Founded in 1996 by former professional diver Frank Huyghe, Ralf Tech began as a producer of scuba diving equipment before evolving into a high-performance watch brand in 2008. Specialising in rugged dive watches, the brand boasts accomplishments like the world record for the deepest autonomous dive, held since 2005, and partnerships with elite special forces worldwide.
Ralf Tech’s innovative spirit is epitomised by models like the WR1, which shattered underwater performance records, and the Space Millenium, a lightweight, aerospace-inspired timepiece developed in collaboration with the French Space Agency, CNES.
But who is the man behind the brand? In this “Downtime” interview, Frank reveals the passions that fuel his creativity, from the book that inspired his love of the sea to the watch that accompanied him into space.
Hi Frank. So, tell us: What is your favourite book?
Without a doubt, ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’ by Jules Verne! That book inspired my passion for the sea and gave me the desire to dive, which became my first profession.
Your favourite movie?
‘Apocalypse Now’, preferably the “Redux” version. It’s all there: life, love, hope, the beauty of the world, the absurdity, the cruelty of mankind and death.
Your favourite song?
Historically, ‘Smoke on the Water’ by Deep Purple. But I also enjoy lighter things, like starting the day with ‘Lovely Day’ by Bill Withers.
Your favourite food?
I love blanquette de veau and… paella, which have nothing in common – except rice! And of course, I enjoy rice in Asian cuisine as well.
Your favourite drink?
Wine! (Am I allowed to say that?) Particularly Burgundy. Wine has heart and soul. And, well, I’m French, so the question hardly needs asking.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Without hesitation, somewhere sunny and warm… where the flavours and scents transport me. So, generally, Asia. And if I can go diving, even better!
Your favourite TV show?
I don’t watch TV. Or rather, I don’t watch conventional television shows. But I always enjoy a good movie.
Your favourite podcast?
Unfortunately, I don’t have time to listen to podcasts. But I’m working on the idea of giving myself more time. Time, you know, that thing that doesn’t really exist but allows us watchmakers to create magnificent objects!
Your favourite piece of clothing or sartorial accessory?
I carry everywhere – and wear all the time – a vintage leather jacket I bought in a thrift store in Tokyo a long time ago. It’s a kind of lucky charm.
Your favourite activity that you do in your free time?
My favourite activity is taking time! Not doing anything extraordinary, but doing it slowly, calmly, and, if possible, with elegance.
Tell us something about you that might surprise us.
I’ve always tested my products. In the past, when Ralf Tech was a brand for professional diving equipment, I designed and personally tested the products to avoid putting my collaborators at risk. In watchmaking, the risks are smaller… but I still took part in a test flight operated by the French Space Agency (CNES) to validate the functions of our Space Millenium model in space!
What’s one item (not a watch) that you can’t live without? Or that you can’t go anywhere without?
An item that’s not a watch? You’re not making this easy… Ah yes, unfortunately, my phone!
What is on your ‘bucket list’ (an activity, accomplishment or destination that you hope to do or visit before you exit this world)?
There are so many things I’d like to do… Give more time, more love and more happiness to others, especially my family. Before I leave this world? Well, I’m in no hurry to leave, even if this world sometimes frustrates me.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your life and/or career. How did they inspire you?
Certainly, Jacques Cousteau, whom I watched diving on television on Saturday evenings when I was a child. In 2002, I went diving in Lake Titicaca, Bolivia, and realised he had already done it in 1973. What a pioneer!
Name a famous person or historical figure, dead or alive, that you would like to have lunch with. Why?
Voltaire, because he was one of the last men to master the full breadth of human knowledge. And, more recently, in very different styles, the Dalai Lama and General de Gaulle. You said one person? Sorry, I like the idea of naming three!
What was the first watch you remember owning? What was special about it?
A Texas Instruments watch, in 1974 or 1975, with a red digital display. You had to press a button to see the time. I ran out of battery after just 15 days because I loved checking the time so much!
And finally, a wrist check: What watch are you currently wearing? And what do you like about it?
A Space Millenium! The French space watch, developed in collaboration with France’s Space Agency, the CNES, and designed for astronauts. Ultra-light, ultra-legible, ultra-autonomous, ultra-functional… and, ultimately, ultra-beautiful! Am I going overboard? Sorry, I’m in love with this model!
For more information about Frank’s brand, please visit the Ralf Tech website.
