When Direnzo launched their own pre-orders for the 39mm DRZ02R Aerolite Purple, unsurprisingly they almost immediately sold out. The original 42mm DRZ02, with it's innovative and stylish design, was widely considered the microbrand watch of the year. Ever since that first release, fans have eagerly been awaiting a smaller DRZ02 series model, which finally comes to us as the new and improved DRZ02R.
We still have the unique and iconic sector/indices design that reminds us of an automotive gear stick/shift, very appropriate for this automotive inspired timepiece, along with a deep dish dial and curved concave sides, highlighted with a nicely polished chamfered edge. Direnzo have definitely upped their game here however. Not only is the DRZ02R Purple a fantastic new color for the DRZ02 series, but we see a lot of other improvements.The lollipop on the second hand still follows the track of the indices and perfectly covers the center of the date window as it passes over it, a hallmark of the brand. Now we can also enjoy this feature in the dark, with the addition of lumed edging on the date window, and a lumed crown.
The rally strap of old has been replaced with a screwed link bracelet with convenient quick release pins that wonderfully tapers all the way from 28mm to 18mm, with a mix of polished and brushed finishes on the H-link style bracelet. The signed double butterfly clasp really sets off the look, and Direnzo have clearly paid attention to customer feedback by the inclusion of half-links to get just the right fit. Despite having an integrated bracelet look, the lug width here is a very standard 20mm, making the Direnzo DRZ02R also super easy to wear with a wide variety of aftermarket straps.
One size to rule them all: Best of all is the new 39mm size, following the current trend for 40mm or smaller watches. This watch should still work very well with folks who prefer watches that are somewhat larger as the cushion case shape and strong dial design gives it a lot of wrist presence. At the same time, this watch is very wearable on smaller wrist sizes, with it's 44mm lug-to-lug length.
We think Direnzo have hit this one out of the ballpark. No wonder they are our favorite Swiss microbrand! The design looks stunning, the DRZ02R wears extremely well, and at under 11mm is thin enough to be a sports dress watch while also being a very robust timepiece with features such as 100 meters of water resistance, (the same as many dive watches,) a DLC scratch resistant coating/hardening on the watch and bracelet, scratch resistant sapphire crystal, Swiss Super-LumiNova lume, and a super reliable elaboré grade decorated Swiss automatic movement.
