Dryden Chrono Diver Series 1vsSeiko Essentials Chronograph

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Dryden Chrono Diver Series 1 at true scale

Chrono Diver Series 1

Seiko Essentials Chronograph at true scale

Essentials Chronograph

Diameter

42mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

49mm

45.8mm

lowest

Thickness

13.5mm

11.5mm

lowest

Water Resistance

101m

highest

100m

MSRP

$349

lowest

$415

Movement

Quartz

Seiko 8T63

Case

5 specs
Diameter
42mm
40mm
Thickness
13.5mm
11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
45.8mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Water Resistance
101m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Domed Sapphire
Sapphire
Dial Color
Steel
n/a

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
n/a
Seiko 8T63

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$349
$415
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Dryden Chrono Diver Series 1

The Dryden Chrono Diver Series 1 is a 42mm mechaquartz chronograph with a sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance. Owners note that the chronograph hand may not reset perfectly to zero, a characteristic of the VK63 movement. The case features polished chamfers on the upper lugs, and the watch utilizes Swiss Superluminova BGW9. It has been listed for sale at prices ranging from $150 to $255 and includes two straps. Overall, owners appreciate the Dryden Chrono Diver Series 1 for its classic design and value, despite the common VK63 chronograph reset quirk.

From video reviewers

The Seiko VK63 mechaquartz movement is a shared strength, noted for its instant reset and sweeping chronograph hand. The bezel action and water resistance were considered standard for the price point.

Seiko Essentials Chronograph

Owners widely praise the Seiko Essentials Chronograph for its beautiful and fun dial, with one noting the green dial and gold hands, and another finding the dark greenish dial less impressive than black. The watch is considered a great first watch, comfortable for active wear due to its lightweight nature, and enjoyable for its chronograph function. One owner reported the orange stripe on a stopwatch button expanded and fell off in heat, while another found the 40mm case wore smaller than expected. The Seiko Essentials Chronograph is considered beautiful for its price, especially on the grey market. On balance, owners rate the Seiko Essentials Chronograph highly for its attractive dial and comfortable wearability at its price point.

From video reviewers

The watch is praised for its impressive execution and value at its price point. Its 50-meter water resistance is cited as a potential limitation.

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