Hands-On With The Brilliant New Cerakote RZE UTD-8000-CKG

One of the best surprises of this year was the release of the RZE UTD-8000 series. With it, RZE demonstrated that small brands can indeed enter the digital-watch market traditionally dominated by prominent, established names. More importantly, the young Singaporean brand demonstrated that was is possible to offer a series of digital watches that remain true to the brand’s philosophy. With the new UTD-8000-CKG, RZEW introduces a new model featuring a Cerakote green case, a black DLC bezel, and an amber-colored display. The result is a military-style UTD-8000 that looks brilliant. I had the opportunity to find out more about this new release.

As Thomas explained in his introductory article about the UTD-8000 series, something exciting is happening with microbrands venturing into the digital-watch market. First, it’s interesting to see whether the digital watches still feel on-brand. Additionally, there is always the lurking danger of G-Shock. But instead of trying to avoid association with G-Shock watches, RZE embraced it. The guys are fans of G-Shock, and there is no reason to avoid the influence of something you love as long as you can stay true to yourself. That’s exactly what RZE did with the UTD-8000. With this new Cerakote version, the brand has taken its outdoor roots to the next level.

The story of the new RZE UTD-8000-CKG

Let’s start with the details. Many specifications are in line with those of previous models, with the differences primarily found in the execution. The new RZE UTD-8000-CKG features the same 41mm titanium case as the inaugural models. It has a 13.4mm profile and a 49.5mm lug-to-lug.

But instead of a brushed finish on bare metal, this new model has a green Cerakote-treated case and a black DLC-coated bezel. In between the two, you will find a hint of color in the form of the orange ring. The case also has a 200m depth rating, making it perfect for all your adventures on land and in the water.

A nice detail is that the display is a warm amber color. It matches the orange ring on the green outer dial, which holds the logo and spec-related text. Additionally, it brings a certain warmth that adds to the overall appeal of the watch.

RZE fitted the watch with a 20mm canvas strap with leather details and a black DLC titanium buckle. I love the color and the look of this strap, as it is slightly lighter than the case and adds a contrasting texture to the matte-coated case and bezel. It creates an overall look and feel that makes this a super handsome military-style version of the UTD-8000.

The custom UTD-8000 Advanced Multi-Function Digital Module

The amber-colored three-line display of the UTD-8000-CKG is super easy to read. The upper line displays the day of the week. The middle line standard shows the time, and the lower of the three lines displays the date. Of course, there are more functions than regular timekeeping.

You can browse through the various functions by clicking the lower-left pusher, and you can select/control them with the two pushers on the right side of the case. The module that powers the watch is safely hidden behind the screw-secured titanium case back.

The complete set of functions includes switching between 12-hour and 24-hour formats, a 1/100-second stopwatch, a multifunction alarm, an hourly chime, and a full auto calendar that extends to 2099. Lastly, if you press the top-left button, it activates the aquamarine LED backlight, allowing you to read all the different functions in the dark. The proprietary module that powers the watch is accurate to ±45 seconds per month. Additionally, it has a battery life of more than three years. 

Wearing the RZE UTD-8000-CKG

On the wrist, the new RZE UTD-8000-CKG is a blast. It is super lightweight thanks to the titanium case, and the proportions are spot on, allowing it to sit comfortably on the wrist. It boasts a significant presence thanks to its vibrant colors and large display. The short lugs slope down steeply, ensuring the strap wraps easily around the wrist. Additionally, the strap is sturdy yet flexible enough to be extremely comfortable. It makes wearing the watch an absolute joy.

Operating the watch is also easy. If you have ever owned a G-Shock, operating the RZE UTD-8000-CKG is a breeze. During the time I spent with the watch, I enjoyed browsing through its various functions and experimenting with them. As you will understand, the blue LED backlight is the most fun, of course. But most of all, the new RZE UTD-8000-CKG looks downright cool. The military-style presence beats the look of regular titanium for me. Additionally, several of my friends asked me what I was wearing, which doesn’t happen often. They are used to seeing a variety of watches on my wrist, but for them to spot this watch specifically says a lot about the wrist presence of the UTD-8000-CKG.

Final thoughts on the RZE UTD-8000-CKG

Overall, RZE hit a home run with this new RZE UTD-8000-CKG. Multiple people on the Fratello team immediately fell in love with its looks, including yours truly. After wearing the watch for more than a week, the feeling has only grown stronger. This is the worry-free daily wearer that I would choose for any adventurous plans that might pop up in my schedule. Although such things don’t happen often, when they do, this would be the perfect, stylish watch to wear. For me, the new model beats the inaugural ones that I reviewed back in March.

With a price of US$320, this is a tremendously attractive option for a digital field watch. It costs only US$40 more than the regular titanium version, which is more than reasonable. Additionally, you get it in the super cool RZE × Toyo Tool Box.

After wearing the RZE UTD-8000-CKG for a week, I would gladly pay the small premium to get this brilliant version of the watch. It shows that RZE has plenty of design tricks up its sleeve to keep surprising us with its UTD-8000 line. For now, this is my absolute favorite version, but I can’t wait to find out what is next for this great series of digital tool watches.

The new RZE UTD-8000-CKG is now available through the brand’s website. Let us know in the comments section what you think of this new military version of the UTD-8000.