- Reactor Trident 2 Specifications
- Case diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 14.9mm
- Weight: 180 g bracelet
- Width at lug: 30mm
- Width at clasp: 22mm
- Crystal: K1 Mineral
- Movement: Miyota 2s65
- 10 Year Battery
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Never Dark Technology
- Retail Price $450 USD
I have reviewed and owned quite a few Reactor Watches over the years, and while sometimes their models do not always connect with the watch enthusiasts out there, I have a certain fondness for the Reactor brand, though not all their models are my “cup of tea”. I think the main reason Reactor Watches do not appeal to some enthusiasts is because many (not all ) of their lineup consists of quartz watches. They do make a few automatic and kinetic models as well. I have never figured out why quartz can be such a negative word in the watch world. I personally love having quartz and auto in my collection, as quartz are great options for just “grab and go”, especially when I don’t feel like having to set the time and date again on an auto I have not worn in a few days. Another reason I like quartz is the durability that is added to it. This is where Reactor Watches really come in to play, as not only does the Trident 2 utilize a Miyota Quartz with a 10 year battery, but between the construction of the watch overall and the forged case back this watch is much more shock resistant than most automatics. This means barring any issues or damage, the watch should not have to be sent for a check up or battery for a very long time.
The Trident 2 is quite a departure from its predecessor in both design and size. Actually the only thing I can see that is similar from the original Trident model would be the dial. Everything else has changed; the case and bracelet are a new design, the size has been upped to 43mm (from 40) and a new color combination has been made available in all black with yellow accent version.
The original Trident never appealed to me, I wasn’t a fan of the design nor the size, though I know many were and it still sells well for Reactor. The Trident 2 on the other hand, just has a look that I really dig. The overall design has a chunkiness to it, but doesn’t come off as a large watch at all. Actually it feels more like a 42mm on the wrist.
The construction is the same as any other Reactor, a solid forged case and case back, heavy duty hex screw bar lug attachment, K1 mineral crystal, which I am told is very shock resistant and has slightly better scratch resistance than standard mineral, and a triple seal screw down crown.
The case is manufactured out of all 316L stainless steel, and this version has a satin brush finish. While not necessarily marketed as a dive watch on their website, with its rotating elapsed timing bezel, screw down crown and overall appearance, I would put it in the dive watch category. The clasp lacks a wet suit extension, but many dive style watches do these days as many who purchase them are not using them for diving but rather for the style.
When it comes to construction, every bit of this watch is built solid in my opinion. The screw down crown has no wobble or play, the bezel retches firmly and precise and the lug bar attachment give you a sense of security that the bracelet will not come undone unintentionally. The push button clasp could be a little beefier in my opinion, and I would prefer a more solid clasp deployant over the stamped one that is used, but it functions well and I have not encountered any issues.
The dial is done in a high gloss finish and while it might look like a 2 piece dial, it is not. One of the features I love about the dial is the “ghosted” logo as I like to call it. While it does not add any function, I just like the way they did it. Speaking of function, the Reactor Trident 2 is equipped with a day-date window, large Arabic number indexes and of course the Never Dark Technology. Reading up, I learned that the original Trident was the first Reactor watch to utilize this technology. If you are not familiar, Never Dark is the combination of superluminova on the numbers and tips of the hands in this case, and the use of T25 tritium illumination on the hands and 12, 3, 6 and 9 makers. What this does is allow you to see the time in any situation, as the tritium tubes do not need to be charged by an outside light source to glow.
Out of the box, the bracelet fit my 7 1/2 inch wrist with no need for sizing. 2 extra links are included in the packaging, and should you need more, just give a call to Reactor and the will send more out to you. At 180 grams, it is not lightweight but it is not an overly heavy watch on the wrist either, and while I am primarily a strap guy these days, this is watch I have worn on the bracelet and would not change it out. The only thing I do not care for on the bracelet is the logos that are printed on the top of the bracelet by the lugs. It looks a tad cheap. For those that just will not wear a bracelet or like something a little more lightweight, it is offered in a silicone rubber strap version as well.
As discussed above, with a name like Never Dark for their lume, it is no surprise that it glows like a torch in the dark, due to the heavy luminous paint on the numbers and arrow tips of the hands. While in photos the tritium does not look very bright, as I said, it never needs to be charged and is a constant glow.
Price always being a factor, I know some might balk at the $450 price tag. But keep in mind Reactor does not sell their watches on their website, only through dealers. And while it is not an automatic and lacks a sapphire crystal, the construction and lume technology is top notch. If you like a rugged style timepiece, its also quite a handsome watch as well. Reactor Watches might not be for everybody, but they are far from a “fashion watch”, and I can not find any glaring faults with the build quality on this particular model.
As always, the decision is yours, but head over to the Reactor Website HERE to check out this model and others as well as see where you can purchase one.
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