RZE might bill itself as an independent watchmaker and gear provisioner, but the secret is out. Team RZE is really just a dedicated group of outdoor enthusiasts and adventure junkies who also adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ philosophy and stand firm in minimizing the impact of our backcountry traipsing. With tongue somewhat in cheek, the brand believes that in both business and in adventure…NOTHING is POSSIBLE.
With this in mind, RZE is taking determined steps toward product circularity in an effort to cut down on waste and move toward a carbon positive future.
RZE and sustainability
From the outset, RZE chooses quality components which are intended to endure a lifetime of adventures. Its watches are backed by a two-year warranty and feature workhorse calibres like the Miyota 9000 Series, or Seiko’s NH Collection. These movements are serviceable the world over, or directly from the brand itself. The titanium construction of its timepieces will long outlast the wearer.
Most recently, the brand has partnered with EcoCart to guarantee each order is carbon neutral. This past summer, RZE began contributing its carbon offsets towards protecting and preserving mangroves in Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady Delta.
Because mangroves store as much as four times the carbon found inside other inland forests, their conservation is of paramount importance. Only 16% of Myanmar’s original mangrove forest remains. Deforestation has shattered the blue carbon ecosystem. But through this project, RZE has contributed valuable resources to aid in the planting of more than 5 million new trees. Through efforts such as these, biodiversity can be restored and the area can one day support the development of more sustainable eco-tourism practices.
But this is only the beginning. The goal at RZE is to be completely carbon neutral. After a forensic examination of the brand’s business practices, RZE transitioned into 100% sustainable packaging and replaced the use of dyes with soy ink. Standard packaging now also includes the brand’s Blackcomb Pouch which will transform itself into useful bit of kit. If you already own the pouch, simply selecting the eco-option for shipping ensures the use of sustainable packaging instead. This way, all the bases are covered and nothing goes to waste.
And now, just this month, RZE have taken the next step toward sustainability with the introduction of its RE-VERIFIED program.
What is RE-VERIFIED?
The RE-VERIFIED initiative is designed to maximize your watch’s adventure time and minimize its time on bedside tables. As such, beginning this month, members of the RZE adventure crew will be able to trade in their watches for brand credit.
Whether you’re hoping to switch up a colourway, or planning new adventures that require new equipment, RZE owners are encouraged to send in their previously loved RZE watches for credit towards other RZE adventure gear.
Each watch that is exchanged will be inspected and serviced by a qualified watchmaker. Essentially, it will be RE-VERIFIED to meet with RZE’s quality standards, and then offered to another adventurer at a discount.
How the RE-VERIFIED program works
If you want to take advantage of the RE-VERIFIED program, simply visit the RZE website. There you will fill in a form with the relevant information about your RZE watch. While all RZE watches are eligible for re-verification, please note that due to availability and the service department’s capacity, select colourways and collections may play into the acceptance policy.
Upon approval, you will be asked to ship the watch to RZE, after which you will receive a credit for 40% of its original retail price. You may apply this credit towards a new adventure companion at RZE.
What is a RE-VERIFIED watch?
Timepieces in the RE-VERIFIED collection are watches waiting for their next adventures. Whether they have been traded in, returned, or readmitted to the fold after review tours, RE-VERIFIED watches are inspected by a qualified watchmaker and serviced if necessary. Once its adventure readiness has been determined, a non-fungible token (NFT) is minted to record the model and serial number of the watch and initiate its new warranty period.
RE-VERIFIED pieces (including out-of-stock colourways) will be made available to the adventure crew for 70% of retail price as listed on the website. In this way, the program provides both cost savings for adventure seekers and positively impacts the environment through circularity.
Final Thoughts
Since the beginning, RZE has hoped to establish itself not only as a watchmaker, but as a community builder of like-minded adventurers. This goal has led the brand naturally down the path of sustainability. True explorers do not wish to leave footprints, carbon or otherwise. Moreover, the introduction of its RE-VERIFIED program not only supports the brand’s efforts toward carbon neutrality, but demonstrates a trust and commitment in its own watchmaking capabilities—the faith that each piece may indeed stand the test of time.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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Travis is a forward thinker and from the beginning I believed in his vision. He is a true humanitarian‼️👍🏽😎
Building more than just a brand. Cheers, Todd!