The RZE Endeavour Glacier collection breaks the ice in style
Fergus Nash- RZE’s best-selling case is now paired with four ice-cold dials.
- Each colour is inspired by a different glacial region.
- It’s powered by the Seiko NH35 and made of solid titanium.
RZE’s offering of high-tech and capable sports watches is second to none in the microbrand world, especially when you consider their quality versus their affordability. As their best-selling model, the RZE Endeavour captures all of the best aspects of their watchmaking, and the increasing number of dial variations just begs more collectors to join the party or even expand their own RZE pool. In 2023, RZE are paying tribute to ice and snow with the Endeavour Glacier collection spanning four chilling dials.
The RZE Endeavour case sets itself up as adventure-ready right off the bat, as the jaggedness of the lug facets and steep angles feel like they could deflect any blows. The sandblasted finish gives it a no-nonsense ruggedness that also diminishes the effect of scratches, although with RZE’s UltraHex coating you most likely won’t have a problem with those. All of RZE’s catalogue uses titanium, combining the toughness of steel with lightweight and darker-toned aspects that just add to its tactical advantages. Its dimensions are made to be versatile, with a strong 40.5mm wrist presence and a compact 46mm lug-to-lug allowing wrists of all kinds to wear it. It’s also pretty slim at 12.5mm thick, considering the rotating bezel and the 200m water resistance.
As for the Glacier dials, the RZE Endeavour could now also be considered an affordable alternative to the Grand Seiko White Birch. The choppy dial texture isn’t just rippling across the surface, but also grained to add another layer of depth and complexity. This means that any colour applied will seem much richer, from the bright, crisp white to the deep navy blue. Each of the four colours are named after significant areas, with white being the Ross Ice Cap of Antarctica, a light blue for the Icelandic glacier Vatnajökull, a green teal for the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain of Yulong in China, and finally the dark Blaueis for the German Berchtesgaden Alps.
To cut through the complexity of the dial texture itself, the layout of RZE’s Endeavour is suitably clean and legible. Its rounded oblong style has been consistent from release to release, and it’s quite refreshing to have such a strong brand identity carry through a relatively young company. In terms of utility, the 60-minute elapsed time bezel and the date window at 3 o’clock make for good gadgets, and it’s all powered by the Seiko NH35. This Japanese calibre has proven itself beyond any doubts as one of the best value for money movements out there, thanks to its workhorse reputation and ease of replacements should a rare problem occur. They’re also easy to regulate yourself, should you want to fine-tune the accuracy yourself.
The RZE Endeavour Glacier collection pricing and availability:
The RZE Endeavour Glacier watches are currently available for pre-order from RZE’s website, with estimated delivery in June 2023. Pre-order price: US$399 (US$499 RRP)
Brand | RZE |
Model | Endeavour |
Case Dimensions | 40.5mm x 46mm x 12.5mm |
Case Material | Titanium |
Water Resistance | 200m |
Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
Dial | Textured white, light blue, teal, dark blue |
Lug Width | 20mm |
Strap | Titanium bracelet |
Movement | Seiko NH35 |
Power Reserve | 41 hours |
Availability | Available for pre-order |
Price | US$399 (US$499 RRP) |