Get ready for a game-changer in the world of affordable timepieces! The Dryden Heartlander Field Watch goes solar, and it's a revolution in user-friendly design.
Dryden Watch Co., a young American brand based in Kansas City, has taken its flagship field watch to the next level with solar power. This update not only enhances the watch's functionality but also makes it one of the most attractive options on the market for those seeking a daily companion under $300.
The Heartlander collection, introduced in 2022, pays homage to the stunning landscapes of Kansas, where the brand's founder, Jerry Wang, grew up. Initially, it featured a 38mm automatic time-only piece with a dial inspired by the iconic Tudor Ranger, paired with a stylish President-style steel bracelet.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Highlander Solar marks a significant departure from its automatic predecessors. It's powered by an Epson caliber VS42 solar quartz movement, a wholesale version of the technology used by Orient. This move has sparked debate among watch enthusiasts, with some questioning the brand's decision to veer away from automatic movements.
And this is the part most people miss... The Highlander Solar offers more than just a new power source. It introduces a more traditional set of field watch hands and a convenient quick-release FKM rubber strap with a pin-buckle clasp. But the most notable change is the price. The SRP for the Highlander Solar is nearly half that of the original automatic, starting at just $279.
The Heartlander Solar also boasts a fresh dial design. It blends the ruler-style seconds track from the time-only Heartlander with printed numeral hour markers, similar to those on the time-and-date dial. Dryden's logo remains at 12 o'clock, now underlined with "solar," and the script "Heartlander" is replaced with an all-caps sans-serif font. The date window, previously at six o'clock, has moved to three o'clock and is framed by a simple line.
All four dial colors—green, blue, black, and gray—are coated with blue-glowing Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The "Heartlander" marking on the green and gray dials is in yellow, adding a pop of color.
The most striking visual change is the new set of hands. The Ranger-inspired hands have been replaced with beveled syringe hour and minute hands, and an arrow-shaped seconds hand. All four colors feature a brushed steel texture on the hands, with the seconds hand on the gray dial tipped with yellow and the blue dial with red.
Dryden's clean energy update to the Heartlander field watch is a win for watch enthusiasts and everyday wearers alike. It retains the respectable specs of a sub-$600 watch, including AR-coated sapphire crystal, a brushed steel 38mm case, and Super-LumiNova lume. But the real draw is the price, which is now more accessible than ever.
For those who aren't purists about mechanical movements, Epson's solar quartz movement offers a reliable and user-friendly upgrade. It's easier to maintain and more affordable than a Miyota automatic, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a hassle-free timepiece.
The Heartlander Solar will be available from Dryden on November 7. The blue, green, and gray dials are priced at $279, while the black dial with a PVD-coated case is $289. And for those who prefer the steel bracelet, it will be available on the solar version in December, along with Dryden's entire catalog of straps.
So, what do you think? Is the Heartlander Solar a step in the right direction for Dryden, or does it miss the mark? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
