If you were at the recent District Time watch show in DC, you might have met me at the RZE table. For obvious reasons, it was not practical for RZE owner Travis Tan to make the trip from Singapore this year, so I agreed to be his representative. It was great fun and I got to see firsthand how watch enthusiasts reacted to the products. I had a selection of RZE (and sister brand HVD) watches on display, including the subjects of this review: the Resolute 2022 and Supercompressor prototypes, both of which are available for pre-order today.
Like all RZE models, these two will be constructed of titanium. This makes sense, not only because RZE, as a brand, is a “purveyor of tough titanium goods” but because titanium’s low weight and high strength make it an ideal material for tool watches. Toughness is further enhanced with UltraHex coating that hardens it to 1200hv. I’m generally skeptical of such claims, but I’ve worn my RZE Endeavour on-and-off for about a year now and the only mark is where I have repeatedly scraped the clasp’s flip-lock against the last link. It is otherwise unmarked.
RZE makes their bracelets out of the same stuff, ensuring that the whole unit will be exceptionally comfortable over long periods of wear. You can see the Supercompressor bracelet here. The 2022 will have one as well and it should be nearly identical but the prototype arrived on white canvas with a matching signed buckle instead. Both bracelets will have screwed links and stainless steel push-button clasps finished to match the titanium. These prototypes were both bead-blasted but the production Resolute 2022 will be brushed.
The two new watches sport the same unadorned case backs that you would find on any previous RZE, but what is underneath is all new. The brand has left the stalwart Seiko NH35 behind and embraced the smooth 28.8k bph Miyota 90S5. Both watches also feature signed, screw-down crowns, AR-coated sapphire crystals, and a 200m water resistance ratings.
I’ll start by exploring the RZE Resolute 2022’s new 3, 6, 9 dial. (“Exploring!” Get it? See what I did there?) RZE’s take on that familiar layout features raised markers on a sand-textured dial. This one, as you can see, is Candy Pink.
Other colors are Arctic Gray, Full C3 Lume, Medallion Yellow, and Forest Green. Following in the style of first Resolute and the Endeavour, the markers all have rounded corners, even the numbers and triangle. Hand and marker lume is bright BGW9.
RZE fans will recognize that case from the first Resolute. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and there is nothing broke about that case design. You will find the same angular drilled lugs, faceted case sides and crown guards, the same lean athletic shape. The 2022 measures 40mm wide, 46mm long, and 10.5mm thick with 20mm between the lugs. It’s a great fit on a 6.75″ wrist, and slides easily under a buttoned shirt cuff.
If you liked the original Resolute, and you like Explorer dials, then you are going to like the new model too. My only criticism is that the white-on-pink may be too subtle for some. I preferred the bright yellow and those seeking maximum contrast will likely gravitate towards the black dial.
As nice as the 2022 was, the Glacier White Supercompressor stole the show. It seemed like everyone who stopped by the RZE tale at District Time had to pick it up — and I do mean everyone. People were drawn to its sensible proportions (40x46x12mm) but refused to believe they were true. Specifically, they couldn’t process its 40mm width because it appeared narrower. Most guesses were between 36mm and 38mm. The slightly oblong case shape played a role in that but really, it was the combination of the black bezel and white dial that did it. It makes you focus on the smaller white area to the exclusion of the darker colors framing it. I dig the illusion but those looking for greater wrist presence would do well to order something more like the Kevlar Black as that will make the dial, and therefore the watch, appear slightly larger. Sky Blue is also an option but personally, I think the big seller will be the Medallion Yellow.
The next common question was either “is it a real supercompressor” or “what is a supercompressor?” I happily explained that this supercompressor case has a spring-loaded case back that squeezes down harder against its Viton gasket to increase water resistance as descends. So, yes. The RZE Supercompressor is totally legit, not merely a supercompressor-style case. By the way, don’t believe the 100m written on the dial (remember it’s a prototype) the production watch will be a proper 200m.
Similar to the Endeavour, the Supercompressor uses pill-shaped markers that are filled with two colors of lume. I really like the effect as it adds a pleasant two-tone effect day or night. On this model, the accent color is light blue to match the minute hand. Flip out the lights and boom: the Glacier White model is a full-lume dial. Did I mention that the internal bezel is lumed too?
That bezel moves smoothly via the 2 o’clock crown. More importantly, it locks. I’ve encountered more than a few internal bezel watches that are rendered nearly useless by prominent crowns that turn with every little nudge. Not so here, both crowns screw down securely, protecting both water resistance and bezel integrity.
The Resolute 2022 is selling for $399 at launch (March 14-31, 2022 while stocks last), then increasing to $439, before hitting the full retail of $499 on June 1. The Supercompressor launches at $599, then up to $639 before landing at $699. If you are so inclined (I don’t see why you would not) I’d strongly recommend jumping on board soon, not only because of the discounted price but because, if history is any guide, the most desirable colors will sell out quickly. Visit RZEwatches.com for more.
