The RLE3 represents the third iteration of the Russia Limited Edition made by Gruppo Gamma for AP Time Ltd. (also known as Gruppo Gamma Russia and Mi-Watch).
This time the watch has been co-designed with the support of our friends and clients. In fact the blue sunburst dial is a tribute to the first RLE launched back in 2016 and marine grade CuSn8 bronze has been chosen as the case material to meet the strong demand for bronze watches. Both the watch and the buckle will be delivered to you sealed so you can start your own patina journey.
The caseback is made of stainless steel and has engraved one of the symbols of Saint Petersburg, the pinnacle from the Admiralty building, which complements ideally the maritime theme of the model and the first RLE (that had the Kremlin). Moreover, we have recently started selling our watches at the Submarina Boutique in the historical center of Saint Petersburg.
Most Gruppo Gamma long-time fans will recognize the sandwich supernova dial, seen previously on Genesis and Ascent models. This time it will have a Swiss vintage ecru lume, which is vintage only in terms of look, as the brightness is very strong.
We designed a complete collection of straps for the RLE3 with our good friend, Brusnitcyn, a well-known artisan from Saint Petersburg that has made straps for our previous LEs. One strap will be included with the watch and you will have the possibility to choose and order additional straps that will be made to measure exclusively for you (any width/length, stitching, initials, etc). For the first time ever for a Gruppo Gamma you will be able to get a bund strap made to measure for the RLE3 (and compatible with many other models too).
Technical specifications
Case
Mk IV Vanguard, CuSn8 bronze, brushed, water resistance 200m
Diameter 44mm, length 54mm lug-to-lug, height 13.5mm, lug width 24mm, weight 135g with strap
Low profile double-domed sapphire crystal with underside anti-reflective coating, stainless steel caseback secured by screws, screw lock crown
Bolt-on crown guard, stainless steel case side guard
120-click unidirectional rotatable bezel, pip marker with Swiss Super-LumiNova® vintage color
Movement
ETA 2824-2, automatic bi-directional winding, 28800 bph, accuracy between -30 to +30 s/ day, power reserve 38 hrs, Swiss made
Dial
Blue supernova sunburst sandwich dial, markers filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova® vintage color
Gold color hour and minute hands and red seconds hand, with Swiss Super-LumiNova® vintage color
Strap
Calf leather by Brusnitcyn, handmade in Saint Petersburg, sand, width 24/22mm with matching bronze buckle, 125/75mm
*Leather has been treated to achieve a distressed look — scars, uneven texture etc. are deliberate, and no two straps are alike
Accessories
Screwdriver for strap changes, travel pouch
Vanguard
First introduced in 2014, the Vanguard is retro-inspired and infused with contemporary touches - a re-imagination of what the dive watches used by frogmen in the '40s could have evolved into.
The Vanguard has retained its distinctive character over the years and stayed faithful to the minimalist design of the earliest Gruppo Gamma timepieces.
