I am Titanium

RZE may not yet be a household name, but it should be. The brand—now practically synonymous with titanium—has been producing its tool watches since 2020 to critical success and has developed a devoted community of followers. I, myself, own two: the Endeavour and the Aspirare.

Travis Tan and his Singapore-based team have assembled around a particular philosophy of watchmaking and brand-building that includes a firm commitment to sustainability, everyday adventure, and reliable custom service. Faith in the durability of their product—demonstrated by the newly created Re-verified program—is strong. So are their watches…as we can see from the newest iteration of the Fortitude GMT.

Key Features of the RZE Fortitude GMT

One must imagine that this latest project—an aviator’s watch—holds special meaning to Tan, who is, himself, a commercial pilot. It has already been two years since the emblematic turbine bezel first made its debut among the RZE collection. This newest reference takes to the skies on “leap day”—today—with an updated hi-beat Miyota 9075.

The jumping-hour GMT renders the task of tracking home time and local time all the easier, with the simple pop of a crown and a few simple clicks. The new calibre also helps shave a millimetre off the case thickness, reducing the height to a relatively trim 12mm.

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The titanium watch—which has been treated in the brand’s proprietary UltraHex hardening coat—comes in at 41mm in diameter and 47mm lug to lug with a lug width of 20mm. The finish is a satin-like brushing that treads the line between utility and refinement. This duality is further heightened by the crafty knurling of its turbine-style bezel and the sophisticated, multi-faceted lugs—making the Fortitude GMT not only an easily wearable, but highly versatile, timepiece.

The oversized crown, which has been equipped with a special red stem tube, lets the wearer know when it has been successfully screwed down, and is now safe for aquatic adventures.

The familiar sandwich dial comes in three new colourways, including the crimson red featured here. The recessed indices are flooded with Swiss Super-LumiNova and provide excellent legibility throughout the day and into the night.

Perhaps one of my favourite elements, however, is the solid titanium bracelet. The tolerance at the lugs is top notch, as is the satin brushing throughout. It tapers beautifully from 20mm to 16mm at the clasp and drapes in an attractive three-link design that is incredibly comfortable on wrist. It also features screw links for easy sizing.

The prototype I have in for review is currently fitted with a clamshell foldover buckle, but will eventually feature the brand’s newly minted on-the-fly micro-adjustable clasp.  

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SPECS

Case	Titanium 41mm Diameter 47mm Lug to Lug 12mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down & Case Back 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Sapphire Crystal Sandwich Dial Recessed Markers Arrow and Sword Handset Super-LumiNova
Movement	Miyota 9075 Jumping-Hour GMT 24 Jewels 28 800bph 42-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Titanium 3-Link Bracelet /w On-the-Fly Micro-adjusting Clasp

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Final Thoughts

Like all watches from RZE, the Fortitude GMT is first and foremost a purpose-driven tool. Its titanium construction and UtlraHex hardening coat ensure that you are adventure-ready. If you are looking for the one watch to take on your next exploration, the Fortitude has you covered with its jumping hour and 100m of water resistance. Pair it with the brand’s HexaFlex rubber strap and you are ocean ready. Unlike other more expensive brands that may draw unwanted attention—depending upon your intended destination—the Fortitude GMT will also help you fly under the radar. The watch is finished far beyond its price point—and in my opinion, this might well be the best-looking watch RZE have produced to date. I love that turbine bezel and the matching robust crown.

Pricing & Availability

The watch officially launches today in three different colourways, and a special blacked out Workbench Edition limited to 50 pieces. During preordering you’ll also save $50 off the retail price of $699 USD. The expected shipping date is June 2024. For more information, please visit the brand website.

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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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