Skay Fasano
The family-owned Ralf Tech brand was born in 1996, thanks to the adventurous mind of Frank Huyghe, a professional diver with a passion for the ocean. Initially specializing in the manufacture of top-notch diving equipment, the brand took a turn in 2003 by diving headfirst into watchmaking. By 2008, it was clear that Ralf Tech had found its true purpose, dedicating itself exclusively to the creation of stunning timepieces, in particular diving watches. But hold on to your helmets because this year, they took a giant step forward by launching their very first space watch, the WRX Space Millenium!
Mathieu Rotzer
What drew my eye immediately about the Ralf Tech Space Millenium was the hollowed-out case, almost mimicking a skeletonized dial. Not only do I find this to be a beautiful aesthetic feat, you can definitely tell that the weight-savings have worked. Being Grade 1 titanium, the dark grey finishing perfectly matches the functional and tool like nature of the watch. What I found just as cool were the three different straps provided with this piece. Once again functional and good looking, the different straps can serve your every need, whether scuba diving or flying in orbit. If you decide to wear the watch above your space suit that works too, as the Velcro system allows for perfect precision. Did I mention the strap is made from ballistic nylon? It seems to just get better and better with this piece.
Sophie Furley
The first thing that struck me when picking up this watch was its design. Its semi-cushioned case and strong lines make it look tough and heavy, but its lightness – as Mathieu mentions above – makes it feel like that you are already floating in zero gravity. Add to this a brand-new composite dial with a honeycomb pattern and this watch has its very own personality, unlike anything else on the market. But good looks are nothing without legibility, and here, the Space Millenium doesn’t disappoint again with its large luminescent indexes and highly visible hands. If ever I got lost in space, I would definitely want one of these on my wrist to guide me home!
Steven Rogers
Ralf Tech has used a variety of mechanical movements to power its watches: ETA’s 2824-2, 2836-2 and Valjoux 7750, the Seiko 8R48 and NH35/NH36, and even a French-made manufacture calibre by Pequignet. It has also used the meca-quartz Hybrid RTH002 combining a quartz energy system with a self-winding mechanism.
The Space Millenium, however, employs the Swiss-developed RTE001 Electric Movement that is built on the base of the previously used meca-quartz movement, but with fewer moving parts and a simplified quartz power supply. Rather impressively, it can run non-stop for up to 12 years!
Another cool feature of the Space Millenium is the cutting-edge “encapsulation” system of its caseback. This device seals the back of the watch to the case to make it water resistant to a whopping 1,000 metres. Only Ralf Tech has the bespoke tools required for opening up the back – this to ensure the original level of water resistance is maintained during each service.
Allissa Pataki
I want to start this Team test by stating the most exciting thing about this watch: it went to space, literally! In fact, the watch we tested was the prototype of the brand-new Space Millenium. Frank Huygue (CEO and owner of Ralf Tech) wore it on the simulated test flight and it went up with the astronauts during their mission, making this watch extra special. I mean, seriously. How cool is that?! It was an absolute honour to try it on.
Another fun thing I found out about this collaboration is that for each watch sold, Ralf Tech will donate €100 to the Fondation Ailes de France, which funds student space industry projects through its Bourses ESPACE program. This in turn helps young people in their professional integration and fostering French talent in the sector. Additionally, CNES and Ralf Tech support efforts to fight against global warming, to preserve the planet and oceans. So, when you buy this watch, you don’t only get a fun new addition to your wrist, but you’re also helping to make a change! That’s what I call a win-win!
