The RZE Resolute Type A: A Modern Pilot’s Watch Worth Considering
Just a month ago, I introduced the RZE Resolute Type A on Fratello, and since then, I’ve had the chance to dive deep into the black-dial model. The question I aimed to answer: Is this watch another potential hit that offers exceptional value from RZE?
The black dial version, paired with a matching TecTuff strap, comes in at US$499. If you’re looking for a more premium feel, you can opt for a titanium bracelet, which raises the price to US$699. Let’s take a closer look.
Exploring the RZE Resolute Type A
The RZE Resolute is known as the brand’s adventurous staple, but this iteration gives it a fresh spin as a modern pilot’s watch. Boasting a 39.5mm diameter, 46mm length, and a sleek 11.5mm thickness, the watch is crafted from UltraHex-coated Grade 2 titanium, ensuring both lightweight comfort and impressive scratch resistance. It features a screw-down crown and a water resistance rating of 100m—making it a solid choice for any aviation enthusiast.
At its heart, the RZE Resolute Type A runs on the automatic Miyota caliber 82S0, featuring manual winding, hacking, and operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. It provides an impressive 42-hour power reserve and is partially visible through a rainbow-shaped aperture in the case back, lending it a hint of sophistication for an otherwise straightforward caliber.
Dial Design: A Nod to Aviation Heritage
The RZE Resolute Type A’s dial pays homage to aviation history, reminiscent of Type A dials used in German Luftwaffe watches during World War II. Five manufacturers, including IWC, Stowa, and Laco, were commissioned to create pilots’ watches for the German Air Force. Today, many still produce Type A-inspired timepieces.
This detail has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of referencing a design rooted in a contentious past. While some brands embrace this heritage, the conversation raises important questions about glorifying or romanticizing a fraught history.
Wearing the RZE Resolute Type A
Putting on the RZE Resolute Type A is a delight. Despite its dimensions feeling modest for a pilot’s watch, it offers a generous wrist presence without overwhelming the wearer. This watch hits that sweet spot in the 39–40mm range, making it versatile for sport watches.
With an 11.5mm profile, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. The shorter 46mm lug-to-lug measurement makes it ideal for various wrist sizes, including my 18cm wrist. The watch’s legibility is superb, though I would prefer a cleaner look with white lume instead of the beige used here.
Build Quality and Finishing
Where the RZE Resolute Type A truly excels is its build quality and finishing. RZE opts for a focused approach—excelling in a few key areas rather than spreading itself thin. The bead-blasted finish gives the case a modern and sturdy appearance, while the sharp, crisp dial adds a sense of luxury that belies its price point.
Final Thoughts on the RZE Resolute Type A
I consistently find RZE watches to be impressive, combining a distinctive aesthetic with a build quality that exceeds expectations. The RZE Resolute Type A follows suit, delivering remarkable value for your money. While some watches in this segment leave me wanting more, this one doesn’t.
Would I personally choose this version? Perhaps not; the original Resolute holds a stronger identity for the RZE brand, showcasing its design language with a higher-grade Miyota caliber. Nevertheless, I’d gladly recommend this model to anyone who appreciates its style, especially given its affordability. The RZE Resolute Type A is set to launch for presale on March 20th.
What are your thoughts on the latest offering from RZE? Share your opinions in the comments below!