If you thought RZE was done with the Resolute Pro’s launch on December 1 of 2023, then be prepared for another wild ride because RZE is back with another launch for the year 2024, and this time, it’s a refresh of the Fortitude series. If you thought Version 1 was good, then Version 2 is better because, this time, it’s equipped with GMT features that fit its pilot watch status.
The pre-order for the RZE Fortitude GMT will start on February 29, so mark your calendars for anyone planning to get it!
Based on the review unit that Fratello has received and reviewed, the Fortitude GMT will have 41mm case diameter dimensions paired with a 47mm lug-to-lug, putting them in the sweet spot for many wearers. The lug spacing is 20mm, ensuring you can find the strap you prefer if the bracelet is not your thing. In my case, I will definitely pair it exhaustively with as many NATO straps as I can to find the perfect match. It probably won’t be that hard since the colors on the watches are pretty limited, in a good way. The watch’s thickness is 12mm and comes with a 100-meter water resistance. Dimensions-wise, aside from the change of lug-to-lug from 48mm to 47mm for the new Fortitude GMT, the thickness has already been shaved off slightly from 12.85mm to 12mm.
Titanium has always been RZE’s go-to material for their watches, and the Fortitude GMT will be no different, topped off by the satin finish that will draw eyes to it. The case is coated with RZE’s proprietary UltraHex coating, their take on scratch-proof PVD coating to prevent the titanium from oxidizing and darkening over time, as well as increasing the hardness rating of the watch to 1200 Vickers. For comparison purposes, that’s 8 times harder than 316L stainless steel.
The case is also anti-magnetic, rated 5 times more resistant to electromagnetic fields than the ISO 764’s magnetic-resistance standard for wristwatches. So, for the high-flying pilots who depend on this as their go-to timekeeping instrument, they can soar high without worries because the Fortitude GMT will continue working precisely under the stressful conditions of 40,000 feet altitude!
The bezels on the case are knurled, with slight hints of the Oris ProPilot at a glance here. The crown is oversized, and the red crown tube of the original Fortitude has been kept here, a visual cue that links back to the “Remove Before Flight” tags attached to parts of planes that are required to be checked before take-off.
The oversized crown stays on from the previous iteration, which is good news for those who hate fiddling with petite and thin crows in their attempt to set the time.
The Fortitude GMT uses a sandwich dial, with the date window at the “6” position, highlighted with a white frame around the window. The yellow color of the date’s font matches two other elements on the watch:
- The GMT hand
- The inverted triangle marker at the 24-hour mark
- The “GMT” word on the bottom of the dial
What I like the most is the hands. In the previous Fortitude, there were only three hands, and they were all different:
- A pencil for the minute hand
- An arrow for the hour hand
- A simple line for the second hand
This time, the sword-like GMT hand is added to the fray for the GMT. And it just works. All four hands work well with each other in their own distinct styles to provide a seamless time-telling experience. And that yellow-edged sword for the GMT hand looks crazy awesome.
Aside from the yellow edge on the GMT hand, the hands, as are the markers, are all white. Time can be told from the 24-hour scale on the rehaut and a 60-minute scale on the dial, marked at 5-minute intervals. Thirteen recessed bars represent the hour markers (two bars for twelve), pointing neatly to the dial’s center. Again, different styles but outstanding harmony. Especially when there’s also a middle crosshair that connects the RZE logo at the top to the date window at the bottom. You really have to compliment the RZE team for cramming in so many different elements into a dial but still looking like they were meant to be.
The lume on the Fortitude GMT glows blue with Super-Luminova. From Fratello’s images, the lume is applied to the hour markers and the hands.
And now for the colors. The Fortitude GMT will be offered in three variations: Nighthawk, Turbo Teal, and Crimson Red. Aside from the dial color, the other elements of the watch will remain in the same color scheme. Things to note here are that the Turbo Teal and Crimson Red’s teal and crimson dials darken towards the edge. A limited colorway, 50 pieces only, will also be available for pre-order, called the Workbench Edition. If dark, stealthy colors are your jam, this colorway will probably call out to you.
The Fortitude GMT uses the Miyota 9075 movement, and it’s a true GMT, where you can move the hour hand independently to match the time zone of where you land, while the GMT hand represents your home time zone. The movement also provides a 42-hour power reserve, and accuracy is claimed to be -10/+30 seconds per day.
At launch, the watch can be pre-ordered on February 29 at the price of USD 649 for just the watch, or you can opt for the Flight Pack at USD 699, which will see you get an additional premium HexaFlex strap and RZE Jaunt adventure tote. For an extra 50 bucks, the Flight Pack screams value.