FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
REACTOR INTRODUCES GRYPHON, THE ULTIMATE TACTICAL TIMEPIECE
The New Reactor Gryphon
AGOURA HILLS, CALIF. (MARCH, 2012) — REACTOR, maker of the world’s most durable and progressive sport watches, today announced the introduction of the Gryphon, a new watch developed from the ground up exceed the demands of active duty military and LE personnel and the company’s first use of a unique new polymer-steel hybrid case construction.
Gryphon features a unique “case-in-a-case” construction that combines the best attributes of stainless steel and high-tech polymers. “Plastics are great for their weight and durability against abrasion,” said Reactor President Jimmy Olmes, “but you cannot meet our standards for strength or water resistance with plastics alone, so we set out to find a way.” The result is a solid 316L stainless steel core that provides integrity for all the key interface points. The special K-1 hardened crystal mounts with an I ring into stainless steel, the screw down crown is welded into the stainless steel core and the forged stainless steel case back threads into the stainless steel core providing maximum water resistance over the long term. This internal core is then wrapped with a strong and highly impact resistant, reinforced polymer that REACTOR calls Nitromid™. The end result is a hybrid watch with all the integrity of solid 316L stainless steel and all the shock and abrasion resistance of a hi- impact polymer.
“Our black-plated watches have been very popular with our military and LE customers,” said Olmes, “but black IP over stainless is still more reflective than we would like, and it can be scratched, revealing the bare metal underneath. The Gryphon has a truly non-reflective surface that will not show a scratch, and it is lighter weight without sacrificing any strength.”
In addition to this unique case construction REACTOR developed a new strap that combines the comfort and odor resistant capabilities of AA grade silicone with the tensile strength of polyester webbing. Taking inspiration from their highly successful natural rubber and silicone band used on other REACTOR watches, REACTOR overlaid a tightly woven polyester webbing that serves as the interface at the case. This provides unprecedented strength, durability and comfort without the perspiration-absorption issues of normal webbing-based straps.
Gryphon features a 42mm case with a unidirectional, 120 click timing bezel, REACTOR’s patented Never Dark dial technology, combining tritium tubes and Superluminova, and a depth rating of 200M. Solid stainless steel screw bars are used to secure the strap to the case providing a case to band interface that supports well over 300 lbs. Gryphon will be available in 4 different dial colors with coordinating bands, and is slated to ship in early May with a suggested retail of $350.00.
For more information on REACTOR call, 800 291-6600 or visit www.reactorwatch.com
Unique styling and an uncompromising commitment to quality are what set REACTOR WATCH apart from the crowded watch market. Founded in 2003 by veteran sport watch guru Jimmy Olmes, REACTOR’s goal is to make “the best performance sport watch… period”. Every REACTOR model is built to meet and exceed demanding Swiss standards while offering an unprecedented value in fine watches.
The New Gryphon from Reactor
Reactor,
I love the idea, but I am not impressed with the execution… speaking from a purely aesthetic perspective. The dial lacks any mystery or pizazz. For this to truly qualify as a military watch the luminescent markings have to be replaced. The blacked out bezel is the right idea, but the pebble/dimple finish is more like a texture you would expect on plastic. I am impressed with the concept of a polymer body, but the design of the body feels more like a square display plaque. If you are familiar with the early 80′s model Saab 900, then you have first hand experience with a great idea that lacks curb appeal. I test drove one in 1985 for a ratings agency and was impressed with the handling and performance, but I could not get past the fact that the seat looked like it had just been “put” in the car from a stock off-the-shelf purchase and the other interior features that were functional but lacked design and appeal.