Introducing: The Superfly RZE Resolute Type A

September 16, 2013

Although the Singaporean brand RZE has only been around for five years, it quickly cemented itself as a fan-favorite microbrand. Combining a strong visual identity with unique technical execution and very sharp pricing, RZEs founders have a winning recipe in hand. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing the next model, the Resolute Type A.Unlike most of RZEs offerings, the Resolute Type A hints at historical watchmaking. It does so, however, in a distinctly modern and fresh manner. Lets have a closer look!Type A and Type BTo understand the RZE Resolute Type A, we first need to understand Type A and Type B dials. This endeavor takes us back to the 1940s, when the German Luftwaffe ordered watches from five manufacturers - IWC, Stowa, Laco, A. Lange & S?hne, and Wempe. As with the famous Dirty Dozen watches on the other side, these watches were made to government specifications. They became known as Fliegeruhren (pilot watches) or Beobachtungsuhren (observation watches), often shortened to B-uhren.The first military spec required the dials to be black with white printing, for optimal legibility in bright cockpits. The layout became iconic for pilots watches up until today, with minute hashes all around and 11 Arabic-numeral hour markers printed beside them. Lastly, at 12, you find a triangle with two dots, intended to facilitate easy orientation. This symbol, too, became iconic, sometimes lovingly described as a chicken head-on. 1940s Laco B-uhr - Image: Bonhams RZE Fortitude Type B Beobachtungsuhren featured a more intricate dial layout with 60-minute hashes, five-minute numerals, and a triangle in an outer sector and a more prominent display of the hours around the center of the dial. RZE already released its modified take on this dial style with the Fortitude line. If you want to typify both styles, you could say Type A focuses on instant legibility, while Type B prioritizes precision over speed.The new RZE Resolute Type AThe new RZE Resolute Type A brings the classic Type A dial layout to the RZE Resolute family. This is an RZE watch through and through, meaning you get a brushed Grade 2 titanium case with UltraHex coating to prevent scratches. The case has a 39.5mm diameter, a 46mm lug-to-lug, and an 11.5mm thickness. You could argue this sits on the modest side for a classic pilots watch. Then again, this is RZEs modern interpretation of one, so creative freedom is certainly allowed. RZE promises an ample 100m water resistance ratingInside ticks the automatic Miyota caliber 82S0. This affordable Japanese movement offers unidirectional winding, a 3Hz (21,600vph) frequency, and a 42-hour power reserve. With a 5.7mm profile, it is on the slightly thicker side for time-only movements. Crucially, though, it is a dependable workhorse, which is what you want in a tool watch like this. You can see part of the movement through a curved aperture in the titanium case back, a cool feature that looks reminiscent of a cockpit gauge.The watch comes on an RZE TecTuff strap, measuring 20mm wide and offering a bayonet-operated quick-release spring bar. Alternatively, you can opt for a titanium bracelet with a flattened five-row design.The RZE Resolute Type A dial optionsThe latest Resolute model has the vintage Type A dial layout with some RZE flavor sprinkled on top. You can choose from a classical Carbon Black variant with beige lume, a Polaris White option with black markings, and a Medallion Yellow version. Both the white and yellow dials feature a black ring around the perimeter, which is home to the minute track. More precisely, all three colors have this black ring, but it shows as a contrasting element on the white and yellow only. All the dials also have an applied RZE logo below the index and triangle at 12.Out of the three, the yellow dial is probably the most like RZE. Weve seen this signature color on several of the brands models, including the typical grainy texture. The black and white variants further modernize the theme with a pale orange seconds hand.While the white and yellow variants feel thoroughly modern, the black adds a hint of vintage flavor. The usually crisp white lume is executed in an aged-radium-like hue here. Interestingly, through its contrast with the stark, modern case, it appears more beige than faux patina. After all, this doesnt look like a recently unearthed 80-year-old relic in the slightest.Coming soonRZE will open the preorder window on March 20th. At the time of writing, we have no information on pricing or lead times after that. Interestingly, the brand offers a fun campaign to keep fans occupied in the meantime. Those interested can register on the website and then participate in a photo competition of sorts.Posting photos on Instagram of your RZE in different travel-related backdrops earns you points. Those points can be used to unlock special perks once the preorder opens. It is all very secretive and playful. More info will be shared with those following RZEs newsletter.I am curious to go hands-on with the new RZE Resolute Type A. So far, I have always been impressed with the brands quality at its price point, so I expect great things here too!What do you think of the new RZE Resolute Type A? Let us know in the comments section below!Watch specifications Brand RZE Model Resolute Type A Dial Polaris White, Carbon Black, or Medallion Yellow with applied luminous indexes and printed Arabic numeralsCase Material Grade 2 titanium with UltraHex hard coatingCase Dimensions 39.5mm (diameter) 46mm (lug-to-lug) 11.5mm (thickness)Crystal Sapphire with inner AR coatingCase Back Titanium with curved sapphire display, held in place with screws Movement Miyota 82S0: automatic with manual winding and hacking seconds, 21,600vph (3Hz) frequency, 42-hour power reserve, 21 jewelsWater Resistance 100 meters (10 atm)Strap Black or green TecTuff (20mm width) with titanium buckle or titanium five-row HexLink bracelet with QuikCliq claspFunctions Time only (hours, minutes, seconds)Price USD $499 on a TecTuff strap, or USD $699 with a HexLink bracelet