RALF TECH Academie Automatic Driver 41mm
Some watches are made for occasions. The Driver feels designed for everything in between.
There is a wonderful simplicity to the Académie Driver.
A satin-finished 41mm steel case surrounds a deeply matte black dial, its crisp white indices recalling the graphic clarity of watches from the 1960s. Then, at three o'clock, RALF TECH adds the detail that distinguishes this model from the rest of the Académie family: a practical double day and date display.
It is a small addition, but an important one.
Because the Driver isn't pretending to be a racing chronograph. There are no chequered flags, tachymeter scales or decorative references to speed. Instead, RALF TECH has created something much more useful: a handsome automatic watch designed to accompany everyday life — whether there happens to be a steering wheel involved or not.
The white BGW9 Super-LumiNova® hands and indices stand beautifully against the black dial, while the thick glassbox sapphire gives the watch that slightly domed, mid-century character that works so well across the Académie collection.
Underneath the elegance lies considerably more capability than appearances suggest.
The automatic RTA003 movement provides up to 40 hours of power reserve, while the screw-down crown and caseback contribute to an impressive 200 metres of water resistance. A black Tropic silicone strap is supplied alongside the hand-sewn vintage black calfskin strap.
Only 100 pieces will be produced.
Why buy it?
Because the Driver may be the easiest Académie to live with.
The black dial works with almost anything. The 41mm satin steel case has presence without becoming cumbersome. And that day/date window provides something genuinely useful every time you glance at your wrist.
There is also something pleasing about a watch called Driver that refuses to dress itself in racing costume.
It doesn't need to tell everyone you're interested in cars.
It simply feels like the sort of watch you'd want beside you when the road ahead is more interesting than the destination.