HZ.01
A full titanium quartz watch from a brand that specialises in battery powered timepieces? Yes, please. As a quartz-enthusiast, I love a good GADA that is always up and running, and that I can place right on my wrist whenever I want. Could the HZ.01 be that perfect “grab and go” piece?
It does look good.
DESIGN
You can not blame HZ for plagiarism, The 01 is unique and incredibly well designed. I liked it from afar, and I love it up close. At first, you´ll notice the day window just below 12 o`clock. There is not room for a full day, but three letters are more than enough to understand what day of the week it is.
The day aperture is placed within the circular brushed center section of the dial. A heavy brush offers the dial plenty of texture and visual interest. Towards the bottom of the center section, you find the date window. This has gotten slightly larger in the V.2, a welcome change. Let me just say, it could very well have been even bigger.
The Arabic numerals are set on top of a black ring with plenty of tiny ridges. Around the outer edge, there is a minute ring with number markers each five minutes. You get two pops of red, one on the second hand and one on the dial.
The case is simple, and without much fuzz. All in all, the HZ.01 manages to be both simplistic and minimal while offering plenty of visual flare to whoever gives it a second look. A home run.
MOVEMENT
HZ Watches specialises in quartz, as told by their brand name. This one is powered by a Swiss Ronda 507 movement. Reliable and precise, while keeping the price down.
BUILD QUALITY
I have no complaints. Titanium is a difficult material to work with, but the HZ.01 has pristine case work. I find no flaws. The screw down crown is smooth and easy to operate.
We all love a good backside.
STRAP
The included leather strap is of very high quality, and it is a great visual fit to the watch. It comes supplied on a simple buckle style clasp. The strap is pliable and soft from the get go.
X-FACTOR
I find that the HZ.01 is a brilliant grab and go timepiece. Whereas many of the affordable quartz watches tend to be boring and lacking in visual interest, you won't ever feel that way about this one. This thing could easily be your one watch, but I find that it works perfectly in a larger collection. Either as a grab and go, or as a special super-light (45 grams on the leather strap) for the days when lightness is rightness.
