Ratio RTFL Review: A Diver and Traveler’s Perspective

When people find out that I spend a good part of the year traveling and diving around the Philippines, one question comes up surprisingly often: Do you still wear a regular dive watch when you already own a dive computer? The short answer is yes. As much as I appreciate the technology behind modern dive computers, I don’t necessarily want another screen on my wrist when I’m exploring a new city, catching a sunrise flight, or enjoying dinner after a day underwater. That’s exactly why I was curious to spend some time with the Ratio RTFL Freediver Women’s Collection.

This isn’t a dive computer disguised as a watch, nor does it try to be. Instead, it embraces what a traditional automatic dive watch is meant to do: tell time reliably, survive demanding environments, and look good whether you’re underwater or nowhere near the ocean. After taking a closer look at its specifications and design, here’s my honest take on whether the Ratio RTFL deserves a place in a traveler’s collection.

First Impressions on the Ratio RTFL

The first thing I noticed was that the watch doesn’t feel oversized especially on my thin wrist like my dive computers or overly tactical. With a 35 mm stainless steel case, it strikes a nice balance between sporty and versatile. It looks just as natural paired with swimwear as it does with casual travel clothes. As someone who spends more days hopping between airports, boats, and island accommodations than sitting behind a desk, versatility matters. I don’t want to pack different watches for different occasions.

The Ratio RTFL feels like one watch that can comfortably do both.

Built for More Than Just Diving

On paper, the specifications are already impressive for its price point. It features a 316L stainless steel case, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a screw-down crown, a 200-meter water resistance rating, a unidirectional dive bezel, and the trusted NH35 automatic movement. None of these features are particularly flashy on their own. Together, however, they create a watch that feels reassuringly capable.

The sapphire crystal immediately stood out to me because travel isn’t exactly gentle on gear. Between carrying camera equipment, squeezing through airport security, climbing onto dive boats, and scrambling over rocky shorelines, watches inevitably take a few knocks. Knowing the crystal is highly scratch resistant gives me a little more confidence wearing it every day instead of saving it for special occasions.

An Automatic Watch

One of the many things about the Ratio RTFL is that, it has nothing to do with diving. It doesn’t need charging. That may sound simple, but frequent travelers know exactly how valuable that can be. On most trips, I’m already charging my phone, drone batteries, action cameras, laptop, microphones, power banks, underwater lights, and yes, my dive computer. Adding one more device to that nightly charging routine isn’t the end of the world, but it is another thing to remember.

An automatic movement removes that small inconvenience. As long as I’m wearing the watch regularly, it simply keeps running. It’s a small luxury that becomes surprisingly satisfying during long trips.

A Dive Watch Is Not a Dive Computer

This is probably the most important point I want to make. The Ratio RTFL should never be viewed as a replacement for a dive computer.

As a diver, I would still rely on a dedicated dive computer for depth, no-decompression limits, ascent rate, and safety information. Those features are essential, and no traditional dive watch can replace them. Instead, I see this watch as something that complements my dive gear rather than competing with it. When the dive ends, my dive computer usually comes off. The Ratio RTFL stays on.

That’s an important distinction because most of our travels actually happen above water.

Comfortable Enough for Everyday Travel

One thing I appreciate is that the design doesn’t scream “professional dive equipment.” The dial remains clean and easy to read, while the bezel gives it enough character without becoming distracting. Whether I’m exploring heritage streets, boarding another ferry, or spending an afternoon editing photos in a café, it never feels out of place. That’s often where many dive watches struggle. Some become so large and aggressive that they’re difficult to wear every day. The Ratio RTFL avoids that problem by keeping its proportions practical.

Reliability Matters More Than Fancy Features

Watch enthusiasts have trusted the NH35 movement for years, and for good reason. It has built a reputation for reliability, reasonable accuracy, and relatively straightforward servicing. As someone who spends a lot of time away from home, I actually value that more than having an extensive list of digital functions. If a mechanical watch eventually needs servicing years down the road, finding someone familiar with the NH35 is usually much easier than dealing with highly specialized electronic components.

Sometimes simplicity becomes an advantage.

A Few Things Worth Considering about the Ratio RTFL

No product is perfect, and the Ratio RTFL is no exception.

Although I personally like its straightforward design, some people may find it a little conservative compared to watches with more distinctive styling. If you’re looking for something that immediately grabs attention across the room, this may not be your first choice. Being an automatic watch also means you’ll need to reset the time if it sits unused for several days. That’s simply part of owning any mechanical watch, although many enthusiasts actually enjoy that ritual. While the 35 mm case is generally considered versatile, comfort is always subjective.

Lastly, while the bracelet feels solid overall, individual preferences for bracelets are highly personal. Some travelers may eventually swap it for a rubber or NATO-style strap depending on their activities. None of these are deal breakers in my opinion, but they’re worth mentioning if you’re considering the watch.

Who Is the Ratio RTFL Best For?

I think this watch makes the most sense for people who live active lifestyles beyond diving alone.

If you travel frequently, enjoy snorkeling, freediving, island hopping, or simply want a dependable everyday automatic watch with genuine dive capability, the Ratio RTFL offers a compelling package. If you’re expecting a watch that performs the role of a dive computer, you’ll probably be disappointed because that’s simply not its purpose.

But if you’re looking for a reliable companion that transitions naturally from airports to beaches, boats, cafés, and underwater adventures, it starts making a lot of sense.

Final Verdict

After spending time learning what the Ratio RTFL offers, I came away appreciating it for what it is instead of comparing it with products designed for entirely different purposes. It isn’t trying to replace a dive computer, smartwatch, or fitness tracker. It’s a dependable automatic dive watch that happens to fit remarkably well into a travel lifestyle. For me, that’s its biggest strength.

As someone who spends countless hours above and below the water, I like having a watch that doesn’t constantly ask for my attention. It quietly keeps time while I focus on the places I’m exploring and the moments I’m experiencing.

Would I still wear my dive computer during some my dives? Absolutely.

Would I happily wear the Ratio RTFL for everything else before, during, and after the adventure?

Without hesitation, yes.