Reactor Valkyrie Rob Holland Signature Edition

I have been fortunate to see numerous Reactor watch models over the last few years and I am always impressed each time I get to check out anything from their collections, especially something new. I recently acquired a Poseidon and was so satisfied with each and every aspect of that model and my feelings are no different toward the Valkyrie Holland Signature Edition, the subject of this review. There are so many pilot watches on the market but nothing like the Valkyrie, at least that I am aware of at this time. Reactor held true to a core value of creating a pilot watch that, besides being functional, it is also big and bold in overall design. Of course, the same Reactor DNA found in other Reactor watch models is present on this version of the Valkyrie. If you are interested in how Reactor explains their DNA you can read more about it at: http://reactorwatch.com/reactor_dna.html. The Holland Signature Edition has a full retail of $899.95 with the following basic specifications:

Case: 316L Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 49.25mm

Crystal: Mineral

Movement: Japanese Quartz Chronograph Movement

Water Resistance: 200 meters

Weight: 215 grams

Limited Edition of 500

First, I want to start with a discussion on the presentation. Now, as I have stated numerous times in reviews and while talking with friends, I either want functional packaging or totally extreme packaging, and the packaging for the Signature Edition Valkyrie most certainly falls into the later category. The regular models from Reactor are packaged in a tube style container but the Limited/Signature editions come packaged in a huge rubberized clam style case. The interior of the case contains several slots for the various extras included with this Signature Edition piece. The case is well padded and protective so there will be no worries during shipping of this model to your door. I really appreciate the extreme packaging in this instance.

The case has both brushed and high polished finishes, which is designed in a slightly unusual way. Many times on watches with both finishes, the case sides will be either all brushed or all high polished with a contrasting bezel finish. However, on the Valkyrie case, the high polish finish is located only on a few millimeters at the lugs with the majority of the case having a brushed finish. The case finishing really adds a lot of flair to this model, which is another core value of Reactor watches. The 15mm thick case is constructed of 316L stainless steel and is a massive 49.25mm and 53mm factoring in the crown. The lug tip to lug tip measurement is also quite substantial at 57mm. With an overall weight of 215 grams, combined with the case specifications noted above, this watch is not for a dainty wrist.