summit in Nice.
Combining sea and space, the Space Millenium embodies Ralf Tech's philosophy: robust, purposeful instruments built to last.
Today: Ralf Tech and Mostra Certification
In 2025, Mostra became the first Ralf Tech Certified Technical Centre for pre-owned watches.
For owners of out-of-warranty watches, this support helps preserve performance, extend the life of the watch and improve the traceability of any work carried out. The pre-owned Ralf Tech watches offered by Mostra benefit from rigorous selection, a clear description of their condition and personalised boutique support. These elements help make the purchase more secure and provide a clearer understanding of the actual value of each example, without guaranteeing its future performance on the market.
Learn more about the prices and values of rare and military Ralf Tech watches >
True to its DNA of robustness, innovation, and excellence, Ralf Tech continues to write exciting new chapters in French watchmaking.
Further reading about Ralf Tech
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