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Each time RZE proclaims a brand new launch, I’m all ears. It’s no secret that we’re RZE followers right here at Fratello. However I used to be not simply curious when the model introduced a digital watch. Each time a model not recognized for digital watches releases one, it raises much more questions. In spite of everything, digital watches are simply as a lot about performance as they’re about aesthetics. You might even declare that almost all watch followers will purchase one expressly for its performance. I’m one in all them. So when the RZE UTD-8000-BK landed on my desk, I couldn’t wait to search out out extra.
Getting into the world of digital watches as a model that often provides mechanical ones could be daunting. You don’t want a mechanical motion from one of many conventional suppliers however a digital module to energy the watch. This implies you must discover a unique business for choices. That alone would maintain the overwhelming majority of watch manufacturers from even attempting to give you a plan to take action. However that doesn’t sound like the fellows at RZE. They love a very good problem, which is why they got down to create a digital watch of their very own. Mix that concept with the data that they produce light-weight titanium timepieces for an inexpensive value, and you’ll perceive that I used to be extra than simply .
Getting a really feel for the RZE UTD-8000-BK
Straight out of the field, the RZE UTD-8000-BK jogs my memory of the traditional G-Shock DW-5000-1A. In all equity, that impression is solely as a result of crimson, gentle blue, yellow, and white parts on the dial. The UTD-8000’s total design, nonetheless, is paying homage to one other G-Shock, the MRG-100-1. Having debuted in 1996, it was the primary chrome steel G-Shock and the beginning of the MR-G line. This new RZE mannequin feels considerably like an ideal fashionable model of that watch.
Let’s knock out the specs to get a common concept of the watch. The UTD-8000-BK contains a 42mm titanium case with a 13.4mm thickness and a 50.2mm lug-to-lug. I learn some feedback in regards to the watch being “too massive,” which I believed was unusual. Give these dimensions a little bit of context on this planet of mechanical watches, and the UTD-8000 is completely proportioned. Plus, within the context of digital watches, it may even be thought of modest in measurement. And to be frank, it felt superior on my wrist, however we’ll get to that later.
An ideal titanium digital watch
What I significantly respect about RZE is the usage of titanium for all its watches. Consequently, you by no means have to fret about what you get — a light-weight Grade 2 watch that may be a pleasure to put on. For the brand new UTD-8000 sequence, the model ensured you at all times do not forget that by placing a reminder on the higher a part of the broad bezel. On the decrease half, you’ll find an “ULTRAHEX” inscription, referring to the UltraHex coating on the titanium. This ends in a floor hardness of 1,200 Vickers, permitting you to put on the watch with out worrying about scratches.
As you may see, the spherical case with its broad bezel options 4 giant screws that give the watch its character. The dial holds three adverse shows that, from prime to backside, present the day, the time, and the month and date in customary mode. However as you’ll count on, the pushers on each side of the case permit you to use different capabilities of the proprietary module that powers the watch. A press of the lower-left pusher pulls up the menu, which lets you entry a 1/One centesimal-of-a-second chronograph, a number of alarms, hourly chime, and computerized calendar till 2099. You can even change between 12- and 24-hour shows for the time, and the top-left pusher prompts a useful backlight.
A proprietary module protected by a particular building
On the earth of G-Shock, these are primary capabilities for its common fashions. Do you want extra? I wouldn’t. I’ve loads of G-Shocks which have probably the most primary of modules, and I significantly get pleasure from them. As Thomas defined, the module is protected by a cushioned building for added shock resistance. Moreover, the watch is proof against water (200 meters of it), mud, corrosion, and, as talked about, scratches. This ensures that the UTD-8000 fits an energetic way of life, as all RZE watches do.
Relating to affixing the watch to your wrist, you’ve got two customary choices. The primary is an elastic strap (not pictured), and the second is the titanium H-link bracelet now we have seen on different RZE fashions. We obtained the watch with the bracelet in addition to a black RZE Hexaflex rubber strap (offered individually for US$69). I have to admit that the bracelet was my number-one decide. I like that full-titanium look, and it makes the UTD-8000-BK put on like a correct rugged titanium software watch.
The 20mm bracelet tapers properly from its finish hyperlinks to the push-button folding clasp. This clasp comes outfitted with RZE’s Quikcliq toolless micro-adjustment system, guaranteeing a simple technique to discover the right match in your wrist.
Sporting the RZE UTD-8000-BK
On the wrist, the RZE UTD-8000-BK wears very properly. I’ve reviewed a number of RZE watches over time, they usually’ve at all times pleasantly stunned me with how comfy they’re. This one was no exception. In fact, one massive think about that’s the light-weight titanium building. Nevertheless, the staff at RZE additionally focuses on practicality and wearability, and it reveals on this watch’s design.
The 42mm UTD-8000-BK has good proportions, and as talked about, it doesn’t really feel massive in any respect. I at all times need my rugged digital software watch to have a considerable presence. It provides it an air of competence, and the UTD-8000-BK definitely lives as much as that. In his intro article, Thomas commented on the watch’s appears to be like and the way the RZE staff honored the G-Shock’s designs. He phrased it considerably in a different way, although, as he would have cherished to see a extra unique type. I’m much less judgemental relating to that. In fact, I’d have cherished to see a very unique mannequin as properly, however we should keep in mind how dominant G-Shock has been within the design of digital watches over the past 40 years.
A comfortably acquainted type
The UTD-8000-BK’s type fits the G-Shock-defined style very properly. And it’s essential to perceive that the fellows at RZE are followers of G-Shock, so the colours and enormous textual content on the bezel are respectful nods to the model and its type. That mentioned, the precise textual content and, in fact, the model’s brand make it very particular to RZE. On this BK colorway, the watch has probably the most G-Shock vibes. The blue (UTD-8000-NB) and yellow (UTD-8000-MY) fashions that RZE provides tone these down a bit.
General, I had a good time with the watch, each on the bracelet and RZE’s Hexaflex rubber strap. Now, this begs the query of why you may decide this RZE over a G-Shock. The reply is easy: it’s a full-titanium digital watch that wears like a allure for less than US$369 (full retail value with the bracelet and elastic strap). Individuals conversant in G-Shock’s present choices will know that the titanium fashions begin at roughly 5 instances that value and transfer as much as greater than €3K. In that gentle, what RZE provides here’s a cut price.
Closing ideas on the RZE UTD-8000-BK
What you get in return for the cash spent on the RZE UTD-8000-BK is a brilliantly competent titanium digital software watch. It celebrates the G-Shock aesthetic properly with out forgetting the signature RZE parts. That was my primary takeaway from this hands-on expertise. At no level did I’ve the sensation I used to be sporting anything than an RZE watch. Even higher, it was an incredible reminder that I ought to add the model’s Fortitude GMT Nighthawk to my assortment, as I’ve acknowledged a number of instances. That’s my favourite inexpensive titanium day by day wearer.
Affordability can be a cornerstone of the UTD-8000 sequence. At present, all three variations can be found for pre-order with the elastic strap for US$169 or with the bracelet and strap for US$329. Supply for these pre-orders is scheduled for June 2025. After the pre-order interval, costs will improve to US$219 and US$369, respectively. Even at full MSRP, although, that’s tremendous inexpensive for a full-titanium watch. Placing that in perspective reveals that the UTD-8000 is solely a formidable tour de drive that RZE managed to drag off. Not many different manufacturers would and even may make occur. Compliments to the RZE staff for accepting the problem and succeeding brilliantly.
What do you consider the brand new RZE UTD-8000? Tell us within the feedback under!
