In the splendour of the 1930s: Ralf Tech presents the new WRB Automatic California

California Dreaming: Ralf Tech presents the new WRB Automatic California as a tribute to the golden era of the American revolution, a time when bold and attractive designs emerged in watchmaking. A particular eye-catcher is the California dial with its iconic mix of Roman and Arabic numerals.

Compact, robust watch with a strong identity

In 2019, RALF TECH launched the WRB, a watch model that initially proved its worth among divers in the French army and has also been available to civilian watch enthusiasts since 2020. Thanks to its compact dimensions with a 39 mm case size, the WRB quickly established itself as a popular all-rounder – sporty, elegant, and reliable. The WRB Automatic California combines the unmistakable charm of an iconic design with the technical robustness of modern watchmaking. It is compact, versatile, and, thanks to its historic dial, exudes a unique charisma – a watch for people who value character and authenticity. Now, the WRB Automatic California is being released in a limited edition of 100 pieces, blending history and the present. The new model will be available from September 2025 at a price of 1,600 euros.

The California Dial – a style icon in watch design

The 1930s were a time of optimism for the USA. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal was associated with hopes of economic recovery – an era full of optimism and new ideas. Bold designs also emerged in watchmaking during this period. Particularly striking: the dial, which later became known as the California Dial. Its characteristic feature is the combination of Roman and Arabic numerals – originally developed to improve readability in all conditions. Used by pilots in the US Air Force and US Navy, it quickly became a symbol of precision and functionality. In the 1980s, when demand for vintage watches exploded in Japan, the design finally received its name: California.

WRB Automatic California: The technical data at a glance

• Movement: Automatic movement RTA003®, based on Seiko NH35
• Power reserve: 40h
• Case: 316L stainless steel, satin-finished
• Diameter: 39 mm
• Crown: screwed, at 4 o'clock
• Dial: black
• Indices: SuperLuminova® “Old Radium”
• Bezel: unidirectional rotating, aluminum inlay with light marker

• Strap: Hand-stitched vintage calf leather strap with yellow stitching, rubber strap
• Edition: limited to 100 copies
• Price: 1,600 euros