Dryden Watch Company is a newcomer to the scene of small independent brands. Hailing from Kansas City, USA, Dryden has brought a solid new watch to market ? the Dryden Chrono Diver Series 1. This collection borrows the best features from both dive and chronograph style watches, seamlessly mixing the toughness and legibility of a diver with the timing capabilities and functionality of a chronograph. The result is a capable watch that?s ideal for everyday wear.
Measuring in at 42 millimeters across by 49 millimeters lug-to-lug and 13.5 millimeters thick, the Chrono Diver is sized to suit a variety of wrist sizes. The 316L stainless steel case features lugs that curve downward to hug the wrist, which generally makes for a more comfortable fit. To break up the straight lines and brushed finish on the case, Dryden added a polished bevel between the top and side surface of the lugs. Altogether, case shape is reminiscent of vintage watches from the 1960s ? the lines are simple and nothing is overly flashy, yet everything looks nicely finished.
You?ll find an oversized screw down crown at 3 o?clock that sports the Dryden ?D? engraved in its side. Flanking the crown are two oversized pushers that are polished to a high shine (on the stainless steel models). To my eye, this straightforward case really works well to counterbalance the busy chronograph dial and 120-click timing bezel surrounding it...