RZE Goes Digital with the UTD-8000

With its collection focusing on capable outdoor watches, RZE is utilizing all that the watch world has to offer. From traditional automatic watches to solar power, the brand doesn't leave a technology un-utilized to meet the demands of its fans. With the UTD-8000, it now also adds a digital watch to it's line-up, and we are ready to take it through its paces.

There is one thing that immediately becomes apparent: The UTD-8000 isn't short on character. The layout of the display has a slightly retro look to it with the use of color, but everything is there to aid the different functions of the watch. Especially the silver grid not only keeps things organized, but also determines the character of this RZE. Upon closer examination, you see that the case is crafted with care and an eye for detail that you do not necessarily expect in this price range. RZE is charging $230 for the UTD-8000, and for that you are getting a sophisticated 42mm large case made from UltraHex titanium. This also explains where the name of the UTD-8000 is coming from, as it stands for UltraHex Titanium Digital.

The UltraHex titanium has a high-tech hue to it but is also highly resistant to scratches. The case has some nice angles to it, making it look quite sophisticated for such a tough watch. A nice feature is also the four screws that don't go into the bezel but stand more like around it. The four buttons stand out, and while I would have loved to have seen them more integrated into the design, I have to admit that they are now very, but not too easy, to operate, even when wearing gloves. The functions are kept to the most basic ones, including a perpetual calendar with day and date indication, chronograph, and alarm. Could RZE have included more functions? Probably, but the beauty of these is that they are what most of us use the most, and it keeps the UTD-8000 also very intuitive to operate.

I specifically requested the UTD-8000 with a negative display, as I like the way that it looks. This does come at a price, as it is slightly more difficult to read than the positive display. This might also be the reason why RZE is offering two versions, one with yellow details and the other with blue, in addition to the black negative display. The sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating on the inside, and RZE fitted the UTD-8000 also with a very good-looking LED backlight in a cool aquamarine color. The watch is water resistant up to 20ATM/200 meters and resistant to shock, vibrations, dust, as well as extreme temperatures so it will be a reliable partner in the great outdoors.

By now, some of you might think that this is a sponsored article, given my enthusiasm for the UTD-8000, but no money changed hands to write this text down. In fact, as a profound fan of the G-Shock 5000 series, I was ready to give this RZE a run for its money. While it doesn't have extensive functions of the G-Shock, the UTD-8000 can hold its ground. It is capable, sophisticated, and yes, even beautiful, making it a nice addition to digital watches already available in the market.

While the elasticized fabric strap wears very nicely, a $180 upgrade buys you a matching UltraHex titanium bracelet, which puts the watch as a whole in a higher tier. It is a well-constructed bracelet that comes with a quick-release option to switch back to the fabric strap at a moment's notice. The clasp is another reason to buy this bracelet, as it comes with an integrated micro-adjustment and a well-designed closure. This bracelet is of course also available on the other versions of the UTD-8000, and while it adds significantly to the initial price of the watch, the pricing is across the board still competitive, especially when you see what you get in return in terms of performance and looks.

For more info, visit RZE here.