Direnzo DRZ02R Aerolite Review: A wondrous story of fine details
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- A return of the Direnzo DRZ02 has been actively requested since its initial launch and the wait is over! This version 2, known as the DRZ02R (Reduced), brings nice updates and more versatile sizing.
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If you'd like to collaborate on a review, my email is: jonathantreviews@gmail.com
More information is available here:
Direnzo Aerolite - direnzowatches...
Screwdriver, Spring Bar Tool, Straps & Watch Boxes:
Wera 1.2mm Screwdriver - This is my go to for bracelet adjustments. Very inexpensive and high quality. I recommend keeping a couple on hand: amzn.to/3jQV6pj
(Recommend watching this video with sizing tips - • How to Easily Size Wat... )
Alternative Screwdriver - If the above version is sold out, this Wera is great too, just a little bit more expensive - amzn.to/3spF2ho
Bergeon Spring Bar Tool - amzn.to/3O0xqM7
Ritche Canvas Strap - Many colors and sizes: amzn.to/3vyo4PO
Helm Canvas Strap - Excellent quality and sufficient rigidity for heavier watches. Highly recommend and several colors and 20/22mm available: amzn.to/3ddWD60
Helm FKM Rubber Strap - Another fantastic bang for buck offering from Helm. Available in several colors and 20/22mm: amzn.to/3fKK438
Microfiber Clothes - amzn.to/3ddXx2o
Watch Boxes:
6 Watch Box - amzn.to/3subIFd
8 Watch Box with Drawer - amzn.to/3syrZsH
21 Watch Box - amzn.to/3lZ65wi
Direnzo loaned this prototype to the channel and they intend to send me a production version. I did not receive compensation for filming this review. The statements contained within are only my opinion.
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Thank you so much Jonathan for the in-depth review! And wonderful to compare the 02R with other models, that gives a great idea how it might feel on your wrist. Agree about the borders, you need to be careful. On the 02R, the design ideas are stronger than practicality if you know what I mean. Thank you once again!
My pleasure! It's been a treat getting to know this beauty! Cheers
Just like the watches from Direnzo, your reviews are getting better and better after each released. Love the attention you gave to all those gorgeous details. I agree with you, I think this will be THE micro release of 2023. Thanks J.
You're too kind, my friend ☺️ Sergio makes it easy to explore these captivating models! Cheers
It’ll be the date version for me. The side by side comparison is interesting…not much of a difference with the other Direnzo models. Love to see the burnt orange and the blue dial in a video review. Great job as always!
Same here! Can't beat this date. Agreed, they're all relatively similar in sizing. I think Jody has the Orange from good Instagram and I believe Esbjörn has a video up for the Blue. Thanks so much! Cheers
The quasi-integrated bracelet integration offers the best of both worlds, because this watch will look just as good on a conventional 20 mm strap. There are so many amazing little details on this watch like the second hand lollipop eclipsing the date window and how it also sweeps also the lines connecting the hour indices. The orange accent colour on grey dial version reminds me of lava flows, overall great watch design as always from Sergio!
So many brilliant touches and design elements! Couldn't agree more about the functional awesomeness of this bracelet design (on top of the gorgeous looks). Love the comparison with the flowing lava! Cheers
I just purchased this one based on your review. Finally getting a Direnzo. Definitely appreciate the solid reviews
Awesome! I think you're going to love it! My pleasure 🥂
Watching this footage is a feast to my watch bamboozled eyes!
It sure is a beauty! Cheers
Very good review Jonathan. Well done. Can't wait to get these back in hand.
Thank you very much! You're going to love it! Cheers
This watch is stunning ! This will definitely be my next purchase...
You won't regret it! Cheers
I have been trying my best to save up for a Pelagos FXD for my 30th birthday next year, but damn I am tempted to jump on the pre-order for this. The case design looks amazing, a unique aesthetic, and a beautiful purple dial (although I think I would have preferred like one shade darker)
Always a tough call, especially when the alternative looks this good! This is one of the most unique designs on the market. Cheers
This looks FANTASTIC. (I have the 03 Eclipse blue and love it). The interesting & unique case design and bracelet seem GREAT. If I hadn't just recently ordered a Henry Archer sunburst purple dial watch, then maybe I would be more tempted. AMAZING and thorough review as always, with great shots of the watch in different lighting and angles!
Thank you very much! The Henry Archer purple is excellent too 💜 I'm planning to get the Grey and Blue in this batch (have a Purple Mondial on the way). Cheers
Excellent review as always Jonathan
That purple is so retro cool🔥🔥
Thanks my friend! I enjoyed yours as well! I plan to get the Grey and Blue. How about you? Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews that was my initial thought as well, but I think being a very retro inspired look, its Burnt Orange all the way for me 😊
Nice! I think that one will be really popular!
Sergio did a great job with this 2nd gen of DRZ02. I have 1st gen Blue version and there are a lot of improvements comparing to the latter one. Bracelet is gorgeous here!
Downsizing the watch was a good idea in my opinion. First gen is really big, but I must say that case shape changed a little between 1st and 2nd gen (if you look from above). Maybe it is just an optical illusion, because of the bracelet here.
Anyway, DRZ02R just screams buy me! :D
He sure did! Agreed, huge improvements throughout. You're correct about the case, at a minimum, the lugs were flattened to accommodate the bracelet but I believe the shape itself was adjusted in the process. It's an amazing improvement to an already great watch. Cheers
Yeah, purple date will be incoming and I would love a second one. Terrific DRZ. Terrific review.
Thanks buddy! It is such a beauty! I ended up ordering a Purple Mondial, but it's still so hard to resist this one. I'm planning for the Grey and Blue, unless the Mondial doesn't scratch the itch. Cheers
Watching in anticipation of the 2nd batch shipping soon. Sergio is just cranking out Picasso after Picasso
Shouldn't be long! Agreed, he's killing it 🥂
I ordered the black version. My first micro brand watch.
Great pick as your first! One of my absolute favorite brands and this model is exceptionally well done. Cheers
Me too!! Black and first micro-brand
Unique design 👍
Very much so! Phenomenal attention to detail with every element. Cheers
My wife isn’t gonna believe this is a $100 watch😂
🤣 Might be a hard sell 🤣 Cheers
I'd be surprised if she believes this to be less than 1000... And that's the good news
Haha. I told my wife, I was already committed to the black dial and pvd. No going back, as if!?
Direnzo has done it again!
It wouldn't be polite to go back on your word 🫣😉😁
Tell her u bought it frm a friend for 100bucks.
Another great review. I bought this exact same colour because of you
Awesome, I think you'll love it! The model as a whole is excellent and this color is simply gorgeous 💜 Cheers
outstanding review, thank you
Thank you so much! Cheers
Superb review !!! loved the watch & your channel !!! subscribed
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words and support. Cheers
Thanks for all the details! Would be great if you also make a clip showing off different 20 mm straps / bracelets. I also have a 6.5" wrist and would be really curious to see the difference in how it wears. On the original bracelet, it seems too big for a wrist smaller than 17-17.5 cm. Take care!
My pleasure! I'll try to at least get some pics to help out. Are you by chance in their Facebook group or on Instagram? I agree, I think 17cm would be pushing the lower limits with the wide visual presence. Cheers
OK, we crossed paths on UA-cam and FB and yes I remain in two minds about this. Could I pull off such a large wrist presence: probably yes. Would I also enjoy such a large wrist presence regularly? Maybe not. It could prove to be similar to me trying a 40mm dive watch. Sure, there is objectively nothing wrong, but do I truly enjoy it myself on my wrist? Well, it has 'grown' on me over time a little. So, what is at play here is that across the board it is clear just how exceedingly well Direnzo is doing. And on top, this may just be his most intricately accomplished watch to date. And funnily, although off the wrist, in your comps, this definitely looks smaller than both the drz04 and the Batavi, which could be considered slightly more conservatively styled alternatives. So on the whole, ny current thinking is: I should perhaps order one to try it. I may love to wear it, but I should definitely love its design and execution. If it does not get wrist time, others would be crazy not to pick it up on the secondary market, right? The only things against that are the cash sunk into the purchase, inclusing the unfortunate costs of import, and my profound dislike to buy things when I'm not sure. That said, sometimes you feel very sure purchasing and then a doubt lingers after receiving it, such as with my one diver...
I agree with Sergio's feedback and your overall conclusion that the only way to know will be to try it. It is an exceptionally nice watch/design for the money but preferences will always dictate individual enjoyment. I'm confident, if nothing else, you'd appreciate it. The sizing is objectively/subjectively on the smaller side relative to many other "comps", though it does have more wrist presence than a round counterpart. Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews in that sense it is an odd and confusing one. I also wonder if Caseback Tim was just being a little clumsy in his shots showing it on the wrist. On yours there is no such visual discomfort. Nonetheless, it's odd that one tends to accurately judge it as smaller than many 40mm options, and yet on the wrist it seems larger. I do think the wide bracelet will have a large part in this, but then that is the style and for me, this belongs on the bracelet. Once seen, you cannot unsee this. I think the original was lacking in that respect (but that's easy judgment now we're on this refined iteration many watches on). (By the way, it seems my autocorrect simply doesn't work well when phone-typing comments on UA-cam. I was horrified to read back!)
It could be a difference in wrist flatness or, like you mentioned, just perspective. Distance, angles, etc. can visually skew things. I try to show a wide variety of distances and angles in wrist footage for that reason. Square(ish) cases are always hard to pin down and require some adjustment. In theory, the Batavi for instance should fit just fine but it wears large for me. That's not the case with this one.
Im coming for ya on Saturday now i need to figure out wht color to go for. They all look so slick and sexy. Im thinking this is gonna take the top spot in my collection.
They do all look great! I definitely wanted a Direnzo Purple, but ended up deciding to grab another Mondial for that color (tough choice). I'm planning to get a Blue and Grey for the Aerolite. Cheers
This will be hard to resist. Wow.
Absolutely! I'm planning to get a couple! Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews Your reviews are wonderful and very consise. Subscribing now and thank you.
Thank you so much 🥂
Dang, this one has really been growing on me. Probs gonna regret not snagging this purple or orange colorway, but alas, couldn't justify another piece with the Traska Commuter preorder getting here. Thanks for the thorough look at this piece, all the best!
My pleasure! It is an amazing watch and I'm looking forward to receiving my pair. If you decide to grab one, some dealers have available options. In the US, The Microbrand Store is offering a great deal. Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews Ah, groovy, thanks for the heads up. I'll keep that in mind, for sure. Have a rad one! :)
For me the important thing is it looks good and fits comfortably on my wrist. Which is why I hate steel band watches. It’s a lot of hassle to correct the size. I prefer standard leather or rubber straps
You may be surprised with the bracelet comfort too. It hugs the wrist well. If not, having standard lugs and quick release spring bars is a great bonus. Cheers
Can't watch this. Tortures my eyes and soul. Can not buy another watch. But this one is just what I always wanted.
That is cruel 🫣 Window shopping can still be fun 😉 Cheers
This must be sold out? It's not on the Direnzo website
You're correct, you can find them under the sold out models. They went fairly quickly. There is another batch planned for next year though. Cheers
They are available again!
Unfortunately I just cant get into this watch. Maybe a different colorway would help but I'm not a fan of the bracelet or the shape of the case. Reminds me of a UFO.
It for sure has a UFO case profile vibe, but that's part of what I do like. LOL. Cheers
28.5mm? That's Too Big even for Rosie O'Donnell thunder of a wrist!
Are you referring to the bracelet dimension? That's the outer measurement of the integrated bracelet, which are generally wider than standard bracelet/lug widths. My wrist is only 6.5" for reference and it fits comfortably. Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews Yes bracelet. 22 to 24 standard is understood but 28.5 looks odd. Watch itself is not that bad. Thanks.
The cushion case and integrated bracelet combo does kick it out a bit. With the aggressive taper and modest case size though, I don't find it to be overwhelming on my wrist. Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews Contemporary watches can be of any size(not that I care for them) but Classic design watches should be of Classic sizes(not too chunky). Agree?
Agreed, though I don't think the watch is too chunky personally. I like the way the case and bracelet flow together, with the subtle "lug" cut inward to keep the bracelet starting width (more) reasonable. With the aggressive taper, the outer link width quickly drops. Between that and the short lug to lug, it doesn't to me wear any differently than a standard length lug to lug case where the width would be even wider at the widest points of the bracelet.
Pretty ugly watch imo. Appreciate the review though. 😁
No worries, liking different style watches is part of the fun of the hobby. Cheers