The RZE brand has been on my radar for some time now, and I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to put their latest creation through its paces – the Resolute 36. First impressions of the brand were made during the Vancouver Timepiece Show in April this year, when I caught a glimpse of Huiy Tang, one of RZE's co-founders, enthusiastically demoing his digital watch with a large mallet. The titanium-cased UTD-8000 was on display, and I was impressed by its quality, attention to detail, and value-driven price point.

Fast forward to this past September, when I met up with Huiy again at the Toronto Timepiece Show, and he had something new to show – a small, titanium field watch with a modern twist. Meet the Resolute 36, designed by RZE's team of enthusiasts who have tried everything on the market and wanted to build something that embodies their passion for horology.

The Resolute 36 is a 36mm grade 2 titanium watch that boasts a thickness of 9.5mm, a lug-to-lug measurement of 42.3mm, and features RZE's unique "UltraHex" surface coating with a hardness rating of ~1200 Hv – significantly higher than standard grade 2 titanium.

The brushed case is matched by a brushed titanium bracelet, also treated with the UltraHex coating for added durability. The total weight on the bracelet is approximately 90 grams (36g for the case only), and you can expect 100 meters of water resistance, a screw-down crown, a flat sapphire crystal with AR treatment, a screwed case back, and lug width of 20mm.

The Resolute 36 is available in four dial colors: Waypoint (black), Halcyon (light blue), Tempo (red), and Mojito (green). Optional quick-change rubber and textile straps are also available alongside the bracelet.

The watch's face is where things get particularly interesting. A multilayered dial with applied indices and a textured outer sector offers a stylish spin on traditional field watch design. While it may not be overtly dressy, this dial presents a level of sophistication that feels uncommon in the field watch genre.

One notable detail that sets the Resolute 36 apart is its incorporation of lume. Under bright light, you'll notice that the hands and markers are treated with a bright, glowing coating – adding an extra layer of visual interest to this already compelling design.

Inside the Resolute 36 lies the reliable Japanese automatic Miyota 9039, which ticks at 4 Hz, boasts a 42-hour power reserve, and measures just 3.9mm in thickness. This no-date movement offers hacking capabilities and comes with an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day.

I had the opportunity to test this watch alongside my trusty Weishi 1900, and I was pleased to see that it averaged +4 seconds per day over six positions – a testament to the Miyota movement's reliability.

The bracelet is adorned with single-sided screws, a push-button fold-over clasp, tool-free quick-change solid end links, and RZE's own "QuikCliq" micro-adjustment system. It matches the watch nicely and feels secure to wear, easy to adjust, and can be swapped out without fuss.

For those who prefer alternative strap options, the Resolute 36 comes with drilled lugs, allowing you to install your own 20mm straps or choose from RZE's selection of quick-change rubber and textile options.

The Resolute 36 represents a significant leap forward for RZE, showcasing their commitment to quality, attention to detail, and value-driven pricing. With a retail price of $599, this watch offers an incredible amount of bang for your buck – especially considering the included two-year warranty and 14-day money-back guarantee.

For those who appreciate non-conformist designs with a touch of nerdiness, the Resolute 36 is sure to appeal. With its unique blend of modernity and traditional field watch elements, this watch feels like it's been born from the collective passion of enthusiasts within the horological community.

Ultimately, the Resolute 36 is an exciting addition to RZE's lineup – and a testament to their ability to bridge the gap between enthusiast-driven brands and established microbrands. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your watch journey, this is definitely a watch worth exploring further.