Hands-On With The Compelling RZE UTD-8000-BK
Whenever RZE announces a new release, I’m all ears. It’s no secret that we are RZE fans here at Fratello. But I was not just curious when the brand announced a digital watch. Whenever a brand not known for digital watches releases one, it raises a lot more questions. After all, digital watches are just as much about functionality as they are about aesthetics. You could even claim that most watch fans will buy one expressly for its functionality. I am one of them. So when the RZE UTD-8000-BK landed on my desk, I couldn’t wait to find out more.
Entering the world of digital watches as a brand that usually offers mechanical ones can be daunting. You don’t need a mechanical movement from one of the traditional suppliers but a digital module to power the watch. This means you have to explore a different industry for options. That alone would keep the vast majority of watch brands from even trying to come up with a plan to do so. But that doesn’t sound like the guys at RZE. They love a good challenge, which is why they set out to create a digital watch of their own. Combine that idea with the knowledge that they produce lightweight titanium timepieces for an affordable price, and you will understand that I was more than just interested.
Getting a feel for the RZE UTD-8000-BK
Straight out of the box, the RZE UTD-8000-BK reminds me of the classic G-Shock DW-5000-1A. In all fairness, that impression is solely due to the red, light blue, yellow, and white elements on the dial. The UTD-8000’s overall design, however, is reminiscent of another G-Shock, the MRG-100-1. Having debuted in 1996, it was the first stainless steel G-Shock and the start of the MR-G line. This new RZE model feels somewhat like a perfect modern version of that watch.
Let’s knock out the specs to get a general idea of the watch. The UTD-8000-BK features a 42mm titanium case with a 13.4mm thickness and a 50.2mm lug-to-lug. I read some comments about the watch being “too big,” which I thought was strange. Give these dimensions a bit of context in the world of mechanical watches, and the UTD-8000 is perfectly proportioned. Plus, in the context of digital watches, it could even be considered modest in size. And to be frank, it felt awesome on my wrist, but we’ll get to that later.
A great titanium digital watch
What I greatly appreciate about RZE is the use of titanium for all its watches. As a result, you never have to worry about what you get — a lightweight Grade 2 watch that is a joy to wear. For the new UTD-8000 series, the brand ensured you always remember that by putting a reminder on the upper part of the broad bezel. On the lower half, you will find an “ULTRAHEX” inscription, referring to the UltraHex coating on the titanium. This results in a surface hardness of 1,200 Vickers, allowing you to wear the watch without worrying about scratches.
As you can see, the round case with its broad bezel features four large screws that give the watch its character. The dial holds three negative displays that, from top to bottom, show the day, the time, and the month and date in standard mode. But as you would expect, the pushers on both sides of the case allow you to use other functions of the proprietary module that powers the watch. A press of the lower-left pusher pulls up the menu, which allows you to access a 1/100th-of-a-second chronograph, multiple alarms, hourly chime, and automatic calendar until 2099. You can also switch between 12- and 24-hour displays for the time, and the top-left pusher activates a handy backlight.
A proprietary module protected by a special construction
In the world of G-Shock, these are basic functions for its regular models. Do you need more? I wouldn’t. I have plenty of G-Shocks that have the most basic of modules, and I greatly enjoy them. As Thomas explained, the module is protected by a cushioned construction for added shock resistance. Furthermore, the watch is resistant to water (200 meters of it), dust, corrosion, and, as mentioned, scratches. This ensures that the UTD-8000 suits an active lifestyle, as all RZE watches do.
When it comes to affixing the watch to your wrist, you have two standard options. The first is an elastic strap (not pictured), and the second is the titanium H-link bracelet we have seen on other RZE models. We received the watch with the bracelet as well as a black RZE Hexaflex rubber strap (sold separately for US$69). I must admit that the bracelet was my number-one pick. I like that full-titanium look, and it makes the UTD-8000-BK wear like a proper rugged titanium tool watch.
The 20mm bracelet tapers nicely from its end links to the push-button folding clasp. This clasp comes equipped with RZE’s Quikcliq toolless micro-adjustment system, ensuring an easy way to find the perfect fit for your wrist.
Wearing the RZE UTD-8000-BK
On the wrist, the RZE UTD-8000-BK wears very well. I have reviewed several RZE watches over time, and they’ve always pleasantly surprised me with how comfortable they are. This one was no exception. Of course, one big factor in that is the lightweight titanium construction. However, the team at RZE also focuses on practicality and wearability, and it shows in this watch’s design.
The 42mm UTD-8000-BK has nice proportions, and as mentioned, it doesn’t feel big at all. I always want my rugged digital tool watch to have a substantial presence. It gives it an air of competence, and the UTD-8000-BK certainly lives up to that. In his intro article, Thomas commented on the watch’s looks and how the RZE team honored the G-Shock’s designs. He phrased it somewhat differently, though, as he would have loved to see a more original form. I’m less judgemental when it comes to that. Of course, I would have loved to see a completely original model as well, but we must remember how dominant G-Shock has been in the design of digital watches over the last 40 years.
A comfortably familiar style
The UTD-8000-BK’s style suits the G-Shock-defined genre very well. And you must understand that the guys at RZE are fans of G-Shock, so the colors and large text on the bezel are respectful nods to the brand and its style. That said, the actual text and, of course, the brand’s logo make it very specific to RZE. In this BK colorway, the watch has the most G-Shock vibes. The blue (UTD-8000-NB) and yellow (UTD-8000-MY) models that RZE offers tone those down a bit.
Overall, I had a great time with the watch, both on the bracelet and RZE’s Hexaflex rubber strap. Now, this begs the question of why you might pick this RZE over a G-Shock. The answer is simple: it’s a full-titanium digital watch that wears like a charm for only US$369 (full retail price with the bracelet and elastic strap). People familiar with G-Shock’s current offerings will know that the titanium models start at roughly five times that price and move up to more than €3K. In that light, what RZE offers here is a bargain.
Final thoughts on the RZE UTD-8000-BK
What you get in return for the money spent on the RZE UTD-8000-BK is a brilliantly competent titanium digital tool watch. It celebrates the G-Shock aesthetic nicely without forgetting the signature RZE elements. That was my main takeaway from this hands-on experience. At no point did I have the feeling I was wearing anything else than an RZE watch. Even better, it was a great reminder that I should add the brand’s Fortitude GMT Nighthawk to my collection, as I have stated multiple times. That is my favorite affordable titanium daily wearer.
Affordability is also a cornerstone of the UTD-8000 series. Currently, all three versions are available for pre-order with the elastic strap for US$169 or with the bracelet and strap for US$329. Delivery for these pre-orders is scheduled for June 2025. After the pre-order period, prices will increase to US$219 and US$369, respectively. Even at full MSRP, though, that is super affordable for a full-titanium watch. Putting that in perspective shows that the UTD-8000 is simply an impressive tour de force that RZE managed to pull off. Not many other brands would or even could make happen. Compliments to the RZE team for accepting the challenge and succeeding brilliantly.
What do you think of the new RZE UTD-8000? Let us know in the comments below!
