Get them while they’re hot. Earlier this month, RZE launched a new field watch on Kickstarter, crushing their initial goal on the first day. At the time of publication, in fact, they had pledged ten times that amount—proving that, of late, the young brand can seem to do no wrong.

Indeed, the Valour 38 is a no-nonsense go-anywhere, do-anything design that is austere and utilitarian in appearance—playing to the watchmaker’s strengths. At only 38mm in diameter (true to its name) and 45mm lug to lug, the watch certainly won’t get in the way of any adventures. In fact, it also comes in at a svelte 11mm in thickness so that it will disappear seamlessly under a jacket cuff when required.

The true magic, of course, is the titanium case which weighs a mere 57g. If you’re not constantly staring at it, you might even forget it’s even there. Like all watches from the brand, the titanium used here is treated with a proprietary Ultra-Hex coating which protects the timepiece from oxidization and scratches. The new case design is an attractive one that mixes brushed planes with polished chamfers and bevels. While it maintains the overall angular appearance of past models, there is a decidedly different swoop to the case sides, reminiscent of other great field watches like the CWC Mellor 72 or even the Hamilton Aviation Pilot Pioneer.

With its screw-down crown and caseback, the Valour 38 offers up 100m of water resistance, as well, making it a perfect companion for all your outdoor adventures.

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RZE have chosen the no date NH38 to power the watch. This means no ghost date on the crown and a clean, well-balanced dial. In fact, the RZE branding is limited to a tiny logo beneath the six position. The lack of clutter, paired with bold painted numerals, makes for a highly legible dial. The flat sapphire crystal helps in this respect, treated as it is with a healthy undercoat of AR. The Valour 38 extends its visibility into the evening hours with an application of Japan SuperLume on the hour markers and the hands.

I really like the customized NATO the brand has chosen for the Valour 38. It is a modified single pass strap equipped with titanium hardware and colour-matched to the dial (at least in the grey and blue references). In a nice touch of added value, the hardware has also been coated in Ultra-Hex, like the case.

Even more impressive is the second HexaFlex strap—a custom carbon rubber band, also with titanium hardware. The HexaFlex comes with quick-release spring bars.

While the Slate Grey protoype is featured here, the timepiece is also offered in Spruce Green, Vervain Blue, Whistler White, and Arrowleaf Yellow. The colourways have all been chosen in reference to the natural beauty of Canada’s British Columbia—a haven of outdoor adventure in its own right.

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Specs

Case	Grade 2 Titanium /w UltraHex Coating 38mm Diameter 45mm Lug to Lug 11mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Caseback 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Flat Sapphire Crystal /w AR Undercoating Sterile Dial Painted numerals & Indices Baton Hands Japan SuperLume
Movement	SII NH38A 21 600bph 24 Jewels 41-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	NATO Strap /w Titanium Hardware HexaFlex Carbon Rubber Strap

RZE Valour 38

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Of Interest

In an effort to minimize its environmental footprint, as an option RZE will ship your Valour 38 in an upcycled tarpaulin pouch. Large enough to house your travel documents, charging cables, and other EDC gear, the Blackcomb pouch–named after Whistler’s Blackcomb Peak–makes for a nice bit of kit. It comes lined with heavy-duty canvas and elastics. Its Velcro exterior is meant to help you customize the pouch with patches and badges gathered during your escapades. 

Quibbles

The Valour 38 is a no frills three-hander. What you see is what you get. And it’s probably all you need.

Final Thoughts

The nomenclature of the Valour 38 is an interesting choice–drawing as it does on the brand’s sold out Valour Chronograph. Similarities in case shape (minus the pushers, of course) are evident, but that’s about the extent of the comparison. The Valour 38 is a smaller, tidier version of that earlier watch, with what some might consider a slightly more sophisticated finishing. The bezel is sharp, the case robust. And unlike many watches in this price category, the strap options are thoughtful and equally sturdy. The Valour 38 is easily recognizable as an RZE, and yet it manages to feel fresh, at the same time. If RZE hadn’t already hit its stride as a watchmaker before the Valour 38, then it certainly has found its pace now. In the Valour 38 you receive a field watch of elevated styling, a crisp dial, 100m of water resistance, and solid titanium construction. Toss in the workhorse, automatic Japanese movement, and it’s difficult to find fault in the offering. If you’re in the market for a GADA three-hander, the Valour 38 might be the watch for you.

Kickstarter pricing begins at only $219USD. Later, it will retail for $299USD. For more information, please visit the brand website or pledge your support on Kickstarter.

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About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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