Few brands can claim the unique pedigree and appeal of Resco Watches. This US Navy SEAL-owned company has carved a niche for itself by crafting timepieces that blend high performance geared towards elite special operators with high class. Resco Watches were made with US Navy SEALs in mind and are far above and beyond what the rest of us civilians need, but that certainly shouldn’t stop us from enjoying such a high-powered luxury watch.
Resco Watches Key Takeaways
- High-performance design suitable for rugged environments
- Assembled and tested in the US
- Trusted by active US Navy SEALs
Table of Contents
The Birth of Resco Watches
Resco’s founder, Rob Smith had a vision to build a “sleek, simple and rugged timepiece.” However, the demands of his numerous deployments as a Navy SEAL necessitated a delay in starting the business but Rob continued to work on refining designs.
In 2009, Resco Instruments was born, marking the realization of Rob and his wife, Nicole’s, deferred dream. Based out of Coronado, California, the west coast home of the US Navy SEALs, the company made a name for itself in the microbrand watch market. Their focus on quality set them apart, with their products assembled and tested in Coronado, California, US.
Resco Watch Features
Resco watches are known for their robust and functional design, which is tailored to meet the demands of active service members and watch enthusiasts alike. Here are some key physical features of Resco watches:
1. Case: The case of Resco watches is made from 316L Stainless Steel, often with a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) black finish, though other finishes are available too. This gives the watches a sleek, modern look while also providing excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
2. Dial: The dial of Resco watches typically features a variation of SuperLuminova, a luminescent material that allows for easy reading in low light conditions. C3 is yellow and the brightest and BGW9 is a light bluish-white with about 95% glow of C3. Some Resco models have no luminescence or only have it on the hands (Blackfrog).
The dials can range in color but the most common is matte black, providing a sharp contrast with the luminescent markers. Other colors available are white, grey, aqua, and even orange, presumably a nod to Jacque Cousteau’s 1970s Doxa Sub300T Professional Desigend.
3. Movement: Most Resco watches use a Swiss Automatic movement, though a few models also feature a Swiss quartz movement (Manus and RTAC GMT).
4. Crystal: The watches feature scratch-proof crystal with an anti-reflective (AR) coating. This ensures the watch face remains clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
5. Size: Resco watches are typically 44mm in diameter and 13mm thick, with a 22mm lug width. This makes them a substantial presence on the wrist, suitable for those who prefer larger watches.
6. Bezel: The bezel of Resco watches, such as the Hooper model, features 120 clicks and has both five-minute markings and hour markings. This is particularly useful for divers and those who need to track elapsed time.
7. Limited Production: Due to the founder’s active military schedule, Resco limits its production to 600-1000 watches annually. This not only ensures the quality of each watch but also makes each piece more exclusive.
It’s worth noting that specific features can vary between different models within the Resco range. For example, the Resco Patriot may have different features compared to the Resco Kauffman Dive Watch or the Resco Hooper. However, the features listed above provide a general overview of what you can expect from a Resco watch.
The Collections of Resco Watches
This list compares the current models as of the time of this writing in June 2023. There are nine different models with numerous possible combinations.
| Model | Movement | Case Material | Water Resistance | Dial Color Options | Complication | Strap Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gen1 Patriot – ~$2,000 The Patriot series is perhaps the most iconic collection from Resco. The first-generation Patriot is worn by over 100 active US Navy SEALs, a testament to the watch’s reliability and performance. | Sellita SW200 (Self-winding mechanism) | 316L Stainless Steel DLC Black Finish or Stainless Steel Bead Blasted | 200 Meter | Matte Black Dial with blue BWG9 lume | N/A | Black Thin Nylon strap |
| Gen 2 Patriot – ~$2,000 | Sellita SW200 (Self-winding mechanism) | 316L Stainless Steel DLC Black Finish or Stainless Steel Bead Blasted | 300 Meter | Matte Black Dial with C3 Green/Yellow SuperLuminova | N/A | Black Thin Nylon strap |
| UDT – ~$2,000 (Underwater Demolition Teams) | Sellita SW200 (Self-winding mechanism) | – Titanium Brushed – Titanium DLC Black Finish | 300 Meter | – Matte Grey with BWG9 SuperLuminova – Matte Black with BWG9 SuperLuminova | – Date | Black Thin Nylon strap |
| BlackFrog – ~$1,900 Dark watch with little-to-no dial glow | Sellita SW200 (Self-winding mechanism) or Quartz battery – Ronda | 200 Meter (Gen1) or 300 Meter (Gen2) | – Matte Black Dial with C3 SuperLuminova on hands only; no/limited dial glow | – Date | Black Thin Nylon strap | |
| Kauffman – +/- $2,000 – Classic styling dive watch dedicated to the Father of Naval Special Warfare | Sellita SW200 (Self-winding mechanism) | – 316L Stainless Steel Black DLC | 200 Meters | – Matte Black Dial C3 SuperLuminova – Matte Grey Dial with no lume glow | N/A | Black Thin Nylon strap |
| Manus – +/-$1,000 – Inspired by traditional dive watch – Date & Chronograph | Ronda Quartz; 3 year standard battery life; 13 Jewels | – 316L Stainless Steel DLC Black Finish – Stainless Steel | 200 Meter | – Matte Blue Dial with BWG9 SuperLuminova – Matte Grey Dial with BWG9 SuperLuminova – Matte Orange Dial with BWG9 SuperLuminova | – Chronograph – Date | Black Thin Nylon strap |
| Hooper – ~$1,300-1,500 – Homage to the earliest dive watches | Sellita SW200 (Self-winding mechanism) | – 316 L Stainless Steel DLC Black Finish – 316L Stainless Steel | 200 Meter | – Matte Black Dial with BWG9 SuperLuminova – Matte Orange Dial with BWG9 SuperLuminova – Matte White Dial with BWG9 SuperLuminova | – Date | Black Thin Nylon strap |
| RTAC GMT – low $1,000s | Quartz Battery – Ronda | – 316L Stainless Steel, DLC Black Finish – 316L Stainless Steel Bead Blasted | 200 Meter | – Matte Black Dial with BWG9 SuperLuminova | – GMT Hand | Black Thin Nylon strap |
| Sea Pearl – $700~1,000 – Ladies watch | Movement: Quartz Battery – Ronda | – 316L Stainless Steel Polished | 100 Meter | – Aqua Dial with BWG9 SuperLuminova – White Mother of Pearl Dial with BWG9 SuperLuminova – Flat Black Dial with BWG9 SuperLuminova | – Date | – Brown Stingray – Black Stingray – Optional: Stainless Steel Mesh |
The Resco Difference
Resco Watches stand out in the microbrand market for several reasons. Their commitment to quality thwarts most competition, and their unique military connection adds an extra layer of appeal.
Resco Watches are not the cheapest in their niche. However, this is a deliberate choice, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality over cost. Each timepiece is meticulously crafted to ensure superior performance and longevity.
Resco is a SEAL-owned company, adding a unique dimension to their brand story. This military connection is not just for show – their watches are designed to meet the rigorous demands of active service members.
What makes Resco Watches a Conservative-friendly Watch Brand?
Using scoring system of 2nd Vote, Resco Instruments “leans conservative” and we believe Conservatives will find values alignment with Resco:
- Manufacturing in the USA: Resco is an American company with assembly and testing in America. Resco is a purist watch company focused on making high-quality watches with American military special operations in mind.
- Pro-gun: We can presume from the many pictures of guns on their They are pro 2nd Amendment. They sell at the NRA conference.
- Pro Limited Government: Resco has a “Don’t Tread On Me” flag in their office reception area
- Resco is neutral on key issues, including gender & sexuality, life, the environment, etc.
Also, the company does not seem completely committed to its homebase of California. Their website FAQ section read, “After having a storefront in CA for 12+ years, our CA Shop has closed and we no longer have a physical store. We no longer have interest in being in CA.”
We can’t say for certain what gives Resco pause, but we can certainly take some wild guesses.
Famous People Who Wear Resco Watches
‘James Reece’ in The Terminal List
Fictional character, James Reece, in The Terminal List series written by Jack Carr, wears a Resco Watch. The Amazon Prime television show starring Chris Pratt also features the watch.
Joe Rogan
There’s no badder man than Joe Rogan, the American UFC color commentator and highly popular podcaster. Here he’s seen wearing a Resco Watch.
Final Thoughts
Resco Watches offer a unique blend of high performance and high class, making them a standout choice in the microbrand watch market. Their commitment to quality, coupled with their unique military connection, sets them apart from the comptetition. Whether you’re an active service member, a watch enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, Resco Watches are a compelling, non-woke choice.
FAQs
Where are Resco Watches made?
Resco Watches are assembled and tested in the US, but their components are manufactured in different parts of the globe.
How much do Resco Watches cost?
The price of Resco Watches varies depending on the model. They range from the $900s to $2,000s.