The New RZE Resolute Type A

Just under a month ago, I published the introduction article for the RZE Resolute Type A here on Fratello. I got the chance to go hands-on with the black-dial model in the meantime to see what’s what. I spent some solid time with it to try to answer one question: Is this another value-packed potential hit for RZE?

The watch you see here, with a black dial and a matching TecTuff strap, costs US$499. Alternatively, you can opt for a titanium bracelet, upping the price to US$699. Let’s see how we fared.

The RZE Resolute Type A

You may know the RZE Resolute as the brand’s general adventure watch. This latest version turns it into a modern take on a classical pilot’s watch. In this guise, the watch has a 39.5mm diameter, 46mm length, and 11.5mm thickness. Executed in UltraHex-coated Grade 2 titanium, it pairs lightness with scratch resistance. You get a screw-down crown and a 100m water resistance rating, which is ample for nearly any watch, especially an aviation-themed one.

Inside ticks the automatic Miyota caliber 82S0. It offers manual winding and hacking, runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour, and provides a 42-hour power reserve from a full wind. RZE put it on partial display via a rainbow-shaped aperture in the case back. This is a neat solution that makes it look fancier than this rather spartan caliber actually is.

The dials feature two layers, which isn’t very noticeable on the black model. On the white and yellow models, however, you get a contrasting black minute track hovering over the main dial. While the other two versions come with crisp white lume, this black model features beige lume. I would call it faux patina, but it doesn’t actually look vintage at all due to the thoroughly modern context in which it sits.

Some words on the RZE Resolute Type A’s dial

As I explained in last month’s introduction article, the RZE Resolute Type A features a dial that harks back to aviation history. Type A dials originated in German Luftwaffe-commissioned watches from the WWII era. Originally, five manufacturers provided the German Air Force with pilots’ watches, or Fliegeruhren, namely, IWC, Stowa, Laco, A. Lange & Söhne, and Wempe. All but A. Lange & Söhne still produce Type A-inspired pilot’s watches today.

This always sparks debate, and so it did in the comments section below the introduction article. Is it problematic for a watch brand to reference something that originated from the Nazi regime? The brands mentioned above clearly don’t think so. Some of them even go so far as to continue to engrave the Reichsluftfahrtministerium’s item designation on the case flanks. Are we glorifying or romanticizing this problematic history?

I, frankly, don’t have the answer. I don’t know where exactly to draw the line. What I do know is that it isn’t RZE’s intention to go here at all. Then again, I guess you can only figure out for yourself if something like the Type A and Type B dial layouts are too tainted or not. With that, I will park the subject and give the watch the review it otherwise deserves.

Wearing the Type A

Strapping the RZE Resolute Type A to the wrist is a rather pleasurable experience. While its dimensions may seem small for a pilot’s watch, it doesn’t wear small at all. It has plenty of wrist presence without feeling overpowering. The 39–40mm range for sports watches like this somehow often feels neutral, not large or small. The same applies here.

Although the 11.5mm profile isn’t excessive, the watch wears fairly thick. Due to the protruding case back, it sits off the wrist a bit. Don’t get me wrong, though; this isn’t problematic at all since the RZE Resolute Type A is a sports watch through and through.

I particularly appreciate the fairly short 46mm lug-to-lug measurement. This means the Resolute Type A sits well within the confines of my 18cm wrist — and most wrists, for that matter. As expected, the legibility is superb, although I could do without the beige lume. I reckon white-on-black would look cleaner and even more legible.

Build and finishing

Here’s where it gets really good: the RZE Resolute Type A offers build quality and finishing that punch way above the watch’s weight. RZE takes a clever approach here. Rather than do a lot poorly, the brand does very few things but makes sure to do them well. The case features only bead-blasted finishing, but the lines are nice and clear.

Similarly, the dial appears super crisp and sharp. The black is nice and inky, while the raised perimeter provides a bit of depth. The printing looks neat and more expensive than the US$499 price suggests. Operating the crown kind of detracts from that experience, as this Miyota caliber feels a bit grainy. Then again, it serves its purpose, and you have to keep the price down somewhere.

Closing thoughts on the RZE Resolute Type A

I always find RZE watches impressive. They combine an original, recognizable aesthetic with a build and spec sheet exceeding what you might reasonably expect. The RZE Resolute Type A is no different. It offers a lot of bang for the buck. While many watches in this segment leave me wanting more, this doesn’t.

Would I pick this version? Maybe not. I think the original Resolute is stronger in terms of being an original RZE. The brand’s design language is more prominently on display there. Also, it comes with a higher-grade Miyota caliber. Still, I would have no issue at all recommending this to anyone who likes the style, especially since it is also quite a bit more affordable. The RZE Resolute Type A will go on presale on March 20th.

What do you think of the latest RZE offering? Let us know in the comments section below!