ACADEMIE AUTOMATIC VETERAN BLACK

At exactly 00.16 on Tuesday 6 June 1944, Major John Howard’s men emerged from the six British gliders that had just landed. Their mission was crucial: to seize the bridges at Bénouville (‘Pegasus Bridge’) and Ranville, essential to the Allied advance. The success of this operation depended on surprise, speed and determination. In just fifteen minutes, the mission was accomplished. The coded message ‘Ham and Jam’ was sent, signifying the success of the operation. With minimal losses, Howard’s men held their position until the arrival of Lord Lovat’s N°4 commandos at 12.02pm, led by Bill Millin’s famous bagpipes.

The same day, at 7.32 am, on Sword Beach, Queen Red sector, the LCI barges n°527 and 523 disembarked the 177 French fusiliers marins commandos led by Capitaine de Corvette Philippe Kieffer. Integrated into Lord Lovat’s 1st Special Service Brigade, they were grouped together in No. 4 Commando led by Colonel Dawson. Before the assault, Colonel Dawson, perched on a British barge, said to the French: ‘You go first, you Frenchmen! It was an honour that sealed their commitment to this historic battle.

The aim of Kieffer’s commandos was to neutralise several artillery positions and take the Casino at Riva Bella. It was during the street fighting in Ouistreham that Lieutenant Augustin Hubert, leading the K Gun Troop section, was killed. His name was later given to the Commando d’Action Sous-Marine Hubert. Moving inland, these troops joined Major John Howard’s forces at around 4pm, consolidating the first D-Day victories.

For many years, RALF TECH has equipped the operators of the Hubert Commando and the British SBS. On 6 June 2020, the brand is celebrating the anniversary of D-Day with the launch of the ACADEMIE Automatique ‘Veteran’ Black. This model pays tribute to Major Howard’s men, who were the first to set foot on enemy soil at 00:16. With its black livery and Second World War-inspired visual codes, this watch embodies the memory of these servicemen. Its Marine Nationale bracelet in parachute webbing recalls the French and British special forces, perpetuating the heritage of courage and freedom.

> RTA003® self-winding mechanical movement

> Up to 44 hours power reserve

> Real water resistance 200M / 660FT

> Functions hours, minutes, seconds

> Case in satin-finished 316L surgical steel with black PVD treatment, 41 mm in diameter (excluding crown)

> Ultra-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside, 2.5 mm thick

> Screw-down crown

> Screw-down caseback with serial number inscription

> 22mm MN strap with black buckle and 22/20mm ‘Tropic’ silicone strap

> Made in France