The Reise Resolute has been created with “comfort, durability and versatility in mind, making it the perfect go-anywhere do-anything watch”. That’s a pretty great definition of a field watch, the Reise Resolute being a bit more of a modern rendition. Boasting impressive features such as a specially coated titanium, C3 and BGW9 SuperLuminova, impressively clear sapphire crystal, and a solid automatic movement, it seems like a winner on all counts.
The Resolute is currently on pre-order for delivery in January 2021; and whilst this green version is sold out, you can still get your hands on a teal, black, white or grey version. Let’s check it out.
The specs
- Dimensions: 40.5mm diameter x 11.5mm height x 46mm lug to lug
- Weight: 59g
- Water resistance rating: 10ATM / 100m
- Movement: Seiko NH35A
- Accuracy: -4.1 sec/day
- Lug width: 20mm
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: RRP $399 / ~£305, on pre-order for $329 / ~£250
- Buy here: https://reisewatches.com/products/resolute-camo-green
For me, the key selling point has to be the solid titanium case with ULTRAHex coating (up to ~1200Hv hardness). This is impressively even harder than the tough titanium found on the Hamtun H2 Kraken (1000HV) and is miles ahead of steel at 225HV or normal titanium at 350HV. The result is a finish that will no doubt look as good as new for a very long time. As this is titanium, it’s super light on the wrist, with the entire watch coming in at a genteel 59g.
Next, the size of the case is a delight to wear. The 40.5mm diameter fits my 7” wrist very well; it allows the watch to be understated and just do its job well – as a tool / field watch should.
The finish is a dull matte grey, which is charming and industrial. Considering the slight size of the case, the shape and features are very interesting; with a variety of angles and facets. Reise hasn’t opted for a standard barrel shape, or regular lugs; all of which make an intriguing case design.
On the rear of the case is a plain screw-down solid titanium caseback, with VITON® gasket. This higher quality seal is more of a flex than a necessity, as I don’t believe it’s necessary for a 100m water resistance.
The screw-in crown has effective grip and a smooth and reassuring thread, with the Reise logo embossed on the end.
Another lovely feature of the watch is the sand textured dial. The gentle texture provides a subtle depth to the dial; and the outward gradient frames it all well, drawing the eye to the centre.
I love to see decent thick applied indexes and date window borders. I’m pleased to say that the Reise Resolute has greatly impressed me in this regard. The indexes are a cool shape, being a long baton with nipped in corners. A double baton features at 12, with a divider in the central lumed section near the top to keep things interesting at 12, 6 and 9. It’s also always pretty cool to see a date wheel match the dial like this.
The hour and minute hands are a simple pointed syringe shape, which are very legible with a polished finish. The seconds hand is a straight point with a lumed disc near the end. Simple, yet effective.
The lume used across the watch is Swiss Superluminova C3 & BGW9, both of which are reliably strong. The decent anti-reflective coating of the sapphire crystal makes for an even more pleasing viewing experience across the dial.
The Reise Resolute comes strapped on a canvas strap with leather backing. It’s supple, comfortable, and ruggedly handsome. The custom titanium buckle has the same finishing as the case, with the Reise logo deeply engraved on one side.
The movement found in the Reise Resolute is the Seiko NH35A. I’ve seen this used more times than I can count – it’s a very popular choice for affordable watches as it’s well known to be solid and dependable, yet well priced. It’s pretty accurate straight out from the factory and has a hacking seconds hand and hand winding capabilities. It runs at 21.6k bph (6 ticks per second) and has 24 jewels and a 41-hour power reserve. A good choice of movement.
Final comments
I’m not going to lie, the Reise Resolute has a hell of a lot going for it. Super rugged titanium case with plenty of character, simple yet charming looks, and clear high quality of construction from top to bottom. All of this, wrapped in a perfectly sized package at a fairly affordable price.
Referring back to their ethos of “comfort, durability and versatility in mind, making it the perfect go-anywhere do-anything watch”, whilst it’s impossible to get the perfect timepiece, there’s no doubt they’ve made an exceptionally good field watch that comes highly recommended.
