Very much inspired by the 1970s, the WRV is a link between two eras. At the same time vintage and modern, it combines with ease the best of both those worlds through complex and elegant curves that pay homage to the visual codes of the seventies while using the technologies of today. Mimicking the lines and design clues of the WRV, the newcomer does not share any parts with its siblings. It was in fact a 100% brand new model that was presented in Basel last March.
A new case: 43.9mm is the diameter of the new WRV chronograph. Alternating polished and brushed surfaces, the case sports a screw-down crown back in the traditional 3 o’clock position (it is decentred to 4 o’clock on the automatic WRV) and two pushers, also screw-down, at 2 and 4 o’clock to operate the chrono. The crystal is 3.5mm thick, one of the thickest in current production, which gives an exceptional seal, water resistance and robustness.
A new movement: Made in Japan, the new RT002® movement is a watchmaking masterpiece. This automatic chronograph movement, has 292 pieces and 34 rubies perfectly combining the mechanical watchmaking tradition and the highly precise chronograph function.
Most importantly, the chronograph activation mechanism uses a column wheel. Considered by the industry and by collectors as the most coveted chronograph mechanism, the column wheel offers a very soft tactile feel thanks to its vertical clutch, which makes it much more comfortable to use than chronograph systems using a horizontal lever cam as used in traditional Swiss movements.
A new face: Panda ... This design is well-known to savvy collectors, similarly to panda bears which have black eyes and tufts of hair standing out on their white fur, the face of the new WRV Automatic Chronograph is white with black sub dials or - and we can talk about “Inverted Panda” - black with white sub dials. Inspired by the automobile counters of the 60s and by the chronographs of that time, the WRV Automatic Chronograph « Tachymètre » brings us back with delight to that bygone era where everything was allowed.
A new bezel: Calibrated up to 400 km per hour, the tachometer bezel of the new WRV can measure the speed of a moving object, usually a car ... a very fast and powerful Sports CAR in particular!
A new bracelet: Mounted on a quilted anthracite grey nubuck strap with a diamond pattern, the new WRV showcases the expertise of French craftsmen with this hand-stitched piece manufactured in the Jura.
A new workshop: Once again, Ralf Tech, a French company, is working to make French artisans work. The new WRV Automatic Chronograph is therefore assembled in France and in particular, in Paris.
Even more than all the technical innovations, a new and more important aura surrounds the launch of this new WRV Automatic Chronograph « Tachymètre »: it was inspired by the world of automobile racing and the French racing driver Nelson Panciatici was the tester of the first prototypes. Nelson Panciatici has an impressive palmares as world class racing driver: 61 wins, 81 podiums, 38 pole positions & 46 lap records, twice ELMS European champion, two podium finishes for ALPINE and the development of the WRV Automatic Chronograph « Tachymètre » and its Nubuck bracelet!
The WRV Chronographe Automatique « Tachymètre » is issued in 3 different versions, 1 with Panda face and two with the inverted Panda face. The case again is offered in 2 versions of surgical steel 316L polished and brushed, and one with Black PVD finish.
And, as always, each Ralf Tech includes a second strap that can withstand extreme use of the timepiece under water.
