Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

It was with the desire to find an original and reliable watch with good value for money that the Akrone brand had been on my radar for a while. I decided to take the plunge and was pleasantly surprised to receive a truly high-quality and attractive product. The finishing is a cut above what you usually see in this price range; the thickness, weight, features, and overall appeal are all very positive. The dial constantly plays with the light, truly evoking the colors of the seabed. The Sellita movement is as good as ever, and the watch's design complements both sporty and dressy occasions. The watch's modern yet versatile style is truly appealing. The military-inspired box and set are also a significant plus. The option to add a steel bracelet, sold separately, definitively proves that Akrone is now a major player in the French watchmaking scene.

Atlantic Nereus

This is the first watch I acquired a few years ago, and it will undoubtedly remain in my collection for life. It was when I was younger, browsing through car magazines, that I discovered this micro-brand specializing in watch designs heavily inspired by the world of automobiles and rallying, or even motorsport in general. The automotive world is greatly influenced by the watchmaking world, and vice versa, so this watch seems to be a beautiful tribute to both. The case and dial, of almost perfect purity, are a much greater asset than the rather disappointing Miyota movement. With hindsight, it's not the kind of movement that stands the test of time or shines with reliability, robustness, and precision. It was actually completely changed during its last service… In short, a watch of rare discretion and purity in my opinion which goes with any type of Nato strap only (unfortunately) and which really stands out from what we see every day on the wrist.

The Group B I'd dreamed of since I was young

After several years of hesitation, I finally took the plunge and bought a Yema watch. The slimness of the new in-house 3000 movement allows for a thinner case and dimensions that better suit my wrist. In the 39mm version, this diver's watch has near-perfect proportions. Not being a fan of steel bracelets, I was also thrilled by this type of bracelet, which is a refreshing change from traditional bracelets and quite surprising in its lightness, slimness, and comfort. A truly high-quality watch that looks equally good dressed up or down and can be worn in any situation. I added a small two-piece fabric strap to give it a slightly more discreet look for everyday wear. I'm very excited about this beautiful watch! 👌🏼😍

The legendary French diver in GMT format

It was at a military shop in London that I came across this watch that I had already seen in a photo. Watches from this brand have always been in the British military since the 80s. I was attracted by the small diameter of 36mm and the matte steel case, as well as the simplicity and readability of the dial. There is the possibility of having the Nato flocked with the serial number of the watch. It is a simple, easy watch, readable with a good Lumi and which accompanies every day and in all styles.

CWC G10 Quartz

The new generation of Bianchi Marseille watches with the support of MAT Watches.
I was not a fan of the imbroglio with the institutional Bianchi house and the association with MAT. Nevertheless this tide gauge limited to 150 copies for a contained price caught my attention.
The dial is successful, the watch is robust and qualitative. A little imposing in width and thickness for me but real diver characteristics that fit well with a refined and fresh style.

The Tide Gauge in Tool Watch mode

Founded in 2015 by three Breton friends, Erwan, Jean-Fran&ccedil;ois and J&eacute;r&eacute;my, in Akrone is an independent French watch brand based in Nantes (France). It quickly distinguished itself by offering high-quality automatic watches, combining careful design, durable materials and artisanal know-how, all at fair and accessible prices.
<h3 dir="ltr">Origins and Philosophy of the Brand</h3>
The Akrone adventure began unofficially in 2014, when the founders decided to launch into watchmaking with the ambition of shaking up traditional codes. After a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter in September 2015, the brand launches its first model, the K-01, thus becoming the first French watchmaking house to take this route. This initiative marked a turning point for Akrone and inspired other French entrepreneurs to follow the same path.
Akrone's philosophy is based on creating unique watches, combining exclusive design with the use of sustainable materials and proven technical precision. Located in the heart of Nantes, the brand favors local production, with assembly and quality control carried out in-house, thus guaranteeing the reliability and durability of each part.
<h3 dir="ltr">Commitment to Quality and Know-How</h3>
Akrone carefully selects the movements of its watches, collaborating with renowned manufacturers such as Sellita, Soprod and ETA in Switzerland, France &Eacute;bauches in France, as well as the Citizen and Seiko groups in Japan. This commitment to precise mechanisms ensures customers receive reliable, high-performance watches.
The materials used, such as titanium, 316L steel, ceramic and carbon, are chosen for their durability and aesthetics. Each model is designed with careful attention to detail, reflecting a harmonious balance between watchmaking tradition and contemporary innovation.
<h3 dir="ltr">Iconic Collections</h3>
Since its inception, Akrone has developed several notable collections:
Akrone C-02 : Designed for diving enthusiasts, this collection offers robust and waterproof watches, meeting the demanding standards of underwater environments.
Akrone C-03 : Inspired by aviation, the C-03 series presents watches with a refined design, reminiscent of aircraft on-board instruments, with features adapted to pilots and aeronautics enthusiasts.
Akrone C-04 : This collection embodies horological elegance, with exquisitely designed dress watches, ideal for formal occasions or sophisticated everyday wear.
In 2025, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Akrone plans to unveil new versions of its flagship collections, with new designs and technical improvements, demonstrating its constant commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
<h3 dir="ltr">Special Projects and Collaborations</h3>
Akrone has also made a name for itself by producing personalized watches for various French army units, such as the Marine Commandos, the GIGN, the Foreign Legion and the Army Light Aviation (ALAT). These collaborations demonstrate the confidence placed in the brand to provide timepieces adapted to the specific requirements of professionals operating in extreme conditions.
Furthermore, the brand was the official chronometer of the prestigious nautical race &ldquo;La Solitaire du Figaro&rdquo;, thus reinforcing its commitment to the world of sport and precision.
<h3 dir="ltr">Social and Associative Commitment</h3>
Aware of its social responsibility, Akrone actively supports army mutual aid associations, helping grieving families and war victims. To date, the brand has donated more than 50,000 &euro; to associations such as Entraide ALAT and Entraide Marine, illustrating its commitment to the military community and its values ​​of solidarity.
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
In a decade, Akrone has established itself as a reference in independent French watchmaking, combining tradition, innovation and social commitment. Its approach centered on quality, design and proximity to its customers has allowed it to forge a strong and respected in the French watchmaking landscape. With ambitious plans for the future, the brand continues to celebrate French excellence, while remaining faithful to its founding values.
Check out the avis clients Dialicious to choose the Akrone watch that suits you.
Akrone is part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">ranking of the most popular French watch brands</a>.
(Updated February 2025)

Akrone is a French and Nantes brand founded in recent years. Being a watch enthusiast and collector, I had necessarily heard about it... Until the day a colleague who was also a collector arrived with an Akrone on his wrist... And so I was able to discover the excellent quality. So I acquired this pretty Akrone C02 Lagon, in a blue dial color that is rare in watchmaking. It is precisely its originality and its textured dial, as well as the engraved caseback that won me over. The dial and the engraved caseback represent a kraken

Akrone C02 Lagon - 300m

A lifelong fan of colorful watches, seeing this superb C-02 on the Akrone website was love at first sight. We have a flashback to the 80s-90s, this little retro-future side which was for me a reminder of youth. We often talk about the summer side of the watch. For my part, why follow the rules? Why not ignore the fact that there are four seasons and keep only one. This new case sits very well on the wrist, a mix of brushed and polished steel. Nice 120 clicks on the bezel (which would be even better with a little softness) and we know that it was complicated to make this bezel. This Miami Vice watch, in my eyes, is a codebreaker just the way I like them. This watch has an SW 200 movement, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and a transparent or solid case back, we have both supplied. To put it simply, Akrone has been the rising watch for all these years.

Akrone C-02 Nérée Sunset 

Being from Nantes, I naturally have a soft spot for local initiatives, and the Akrone C-02 Taktik Graphite only reinforces my admiration. It's a real bombshell: its understated and sleek design gives it a strong identity, and the comfort on the wrist is impeccable. You immediately feel the quality of the materials and the rigor of French manufacturing, with that little sentimental extra of knowing that a Nantes brand is behind it. The DLC gun metal finish brings a discreet but terribly elegant side, which fits both a casual look and a more formal outfit. After a few days of wearing it, I can say that this watch perfectly combines technicality, solidity and style. A local pride and one of the best watch acquisitions I've made in recent years.

Quality, style, precision and Nantes pride

Beautiful summer watch, purchased last summer. Equipped with a SW200 movement, it's very accurate. The rubber strap is so comfortable that I haven't replaced it with the metal bracelet that came with it. Its very 80s dial colors really appealed to me and make me feel like I'm stepping into the shoes of Sonny Crockett.



Miami Vice

I just realized that I haven't introduced you to my C2!
I had the pleasure of picking up this watch at the showroom and chatting with the creators.
A very beautiful 2-level dial, sunburst for the minute track and with a gray seabed map with a touch of blue.
The case exudes quality, Akrone working a lot with the army.
The logo is a hexagon with an ermine (and yes Brittany!) inside, all forming the A of Akrone.
Waterproof to 300 m, it is ready for adventure.
The case back represents a kraken in homage to Jules Verne and the city of Nantes.
A fun little detail, there is a return of the Kraken's legs on the dial in the seabed map.
A very pretty knurling of the signed crown which allows a good grip.
The two-tone bezel indicating hours and minutes allows a clever "GMT function" for travelers.
I really like its polished skeleton hands and applied indexes.
There, I think I've covered this beauty.


The adventurer

ZRC est une maison horlog&egrave;re fond&eacute;e en 1904 &agrave; Gen&egrave;ve (Suisse) par Edmond Zuccolo et Joseph Rochet. N&eacute;e dans l&rsquo;univers des cha&icirc;nes de gousset puis des bracelets m&eacute;talliques extensibles, la marque s&rsquo;adresse aujourd&rsquo;hui aux amateurs de plongeuses-outils iconiques, rendue c&eacute;l&egrave;bre par sa Grands Fonds d&eacute;velopp&eacute;e pour la Marine nationale &agrave; partir des ann&eacute;es 1960.
<h3>Couronne &agrave; 6 h, bo&icirc;tier monobloc et esprit Marine nationale</h3>
Con&ccedil;ue pour r&eacute;pondre aux contraintes op&eacute;rationnelles des plongeurs-d&eacute;mineurs fran&ccedil;ais, la Grands Fonds adopte la couronne &agrave; 6 h, un bo&icirc;tier monobloc et des solutions maison comme l&rsquo;ECS (Easy Clean System) et le CPS (Crown Protection System). Dans la pratique, la couronne &agrave; 6 h et le CPS emp&ecirc;chent de porter la montre si la couronne n&rsquo;est pas parfaitement viss&eacute;e, limitant ainsi les risques d&rsquo;erreur avant immersion ; l&rsquo;ECS facilite le rin&ccedil;age pour &eacute;viter la cristallisation du sel sous la lunette.
<h3>Grands Fonds et d&eacute;clinaisons contemporaines</h3>
La collection actuelle d&eacute;cline l&rsquo;ADN historique (lisibilit&eacute;, ergonomie de terrain, silhouette &laquo; outil &raquo;) en plusieurs tailles et niveaux de performance. Quel que soit le mod&egrave;le, l&rsquo;architecture et la signature &agrave; 6 h rendent la lecture imm&eacute;diate et l&rsquo;identit&eacute; instantan&eacute;ment reconnaissable.
<ul>
<li>ZRC Grands Fonds MN64 &mdash; Hommage aux sp&eacute;cifications Marine nationale, codes historiques de cadran et de lunette.</li>
<li>ZRC Grands Fonds Heritage&nbsp;&mdash; Gabarit plus contenu (38 mm) conservant la signature de couronne &agrave; 6 h pour les poignets fins.</li>
<li>ZRC Securicode &mdash; R&eacute;interpr&eacute;tation d&rsquo;un th&egrave;me de la fin des ann&eacute;es 1950/1960, avec &eacute;l&eacute;ments de style historiques.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Positionnement : outil pro, prix et distribution</h3>
La marque revendique un positionnement &laquo; instrument de plong&eacute;e &raquo; au sein de l&rsquo;horlogerie ind&eacute;pendante suisse, avec volumes de production non communiqu&eacute; et diffusion s&eacute;lective (d&eacute;taillants sp&eacute;cialis&eacute;s et vente directe). &Agrave; titre indicatif, de nombreuses r&eacute;f&eacute;rences acier se situent autour de 2 500&ndash;3 000 &euro;, tandis que des versions techniques en titane d&eacute;passent 4 000 &euro; ; certaines &eacute;ditions sp&eacute;ciales ou m&eacute;taux nobles s&rsquo;&eacute;tablissent nettement au-del&agrave;. Pr&eacute;sence confirm&eacute;e en France avec des &eacute;taillants comme <a href="https://www.bijouterie-clouzeau.fr/fr/marques/zrc-1904">Clouzeau</a> ou <a href="https://www.berenger.fr/fr/horlogerie-berenger/marques/zrc-1904">Berenger</a>, et sur quelques march&eacute;s Asie/Moyen-Orient via un r&eacute;seau resserr&eacute;.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
ZRC s&rsquo;adresse aux amateurs de montres-outils au style imm&eacute;diatement identifiable, qui privil&eacute;gient la fonctionnalit&eacute;, la lisibilit&eacute; et une signature de design forte. Le choix se fera entre un usage polyvalent quotidien (Grands Fonds 300/38), une filiation historique appuy&eacute;e (MN64, Securicode) ou une approche plus technique et extr&ecirc;me (Grands Fonds 3000 Titanium). Les acheteurs sensibles &agrave; l&rsquo;ergonomie appr&eacute;cieront la couronne &agrave; 6 h et la s&eacute;curit&eacute; du CPS ; les puristes salueront la coh&eacute;rence d&rsquo;ensemble. Pour &eacute;clairer votre d&eacute;cision au-del&agrave; de la fiche technique, fiez-vous&nbsp;aux avis clients Dialicious, utiles pour comprendre confort, lisibilit&eacute; r&eacute;elle et ressenti au port&eacute;.
(Mise &agrave; jour Ao&ucirc;t 2025)

ZRC is a watch brand founded in 1904 in Geneva, Switzerland, by Edmond Zuccolo and Joseph Rochet. Born in the field of pocket-watch chains and later expandable metal bracelets, the brand now caters to enthusiasts of iconic tool divers, made famous by its Grands Fonds developed for the French Navy from the 1960s onward.
<h3>6 o&rsquo;clock crown, monobloc case and French Navy spirit</h3>
Engineered to meet the operational demands of French Navy mine-clearance divers, the Grands Fonds features a 6 o&rsquo;clock crown, a monobloc case and in-house solutions such as ECS (Easy Clean System) and CPS (Crown Protection System). In practice, the 6 o&rsquo;clock crown and CPS prevent the watch from being worn unless the crown is fully screwed down, reducing user error prior to immersion; ECS helps flush out salt to prevent crystallization under the bezel.
<h3>Grands Fonds and contemporary variants</h3>
The current collection translates the historical DNA (legibility, field ergonomics, tool-watch silhouette) into multiple sizes and performance levels. Whichever the model, the 6 o&rsquo;clock signature ensures instant readability and an immediately recognisable identity.
<ul>
<li>ZRC Grands Fonds MN64 &mdash; Core diver inspired by 1964, 300 m, bold legibility for versatile daily wear.</li>
<li>ZRC Grands Fonds Hertiage &mdash; Smaller 38 mm option retaining the 6 o&rsquo;clock crown signature for slimmer wrists.</li>
<li>ZRC Securicode &mdash; Reinterpretation of a late-1950s/1960s theme with historical design elements.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Positioning: pro tool, pricing and distribution</h3>
The brand&rsquo;s stance is that of an independent Swiss &ldquo;diving instrument,&rdquo; with production volumes not disclosed and selective distribution (specialist retailers and direct sales). As a guide, many steel references sit around &euro;2,500&ndash;3,000, while technical titanium pieces exceed &euro;4,000; special editions or precious-metal variants are significantly higher. Presence is established in Europe such as <a href="https://www.soprana.com/zrc-1904/?lang=en">Soprana</a> in Italy or <a href="https://junod-lausanne.ch/fr/collections/zrc">Junod</a> in Switzerland, and selected Asian/Middle-Eastern markets through a tight retail network.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
ZRC speaks to those who value immediately recognisable tool-watch design with functional clarity and a strong signature. Your choice will likely fall between versatile daily wear (Grands Fonds 300/38), an emphatic historical link (MN64, Securicode), or a more technical, extreme approach (Grands Fonds 3000 Titanium). Ergonomics benefit from the 6 o&rsquo;clock crown and CPS safety; purists will appreciate the overall coherence. To refine your decision beyond the spec sheet, rely on Dialicious customer reviews to understand comfort, real-world legibility and on-wrist feel.
(Updated August 2025)

The&nbsp;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, H&eacute;ritage with a France &Eacute;bauches movement, highly tool-oriented Tactik and finally the 39 mm N&eacute;r&eacute;e intended to combine diving with everyday use.
<h3>Design &amp; legibility: the seabed as a graphic identity</h3>
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, H&eacute;ritage adopts the codes of 1950s and 1960s dive watches, Tactik prioritises 3D Lum markers and operational legibility, while N&eacute;r&eacute;e 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.
<h3>Case, bezel and comfort: from the 41 mm tool watch to the 39 mm N&eacute;r&eacute;e</h3>
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 H&eacute;ritage adopts a thicker profile because of its double-domed crystal. The most important development in comfort arrives with the 39 mm C-02 N&eacute;r&eacute;e. 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.
<h3>Movement: Miyota, Soprod, France &Eacute;bauches and then Sellita</h3>
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 H&eacute;ritage marks a much more symbolic step in 2023 with a France &Eacute;bauches movement manufactured, decorated and regulated in France and providing around 44 hours of power reserve. The diversity of successive calibres reflects Akrone&rsquo;s desire to adapt the mechanics to the positioning of each C-02. Tactik and N&eacute;r&eacute;e 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.
<h3>Chronological milestones and main models (2020&ndash;2025)</h3>
(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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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 H&eacute;ritage D&eacute;compression French Calibre:
The C-02 H&eacute;ritage 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 H&eacute;ritage D&eacute;compression 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 &Eacute;bauches 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 H&eacute;ritage 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 H&eacute;ritage.
(2025) Akrone C-02 N&eacute;r&eacute;e Sunset Gradient Dial:
The N&eacute;r&eacute;e develops the C-02 into a more compact, more colourful dive watch that is easier to wear every day. The Akrone C-02 N&eacute;r&eacute;e 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.
<h3>Choosing the right version: generation, diameter, movement and genuine use in water</h3>
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. N&eacute;r&eacute;e 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 N&eacute;r&eacute;e 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. H&eacute;ritage 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. H&eacute;ritage better suits someone who appreciates vintage dive watches, a double-domed crystal and the special character of the France &Eacute;bauches 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 &Eacute;bauches contributes greater originality and the Sellita SW200 in Tactik and N&eacute;r&eacute;e 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 &Eacute;bauches, 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 N&eacute;r&eacute;e 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&rsquo; opinions are essential.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
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 H&eacute;ritage, operational Tactik and then the more compact and colourful N&eacute;r&eacute;e. 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,&nbsp;Dialicious customer reviews provide a useful complement to the technical approach.
(Updated August 2026)

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