Akrone C-02: owner reviews and feedback

The Akrone C-02, launched in 2020, is a mechanical dive watch developed by French watch company Akrone in Nantes as a continuation of the 2016 K-02. Presented to the public at the end of 2019 and officially offered on Kickstarter in January 2020, it was designed from the outset as a functional diver with a 316L stainless-steel case, sapphire crystal, a substantial amount of luminous material and stated water resistance to 300 metres in accordance with ISO 6425. The first generation uses an automatic Miyota 9015 movement and exists in parallel as a two-crown Compressor with an internal bezel. Its multi-level dial, inspired by bathymetric contour lines on seabed charts, immediately gives it an identity different from many conventional dive watches.

The C-02 subsequently becomes a genuine technical platform for Akrone: editions produced with or for professional units, Cross, Solitaire du Figaro, Héritage with a France Ébauches movement, highly tool-oriented Tactik and finally the 39 mm Nérée intended to combine diving with everyday use.

Design & legibility: the seabed as a graphic identity

The first C-02 deliberately moves away from the usual vocabulary of a flat-dial black dive watch. Its dial is built on several levels: a peripheral area carries the markers and minute track while the centre features a design recalling the contour lines used on bathymetric maps. This visual depth is reinforced by large applied hour markers and highly legible hands. The different launch versions, including Abysses, Lagon and Torpille, also make extensive use of colour. The dial graphically representing underwater relief is the most characteristic distinguishing feature of the first-generation C-02. Akrone subsequently retains the idea of a strong visual identity but adapts it to different purposes: the Solitaire du Figaro uses a bezel connected with regatta starts, Héritage adopts the codes of 1950s and 1960s dive watches, Tactik prioritises 3D Lum markers and operational legibility, while Nérée develops highly colourful gradient dials. The model is therefore not fixed around one design, but legibility, a connection with the marine world and generous use of luminous material remain constants.

Case, bezel and comfort: from the 41 mm tool watch to the 39 mm Nérée

The first C-02 watches use a 316L stainless-steel case around 41 mm, while the documented C-02 Compressor measures 41.5 mm with approximately 48 mm length and 12.7 mm thickness. Surfaces generally alternate brushing and polishing, giving the case greater visual depth without sacrificing its functional character. The Compressor adds a second crown controlling an internal bezel, while the conventional C-02 uses an external bezel. Several later generations retain a 41 mm diameter: the Solitaire du Figaro measures approximately 12.3 mm thick, the Tactik 11.6 mm and the Héritage adopts a thicker profile because of its double-domed crystal. The most important development in comfort arrives with the 39 mm C-02 Nérée. This generation measures 47 mm lug to lug and only 11.5 mm thick, with a 20 mm lug width. It is offered on FKM rubber or a steel bracelet and can even be ordered free of charge in a Lefty configuration with the crown on the left. Depending on version and selected caseback, water resistance now varies between 100, 200 and 300 metres.

Movement: Miyota, Soprod, France Ébauches and then Sellita

The mechanical history of the C-02 shows that the model is more an Akrone platform than a watch defined by one calibre. In 2020, the first generation adopts the Miyota 9015, a Japanese automatic movement known for robustness, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with manual winding and hacking seconds. The 2022 Solitaire du Figaro then uses the Swiss Soprod P024, an architecture close to established traditional Swiss automatic calibres and offering approximately 38 hours of power reserve. The C-02 Héritage marks a much more symbolic step in 2023 with a France Ébauches movement manufactured, decorated and regulated in France and providing around 44 hours of power reserve. The diversity of successive calibres reflects Akrone’s desire to adapt the mechanics to the positioning of each C-02. Tactik and Nérée subsequently adopt the Swiss Sellita SW200, a compact and widely proven movement that notably allows case thickness to be reduced. Akrone regulates these movements in its Nantes workshop and communicates a target rate around -4 to +6 seconds per day for several recent series. This policy prioritises reliability and maintenance rather than systematic use of an exclusive movement.

Chronological milestones and main models (2020–2025)

(2020) Akrone C-02 Abysses Bathymetric Dial:

The Abysses version belongs to the first generation commercialised after the January 2020 Kickstarter campaign. The Akrone C-02 Abysses reference not communicated uses a 316L stainless-steel case, anti-reflective sapphire crystal and genuine dive-watch construction rated to 300 metres. Its two-level dial is one of its principal attractions: the markers occupy a peripheral section while the centre graphically reproduces underwater relief in the manner of a bathymetric chart. The caseback also participates in the marine theme with a large Kraken engraving, a motif repeated on some Engineer-style steel-bracelet clasps. The automatic Miyota 9015 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, allows manual winding and features hacking seconds. Original versions can be worn on rubber or a metal bracelet. The complete watch prioritises robustness, strong luminescence and visual personality rather than a search for thinness or discretion.

(2020) Akrone C-02 Compressor Torpille Twin Crown:

The Compressor launches alongside the conventional C-02 and represents a technically different interpretation of the dive watch. The Akrone C-02 Compressor Torpille reference not communicated has a 316L stainless-steel case approximately 41.5 mm wide, around 48 mm long and close to 12.7 mm thick. Its crystal is anti-reflective sapphire and water resistance reaches 300 metres. The fundamental difference appears in the bezel: it is positioned inside the case and controlled by a second crown, giving the watch a typical Super Compressor appearance while protecting the scale from direct impacts. Both crowns screw down on documented examples. The dial retains the underwater-relief theme and substantial luminous elements. The movement is the automatic Miyota 9015. This construction brings greater visual and mechanical complexity than the conventional C-02, at the price of a slightly more substantial case and an additional control to manipulate the bezel.

(2020) Akrone C-02 Cross Orange Maritime Rescue:

The Cross illustrates very early Akrone’s intention to use the C-02 to tell the story of professional environments connected with the sea. The Akrone C-02 Cross reference not communicated is produced as a limited series of 196 pieces and is notably recognisable by its highly visible orange bezel. The edition pays tribute to the personnel of the French Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Centres, directly involved in coordinating maritime rescue operations. Part of the price of each watch was intended to be donated to an organisation connected with this world. Technically, the watch remains based on the first C-02 diving platform: 316L steel, sapphire, automatic Miyota 9015 movement and water resistance up to 300 metres. It also retains the large luminous markers and the marine graphic vocabulary developed for the original campaign. Orange is therefore not simply decorative: it refers to visibility and rescue equipment. This edition anticipates the numerous institutional and military collaborations that would become an important speciality for Akrone.

(2022) Akrone C-02 Solitaire du Figaro Regatta Bezel:

This edition fundamentally transforms the purpose of the C-02 in order to adapt it to offshore racing. The Akrone C-02 Solitaire du Figaro reference not communicated has a 41 mm stainless-steel case, approximately 48 mm length and 12.3 mm thickness. Unlike the first C-02 watches rated to 300 metres, its water resistance is limited to 100 metres, sufficient for sailing but less suited to deep diving. Its sapphire bezel uses a scale highlighting the ten-minute countdown characteristic of a regatta start procedure and also incorporates magnetic heading indications. The dial features a wave pattern and the Solitaire du Figaro logo together with a date aperture at 3 o’clock, while earlier C-02 watches generally favoured a no-date display. The movement becomes the Swiss automatic Soprod P024, regulated in Nantes and providing approximately 38 hours of power reserve. The edition is limited to 300 pieces across all colour combinations.

(2023) Akrone C-02 Héritage Décompression French Calibre:

The C-02 Héritage opens a new phase by abandoning the contemporary aesthetic of the first generation and drawing directly on dive watches from the 1950s through the 1970s. The Akrone C-02 Héritage Décompression reference not communicated uses a 41 mm 316L stainless-steel case, approximately 47 mm long and 14.5 mm thick including its spectacular double-domed sapphire crystal. Its bezel reproduces a genuine decompression table inspired by those found on certain historical dive watches. The major change, however, lies inside: Akrone adopts an automatic France Ébauches movement developed and decorated specifically, with Geneva stripes, blued screws, a personalised oscillating weight and approximately 44 hours of power reserve. The movement is regulated in the Nantes workshop. With the solid back, the watch is rated to as much as 300 metres depending on current Héritage execution; an optional transparent back reduces water resistance to 100 metres. This series therefore combines diving function, vintage aesthetics and a desire to participate in the revival of French movement production.

(2024) Akrone C-02 Tactik Marine 3D Lum Markers:

The Tactik refocuses the C-02 on its role as an operational instrument and draws directly on the experience Akrone has gained with military units and professional divers. The Akrone C-02 Tactik Marine reference not communicated receives a 41 mm 316L stainless-steel case, 47 mm length, only 11.6 mm thickness and a 20 mm lug width. Its unidirectional bezel operates through 120 clicks and uses a matte black ceramic insert with BGW9 Super-LumiNova. Most importantly, the smoked sunray blue dial receives raised markers known as 3D Lum, created with multiple layers of luminous material in order to provide especially strong reading in darkness. The crystal is anti-reflective sapphire and the crown screws down. Water resistance reaches 300 metres. The automatic movement becomes the Swiss Sellita SW200, inspected and regulated in Nantes. An FKM strap reinforces the aquatic purpose, while an optional steel bracelet allows more versatile everyday use. This generation is thinner and less decorative than the Héritage.

(2025) Akrone C-02 Nérée Sunset Gradient Dial:

The Nérée develops the C-02 into a more compact, more colourful dive watch that is easier to wear every day. The Akrone C-02 Nérée Sunset reference not communicated has a 39 mm 316L stainless-steel case, 47 mm lug to lug, 11.5 mm thickness and a 20 mm lug width. Its lacquered dial features a gradient running from dark pink to navy blue, with a grained texture that accentuates the changes in colour. A slimmer bezel with coloured sapphire insert retains the diving function while giving the watch an appearance less military than the Tactik. The automatic Sellita SW200 is regulated in the Akrone workshop and powers a deliberately straightforward display. The watch is supplied on an FKM strap and can receive a steel bracelet. A Lefty version with the crown on the left is available at no additional cost. With the solid back, water resistance reaches 200 metres; the optional transparent back reduces it to 100 metres. This version was selected for the French Watch of the Year 2025 competition.

Choosing the right version: generation, diameter, movement and genuine use in water

The first question is whether the objective is the historical C-02 or a recent interpretation. The 2020 watches are larger, strongly styled and possess the bathymetric dial that established the original identity. Nérée is significantly more compact and easier to combine with everyday clothing. The first generation is the most coherent choice for someone wanting the C-02 in its most recognisable historical form. It does, however, require accepting a diameter around 41 mm and greater presence than the 39 mm case of Nérée versions.

Tactik corresponds to the wearer primarily interested in function. Its 3D Lum dial, ceramic bezel, 300 metres of water resistance and Sellita SW200 follow a tool-watch logic. Héritage gives more priority to historical emotion and French mechanics. The C-02 Tactik is probably the most coherent version for genuinely sporting and aquatic use. Héritage better suits someone who appreciates vintage dive watches, a double-domed crystal and the special character of the France Ébauches movement.

The movement should not be chosen solely according to its country of origin. The Miyota 9015 of the first series is robust, operates at 4 Hz and is widely known. The Soprod P024 in the Solitaire provides proven Swiss architecture, France Ébauches contributes greater originality and the Sellita SW200 in Tactik and Nérée benefits from a very broad maintenance network. The Sellita SW200 is the most reassuring choice for someone prioritising ease of servicing and availability of watchmaking expertise. France Ébauches, by contrast, has particular industrial and emotional appeal for enthusiasts of French watchmaking.

The strap also plays an important role. FKM rubber is the most logical option for diving, handles water well and reduces the weight of the watch. Steel provides greater presence and makes a C-02 easier to combine with city clothing. The first generations also have strongly designed Engineer-style bracelets. FKM is the most functional choice if the watch is regularly used in water. The 20 mm lug width of recent generations also makes it straightforward to use textile straps or different rubber straps when the wearer wants to change the character of the watch quickly.

Finally, water resistance must be checked for the specific reference rather than assuming every C-02 is rated to 300 metres. Historical and Tactik models generally reach that figure, the Solitaire is rated to 100 metres and current Nérée watches state 200 metres with a solid back but only 100 metres with the transparent back. A recent pressure test remains essential before diving with a pre-owned C-02. Crown, caseback, crystal and seals need to be inspected, especially on 2020 examples. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Conclusion

The Akrone C-02 is aimed at enthusiasts wanting a French dive watch with its own identity rather than a direct reproduction of a historical Swiss or Japanese model. Since 2020, it has moved from the bathymetric dial and Miyota 9015 to several very different interpretations: Compressor, regatta, French Héritage, operational Tactik and then the more compact and colourful Nérée. This diversity makes it possible to choose between a collectible C-02, a genuine tool watch or a diver that is easy to wear every day. Diameters from 39 to 41.5 mm, water-resistance ratings and movements vary enough to make careful comparison of references necessary. The consistency of assembly and regulation in Nantes nevertheless remains a common thread throughout the family.

To understand how these choices translate into real comfort, accuracy, robustness and enjoyment of use, Dialicious customer reviews provide a useful complement to the technical approach.

(Updated August 2026)