A Hands-On Introduction To The Versatile RZE Resolute 36
Watch brands are great at celebrating their milestones. It usually leads to one or multiple limited releases commemorating the different events. However, RZE decided to celebrate its fifth anniversary differently. The brand is not releasing a limited edition with a new dial color or another variation of an existing watch. No, for this occasion, RZE introduces a new collection to its lineup. With the Resolute 36, the Singaporean brand brings a lightweight, versatile daily wearer for all your adventures. I had a chance to check out the ice-blue Halcyon version of the Resolute 36.
Here at Fratello, we closely follow what RZE is up to. As most of you will know, we released the limited-edition Resolute Contour with RZE, which we are still very proud of. The brand has also thoroughly impressed us with its versatile collection of watches, all made of lightweight titanium. Additionally, the incredible value for money has repeatedly stood out. My favorite is the stunning Fortitude GMT Nighthawk, a brilliant and affordable GMT watch that is still high on my list. Recently, I had the opportunity to determine whether the Resolute 36 could beat my favorite RZE model.
The story of the RZE Resolute 36
With the new Resolute 36 series, RZE expands its flagship Resolute collection. The Resolute is the brand’s most successful series of field watches. We have reviewed several models, and they have repeatedly impressed us, which was one big reason we collaborated on a limited edition of the Resolute. The Resolute is a modern field watch that stands out with its angular case silhouette, ultra-legible dial design, and the great wearability of the lightweight titanium case and bracelet. With the new Resolute 36, the brand takes a slightly different approach.
For this series, RZE adds elegance and detail to the overall picture. As a result, the new Resolute 36 models serve as a quartet of modern watches for any situation. They are less hardcore tool timepieces and more refined daily wearers. Don’t be mistaken, though, because many of the ingredients that make RZE watches so great have stayed. These watches are still ready for any adventure you have planned, whether you’re staying in the city or heading out into the wilderness.
The details of the RZE Resolute 36
Let’s zoom in on the details of the new Resolute 36. A titanium construction has remained because it’s one of the brand’s staple elements. What has also stayed is a modern, angular case design. However, with its 36mm diameter, the watch shows a 4mm reduction from the regular Resolute. The 100m-water-resistant Resolute 36 also has a 9.5mm profile and a 42.3mm lug-to-lug. These dimensions make the new watch not only a smaller Resolute but also the thinnest watch RZE has ever produced. At 36 grams without and 90 grams with the bracelet, it is also the lightest watch the brand has created.
The angular case design looks good in the smaller size and features a brushed bezel with a polished chamfer. Furthermore, it has a screw-down crown bearing the brand’s relief-engraved logo. Except for a polished chamfer on the bezel, the Grade 2 titanium housing is fully brushed to maintain the feel of a tool watch. Additionally, the watch and bracelet are treated with the brand’s proprietary UltraHex coating for increased scratch resistance. From experience, I can attest to the carefree joy of wearing the watch daily.
The new dials are a significant change for the Resolute
The most dramatic aesthetic change is the dial design. For the new dials, RZE added a lot of detail and refinement. The four dials feature a sunray central portion surrounded by a grainy-textured ring that holds the applied hour markers. Additionally, you will find a minute track on the outside of the dial. Moving back to the center, we see an applied RZE logo on the upper half and two lines of spec-related text on the bottom. Furthermore, small triangular markers sit on this side of the hour markers for overall refinement. Hovering over the dial are the three modern-shaped hands filled with white Super-LumiNova to match the applied indexes.
You can choose from the ice-blue-dial Halcyon model, the red-dial Tempo, the black-dial Waypoint, and the green-dial Mojito. The case is matched with the same H-link bracelet design from the regular Resolute.
It tapers nicely from 20mm wide at the case to 16mm at the clasp, which contains a toolless micro-adjustment mechanism. The bracelet also features screw pins in the links, and it’s easy to swap for a strap thanks to quick-release spring bars. With the dial’s refined aesthetic, the watch will look great on many types of straps, from leather to NATO and other fabric options.
The Miyota 9039 is a different caliber
Whereas the 40mm Resolute models house the Miyota 90S5 or 9015, beneath the Resolute 36’s titanium case back lies the Miyota 9039 movement. This automatic caliber operates at 28,800vph, has 24 jewels, and offers 42 hours of power reserve. The caliber’s 3.9mm thickness allows the Resolute 36 to maintain a sub-10mm profile. This makes it nice and slim on the wrist, and I can confirm that the Resolute 36 is a joy to wear.
Wearing the RZE Resolute 36
Once the watch landed on my wrist, it immediately reminded me why I like RZE’s products. The production quality and attention to detail are immediate standouts. Especially under €1,000, the watches are among the best we know. As for the Resolute 36 specifically, the smaller size compared to its 40mm counterparts makes it a great option for various wrist sizes. On the bracelet, this 36mm watch doesn’t feel too small at all. It is a nice fit for my 18.5cm (7.3″) wrist, and that is not always a given with smaller watches. In large part, this is due to the angular case design, which gives the Resolute 36 plenty of visual presence.
The aesthetic matches the ice-blue dial nicely, making this an attractive daily watch. The incredibly low weight, combined with the comfortable and easy-to-size bracelet, also makes it a joy to wear. The one thing I had to get used to was the dial design. It walks the line between a retro, almost Art Deco-influenced dial design and a modern one. However, after wearing the watch for a few days, I noticed it suited the overall style nicely. My eyes returned to it multiple times during the day, reminding me of the impressive timepiece I had on my wrist.
Final thoughts on the RZE Resolute 36
Overall, I loved spending time with the new RZE Resolute 36. It is a smart move for RZE to create a smaller 36mm daily wearer. It has the power to attract a new audience looking for a comfortable and lightweight watch. As this is an RZE, the Resolute 36 still has strong tool-watch roots, but the smaller size and new dials give it a distinctly more elegant and refined presence. This series retains what people love so much about the brand, and the injection of refinement feels fresh but never too far from home.
That’s why I must compliment the brand on creating a watch that, first and foremost, feels like an RZE. When exploring new directions, many brands get lost in their search. However, RZE’s solid foundation gives the brand immediate direction in creating its new watches. The new Resolute 36 is the perfect example of that. It’s also why the new series can be part of the same collection as the digital UTD-8000. The new Resolute 36 is now available from RZE for US$599 (ex. taxes) and ships starting the first week of November 2025.
This brings me to the question of whether the new Resolute 36 has become my new favorite RZE watch. Honestly, I can say that it doesn’t top the Fortitude GMT Nighthawk for me. The connection that I had with that watch was special. That said, I’m sure this new Resolute 36 will open new doors for RZE and make the series a favorite among those looking for a smaller, versatile daily watch. It simply is that good.
