Hands-On with the RZE Resolute Type A

RZE has made quite a name for itself in a relatively short period of time with its robust adventure watches. The Resolute Type A continues this tradition by taking the classic pilot’s watch layout and giving it a contemporary twist.

Bold sword hands show the time at a glance, by both day and night, as they are filled with Super-LumiNova. The same goes for the chapter ring, as well as the Arabic numerals on the dial. The chapter ring is placed higher than the dial itself, adding depth, and the same goes for the Arabic numerals and the traditional triangle with a dot on each side, which traditionally marks the 12 o’clock position on pilot’s watches.

For this particular version of the Resolute Type A, RZE opted for a bold color combination, pairing a black chapter ring with a warm yellow dial. The contrast works very nicely, but might be too bold for some. RZE also opted for purity, so there’s no date window in sight, but the dial does get a slightly grainy texture, which reduces glare and gives it a higher-end vibe. It is all protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating only on the inside, as RZE knows that putting it on the outside can result in visible wear, degrading the legibility of the watch.

The case features RZE’s signature angular design, which adds to the character of the watch. The diameter is a pleasant 39.5mm. This makes it large enough to support easy legibility, yet not so large that it might interfere with any of your adventure activities. The 11.5mm height is also pleasant, as it gives the watch a bit of body but will still go under the cuff of a shirt, sweater, or coat.

When it comes to movements, RZE has always looked for reliability and precision combined with a competitive price and easy servicing. The automatic Miyota caliber 28S0 is just that, and part of it can be seen through the insert in the UltraHex titanium caseback. The robust construction, including the screw-down crown, ensures 100 meters of water resistance, even allowing you to scuba dive with it.

RZE delivers the Resolute Type A standard on a TecTuff leather strap in navy. TecTuff is leather with a polyurethane coating to enhance scuff resistance and overall durability. However, when you really want to take things to the next level, opt for RZE’s UltraHex titanium bracelet. While the $219 may seem rather steep compared to the $499 price of the Resolute Type A, note that this watch is already very competitively priced, and most brands are happy to charge $219 or more for a stainless-steel folding clasp.

While the design of the bracelet has a hint of the Rolex Oysterquartz and Land-Dweller, it is different in many ways. Crafted from UltraHex titanium, it offers the same 1,200 Vickers hardness as the case while feeling very supple and light around the wrist. Where the Resolute Type A weighs 46 grams on a strap, the bracelet adds only 53 grams, making the watch on a bracelet weigh a mere 99 grams.

The oversized folding clasp houses a micro-adjustment system to further increase wearing comfort. This also underscores the Resolute Type A’s status as an adventure watch, because the bracelet can very easily cope with temperature changes that make your wrist either thicker or more slender. Both the straps and the bracelet are fitted with a quick-release system, so you can even switch between them in a matter of seconds.

Even — or should I say especially — with the $219 added for the UltraHex bracelet, the RZE Resolute Type A offers considerable value and a good chance of becoming a favorite daily wearer in your watch collection. When yellow is a bit too brash for you, RZE also offers the Resolute Type A in a “Polaris White” tuxedo configuration, as well as the classic “Carbon Black,” with an entirely black dial.