WRB AUTOMATIC CALIFORNIA
A tribute to the 1930s
In the 1930s, the United States and California were just emerging from the economic crisis. It was a period full of hope and ambition. With Franklin Roosevelt’s arrival in power, Americans were confident that they would recover thanks to a new economic and social plan: the New Deal.
When it first went into production, the “California” dial was nicknamed the “error-proof radium dial.” Its dial was characterized by a combination of Roman and Arabic numerals. Used by US Air Force and US Navy pilots, this original feature was designed solely to improve accuracy and optimize the dial’s readability. The result is a unique, distinguished watch with a strong personality. Whether you look at it from the side or from above, it’s impossible to mistake it for anything else!
The name “California” only appeared in the 1980s, when Japan experienced extraordinary economic growth. The purchasing power of the Japanese exploded, as did their investments in the watchmaking sector. Indeed, being big fans of vintage watches at the time, many Japanese dreamed of getting their hands on the famous “no error” dials. Due to high demand, the country quickly found itself out of stock. This prompted Japanese purists to fly to the United States, specifically to Los Angeles and its Melrose Avenue dealers, in the hope of acquiring one of these legendary pieces.
In tribute to this era, RALF TECH presents a new and unusual piece based on the aesthetic codes of 1930s watchmaking.
Uncompromising vintage style
Like its larger predecessors, the WRX (in 2013) and WRV (in 2017), the WRB is now available in a “California” version.
It features a black dial with hands and hour markers coated with SuperLuminova® Old Radium, ensuring optimal visibility day and night.
The hour markers give it a unique character and unparalleled readability.
It is supported by a black calfskin strap with hand-stitched beige topstitching, whose aged appearance reinforces the authentic spirit of this new model.
All these components give the WRB Automatic “California” an unmistakably vintage feel.
