RZE Acentus GMT

One of my favorite watch functions is the GMT function. So when I was introduced to RZE, the design elements of the watch caught my eye.

Let’s start by talking about RZE for a second. This Singaporean/Malaysian micro-brand was founded in 2020 is a blend of Japanese reliability with the strength of titanium. The company which started as a kickstarter and is now offering over five different models. With all models having a utilitarian design, straight hard lines and look and feel solid.

Finding a titanium sports watch that is affordable is near impossible, and yet the RZE Acentus GMT is affordable, for around 125 Kuwaiti Dinar (under $500). The watch can be purchased with a full titanium bracelet of a strap and I chose the bracelet. The unidirectional bezel comes in in black with 24-hour indices, contrasting the dial perfectly.

My dial choice was different than what I usually go for, the Azure Blue dial. The shade of blue pops in the light, giving of a matted shade of Tiffany blue. Considering the current hype of Tiffany dials after Patek Philippe released their Tiffany dial Nautilus, almost every watch brand has released a watch with a similar dial color, and yet I hadn’t purchased a watch with a Tiffany dial until now. Although there are other dial colors like the orange dial, an Ice white dial and a Black dial. All four colors have the GMT finished in orange, giving off Rolex Explorer II vibes.

A Five bead titanium bracelet to match the titanium case with drilled holes making strap changing easy. Unlike most five bead bracelets there is no polishing and the beads are angular in design following the rugged utilitarian look of the watch. A 24-hour unidirectional 120 click bezel. The lume on this watch is excellent, I mean it has to be considering the bezel, the hour markers and all four hands are coated.

With the Seiko 4R34 movement which is the same movement in the Seiko 5 GMT, a proper GMT movement. With an approximate power reserve of 41 hours this watch is perfect for a weekend trip! Still a diver, the watch comes with 200M of water resistance which for its price range is amazing!

Let’s be honest, Both the RZE Acentus GMT and the Seiko 5 GMT are around the same price, with the same movement, and choosing between them is a matter of personal taste. Get a titanium case and bracelet or a steel case and bracelet. Which would you chose?

If you’re looking for the RZE Acentus GMT in the GCC Check out Smith’s Boutique.