Every time Rze announces a new release, I listen to it all. It’s no secret that we are fans of Fratero here. But when the brand unveiled its digital watch, I was just not interested. With each release of an unknown brand for digital watches, it raises more questions. After all, digital clocks are as much about functionality as they are about aesthetics. Most watch fans can even claim to buy one explicitly for its functionality. I’m one of them. So when the RZE UTD-8000-BK landed on my desk, I couldn’t wait to learn more.
It can be daunting to enter the world of digital watches as a brand that normally offers mechanical things. There is no need for mechanical movement from one of the traditional suppliers, but a digital module is required to power the watch. This means you need to explore another industry for options. That alone won’t even try to come up with a plan to do so. But that doesn’t sound like the Rze guy. They love a good challenge, so they are trying to create their own digital clock. Combine that idea with the knowledge of producing lightweight titanium watches at affordable prices. You will understand more than I am just interested in.
Get the feel of RZE UTD-8000-BK
Immediately out of the box, the RZE UTD-8000-BK reminds us of the classic G-Shock DW-5000-1A. To be fair, the impression is only caused by the red, light blue, yellow and white elements on the dial. However, the overall design of the UTD-8000 is reminiscent of another G-shock, the MRG-100-1. Debuting in 1996, this was the first stainless steel G-shock and the beginning of the MR-G line. This new RZE model feels like the perfect modern version of that watch.
Knock out the specs to get general ideas about watches. The UTD-8000-BK features a 42mm titanium case with a 13.4mm thickness and a 50.2mm lug-to-lug. I’ve read a few comments that the watch is “too big” and I found it strange. These dimensions give a bit of context in the world of mechanical watches, and the UTD-8000 is perfectly proportional. Furthermore, in the context of digital clocks, sizes can even appear modest. Frankly, it felt great on my wrist, but I’ll get to it later.
Amazing Titanium Digital Watch
What I am very grateful for about Rze is that we use titanium on every watch. As a result, you don’t have to worry about what you’ll get. It’s a lightweight Grade 2 watch that’s a joy to wear. For the new UTD-8000 series, the brand ensured that they remember it at all times by placing a reminder on the top of the Broad Bezel. On the bottom half is the inscription “Ultrahex” referring to the ultrahex coating of titanium. This gives Vickers surface hardness of 1,200, allowing you to wear the watch without worrying about scratches.
As you can see, the wide bezel round case has four large screws that give the watch a character. The dial holds three negative displays, from top to bottom, showing the date, month and date in standard mode. However, as you can imagine, the pushers on both sides of the case allow you to use other features of the unique module that drives the watch. The pusher press on the bottom left pulls up the menu. This allows access to the 1/100th chronograph until 2099, multiple alarms, hourly chimes and automatic calendars. You can also switch between 12 and 24 hours of displays for time.
Unique modules protected by special structure
In the G-Shock world, these are the basic features of a regular model. Do you need more? I don’t. There are a lot of G-Shocks that have the most basic modules and I enjoy them a lot. As Thomas explained, the module is protected by a cushioned construction to increase impact resistance. Additionally, the watch is resistant to water (200 meters), dust, corrosion, and as mentioned above, scratches. This ensures that the UTD-8000 is suitable for an active lifestyle, as does all Rze Watches.
If you attach the watch to your wrist, there are two standard options. The first is an elastic strap (not shown in the photo), and the second is a titanium H-link bracelet seen on other RZE models. I received my watch with a bracelet and a black Rze Hexaflex rubber strap (sold separately for $69 USD). I have to admit that the bracelet was my number one pick. I like the full titanium look and wear the UTD-8000-BK like a proper sturdy titanium tool watch.
The 20mm bracelet tapers nicely from its edges from the link to the push button folding clasp. This clasp is equipped with Rze’s Quikcliq Toolless Micro-Adjustment system, making it easy to find a perfect fit for your wrist.
Wearing RZE UTD-8000-BK
On the wrist, the RZE UTD-8000-BK is worn very well. I have reviewed several Rze watches over time and they have always been happy to surprise me with how comfortable they are. This was no exception. Of course, one of the major factors in this is its lightweight titanium construction. However, the RZE team also focuses on practicality and wear resistance, which will be shown in the design of this watch.
The 42mm UTD-8000-BK has an excellent proportion and, as mentioned above, doesn’t feel big at all. I always want a robust digital tool watch to have a considerable presence. It gives it an air of ability, and the UTD-8000-BK certainly endures it. In his intro article, Thomas commented on the look of the watch and how the RZE team praised the G-Shock design. However, he wanted to see more original shapes, so he says that a little differently. I’m not that judged about that. Of course, I also wanted to see the completely original model, but I need to remember how dominant G-Shock has been in Digital Watch design over the past 40 years.
A comfortable and familiar style
The UTD-8000-BK style is very suitable for the G-Shock definition genre. And we need to understand that the people at Rze are fans of G-Shock. So Bezel’s colours and big text nods in honor of the brand and its style. That said, the actual text, and of course the brand’s logo, are very specific to RZE. With this BK colorway, the watch has the most G-Shock vibe. Blue (UTD-8000-NB) and yellow (UTD-8000-MY) models with a slightly down RZE offer a bit of tone.
Overall, I had a great time with the watch, both on the bracelet and the Rze HexAflex rubber strap. Now, this asks for the question of why you choose this Rze with G-Shock. The answer is simple: This is a full titanium digital watch that you can wear like a charm for $369 USD (full retail price for bracelet and elastic strap). Someone who knows well G-Shock’s current products know that titanium models start at about five times their prices and go up to over 3k. From that point of view, what Rze offers here is a bargain.
Final Thoughts on RZE UTD-8000-BK
What you get in exchange for the money spent on the RZE UTD-8000-BK is a brilliantly capable titanium digital tool watch. It celebrates the aesthetics of G-Shock without forgetting the RZE element of the signature. That was my main point from this hands-on experience. I didn’t feel like wearing anything other than the Rze Watch. Better yet, as I have stated many times, it was to remind me that I needed to add the brand’s Fortitude GMT Nighthawk to my collection. It’s my favorite affordable titanium everyday wearer.
Affordable prices are also the basis of the UTD-8000 series. Currently, all three versions are available for pre-order with a $169 elastic strap or a $329 bracelet and strap. Delivery for these pre-orders is scheduled for June 2025. After the reservation period, prices will rise to USD 219 and USD 369 respectively. However, even with a full MSRP, it is very affordable for a full titanium watch. Looking at it, it shows that the UTD-8000 is simply the power of an impressive tour that Rze has succeeded. Many other brands don’t even occur. We praise the Rze team for accepting the challenge and for being a splendid success.
What do you think about the new Rze UTD-8000? Let us know in the comments below!
