Reactor Valkyrie Rob Holland Signature Edition

The crown compared to overall size of the case was slightly surprising as the crown measures a rather average 7mm in diameter. I was really expecting to see a large oversized crown to match up with the massive case but the overall balance is still quite nice. The crown is positioned at the 3 o’clock position on the case and is flanked by the 5mm chronograph function pushers. The signed screw down crown is knurled and easy to grasp. The crown action has a buttery smooth feel when engaging to adjust the date and time. Of note, the crown when fully engaged does have quite a bit of wiggle/play at least for this particular example. However, the play doesn’t appear to impact the functionality of the Valkyrie. The chronograph function pushers are also screw down and have the same knurled texture as the crown making them extremely easy to grasp and engage. Thank goodness for a clean unbranded non-crown side of the case as far too many companies over-brand their products.

I have to admit I was slightly concerned initially about the bi-directional bezel in regards to play. However, the bezel is extremely tight so no worries about knocking it out of place unexpectedly. The bezel has a knurled type texture around the perimeter but I still found the bezel to be somewhat difficult to grasp and rotate. The E6B slide rule bezel is utilized to perform a wide array of mathematical calculations in conjunction with the dial chapter ring that would be important to a pilot relating to fuel, oil, distance and speed. If you are interested in the functionality of an E6B slide rule bezel, you can read about it in more detail across the web. There is no reason to make a pilot watch unless you can make it truly functional, and other than difficulty grasping, Reactor scores big on this aspect.

The Valkyrie is fitted with a K1 high-ceramic mineral crystal measuring a not so surprising 37mm in diameter, massive just like the rest of the watch. I know many people prefer a sapphire crystal to mineral including myself. However, in this instance everyone needs to remember that mineral tends to be more impact resistant than sapphire. The impact resistance falls in line with the rugged durable essence of Reactor Watches. Reactor really wants their watches to be able to handle a beating, and sapphire will just not provide enough impact resistance or durability for Reactor’s standards. Beneath the crystal is a fantastic looking black carbon fiber dial. Many chronograph dials tend to be cramped some due to over-branding or just simply not enough surface area to accommodate all the features. Over-branding and surface area are just not a problem at all with this particular chronograph as the dial itself measures approximately 30mm. The sub-dial layout is slightly asymmetric as the 60 minute counter located at the 9 o’clock position is slightly larger than the other sub-dials. The 60 minute counter features Rob Holland’s signature and airplane sketch which is pretty sharp looking adding another element of flair to this model. The chronograph hour counter is located at the 3 o’clock position while the small second hand ticks away at the 6 o’clock position on the dial.