Available Now: The RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour” Limited Edition
I am very excited to announce that the RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour” is available to pre-order now in the Fratello Shop. This launch is something new for Fratello regarding price point, and it all came to life off the back of community feedback. We’ve been truly humbled by the support from the Fratelli over the past couple of years on every project we’ve released. We appreciate that not all of these projects have been equally accessible to everyone, and we wanted to do something to change that.
I have been a fan of RZE for quite some time. Honestly, I cannot recall the first of RZE’s watches I saw in hand and tried on, but I know that I’ve been equally impressed with each successive release. Indeed, feedback has always been positive when we’ve shared the brand’s watches with the community. You, the Fratelli, also recognized RZE’s dedication to offering value for money with its titanium tool watches, which boast excellent scratch resistance thanks to the brand’s proprietary UltraHex coatings.
The Contour limited edition is for the Fratelli
So when we sat down to think about how we could include as many Fratelli as possible in our next limited edition, RZE felt like a logical choice. That said, we wanted to ensure that the product and design reflected the brand’s mission statement and the spirit of Fratello. I hope you’ll agree that we achieved just that with the RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour.” Perhaps most impressive is the price point here — at just €679 ex. VAT this marks our most affordable limited edition yet.
Harmonizing RZE’s spirit for adventure
RZE’s mission statement is “assembled for adventure.” The key word there is “adventure.” A glance at the brand’s social media and website shows the team’s passion for the outdoors, and they’re a big part of the EDC scene too. So we wanted our limited edition to perfectly capture that essence, but how? A simple color change wouldn’t cut the mustard here. The case and bracelet of RZE’s Resolute Pro were the perfect starting point. The watch is the brand’s take on a crossover between field-watch ideals and sports-watch sensibilities. On a call with RZE’s founder Travis Tan, we discussed what we could do, and we quickly turned to dial materials.
Between us, we identified the contour-patterned carbon fiber material we see here before us today. It perfectly captured the concept of contour lines from topographical maps and was the perfect partner for the Resolute Pro’s chassis. Fast-forward a few months, and from the moment we had the prototype in hand, both RZE and the Fratello team were excited. The result was precisely what we’d wanted: a watch that evoked a sense of adventure and exploration without losing what made it the perfect partner to accompany you on your next outdoor expedition.
Of course, we have to put the watch through its paces. Be sure to check out the video above! We took the watch on a hike through the beautiful hills and forests of Zurenhoek in the Netherlands, near the Belgian border. Of course, the watch held up wonderfully, and the whole team returned from the excursion feeling refreshed and decompressed. It’s amazing what the great outdoors can do for one’s soul! That aside, let’s take a closer look at what, in our collective opinion, makes this watch great.
A unique dial inspired by the outdoors
The star of the show here is the unique Contour dial. When I say that, I mean it because every single watch will feature a slightly different variation due to the nature of the dial material. Made of a forged carbon composite, it’s infused with layers of steel powder to achieve the signature contour lines. It offers the perfect amount of up-close detail while remaining perfectly legible. Of course, legibility is crucial for any tool watch, and it was important for both Fratello and RZE that this was not compromised. I hope you agree that the outcome was the perfect balance.
The Resolute Pro “Contour” is the perfect outdoor companion
The RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour” sticks with the success of RZE’s Resolute Pro release from late last year. The 40mm Grade 2 titanium case features a compact 46mm lug-to-lug and measures just 10.5mm thick. The brand’s UltraHex coating, applied to the case and bracelet, offers increased scratch resistance thanks to a hardness rating of 1,200 Vickers. Additionally, the bracelet features a solid stainless steel signed clasp with a toolless micro-adjustment system, which is a must-have for on-the-fly sizing on the road.
The dimensions equate to a very wearable size, exactly on par with the adventure lifestyle that inspired it. A signed and knurled screw-down titanium crown and flat sapphire crystal with an internal AR coating complete the external casing. A 100m water resistance rating ensures that the Resolute Pro “Contour” can withstand the rigors you might encounter out and about.
Lightweight and comfortable to wear
A good-quality titanium bracelet is a tricky thing to make. It’s all too easy for the finished thing to feel rattly and “cheap”. However, RZE has balanced the bracelet’s thickness and proportions excellently to achieve a superb wearing experience. The bracelet is extremely comfortable on the wrist, and I am happy to report I have not experienced any dreaded “arm-hair pulling” so far.
The watch has a fairly standard 20mm lug spacing, and the bracelet features a quick-release system, so swapping out straps is a breeze. For example, if rubber straps are more your thing, or if you prefer a two-piece canvas strap, it’s not an issue. I’ve been wearing the prototype between the bracelet and a gray Artem Hydroflex, but the possibilities are endless!
Reliability and affordability are key
Beating away inside the case is a Japanese Miyota 90S5 movement. One of Miyota’s premium 9000-series calibers, it features a 28,800vph frequency, automatic and manual winding, hacking seconds, a 42-hour power reserve, and, importantly, no date. As with RZE’s core Resolute Pro model, we thought the Contour dial would benefit from as little visual interference and interruption as possible. For those familiar with Miyota’s movements, you’ll recognize them as well-respected workhorse calibers offering reliability and affordable pricing.
RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour” availability
Finally, every RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour” watch ships with one of RZE’s premium “Blackcomb” EDC travel pouches. These handy little pouches double as watch storage for when you travel, or you can also use them to store a knife, pen, compass, or whatever other tools you might need when hiking. They feature an external zippered pocket on the rear and a Velcro section on the front for mission patches and badges. As always, RZE provides one of its Resolute collection rubber patches, but keep your eyes peeled upon delivery for something special from Fratello’s side too!
As always, we try to ensure that our watches are available to everyone who wants one. This launch is not limited by a set number of pieces. Instead, we’re opening the project to pre-orders for one week, and all orders placed during this time will be delivered. The RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour” is available for pre-order from today until 16:00 CET on Thursday, March 21st. Priced at €679 (ex. VAT), you won’t want to miss out on the affordable Fratello collaboration to date. This is a project from Fratello for the whole community, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Delivery planned within four months
We aim to deliver all watches within four months of the pre-order window closing, so you’ll have your watch on your wrist in time for your summer adventures. Should we experience an exceptionally high volume of orders, we’ll communicate any change from the projected delivery dates directly. We can’t wait to see your EDC shots and photos of the watches out in the wild. Of course, we also want to hear your thoughts now. Are you planning to pick one up? Let us know in the comments, and thanks again for your continued support!
