Dryden Pathfinder v1.5 Review

Just before the new year, Dryden dropped an updated version of the Pathfinder, their 41mm dive watch. After this first batch of watches shipped and hit my Instagram feed, I was reminded why I fell in love with this Kansas City based microbrand years ago. I reached out to Jerry of Dryden Watch Company asking to get some hands-on experience with a new Pathfinder but faltered between the Forged Carbon and the textured Sky Blue dials. My indecisiveness paid off, and Jerry was kind enough to send both, putting an end to my FOMO.

Heartlander - Credit Guest Author

If you go to Dryden’s website right now, you’ll be greeted by the following message: Based on your feedback, we made a few upgrades. Us enthusiasts are a picky bunch, taking to YouTube comment sections and online forums to voice concerns over the most minute details. The chance to be a critic is an integral part of the hobby, and we fuss simply because we enjoy it, not because we expect to be listened to. But when our feedback is welcomed and used, the results can be astounding.

As I turned the new Pathfinders over in my hands for the first time, these enthusiast driven refinements were evident. Before we get too into the weeds on this new release, let's take a look at what Dryden is all about.

Exploring Dryden’s Collections

Dryden Pathfinder v1.5 - Credit Guest Author

Some brands have a tendency to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. As a watch nerd, I’m not going to complain about the constant stream of new releases. But there is also something to appreciate about a brand that makes infrequent and calculated changes. Dryden has three lines of watches (yes, that's right, only three), each with something that distinguishes it from similar offerings in the competitive arena of $500 microbrands:

• The Heartlander: A 38 mm all-rounder available with a sporty 3,6,9 dial or a classic field watch dial. It’s got a clean design, a compact case and capable water resistance at 100 meters. But these once impressive qualifications are now the standard for a field watch, so what sets it apart?  I’d argue it's the beefy 6.5 mm knurled crown. This tank of a crown is as grippy as it looks. And, thanks to the compact case shape, it doesn't dig into the wrist. Jerry shared one of these as well, and it is tempting to add one to my growing field watch collection.

Pathfinder - Credit Guest Author

• The Chrono Diver: As the name implies, this tool watch is part chronograph, part diver. Powered by Seiko Meca Quartz Chronograph VK63, it offers the feel of a mechanical chronograph without the cost of ownership. While tachymeters are cool in theory, the ability to track elapsed is actually practical for daily use, and the addition of a rotating bezel to the chronograph makes it one of the most useful tool watches on the market.

And that brings us to the Pathfinder. I’m fortunate to have spent some time with the previous version of the Pathfinder and found it to be a perfectly capable dive watch. It was of those watches they checked all the boxes: strong design, a trusted movement, 200 meters of water resistance and wearable dimensions (41 mm case and 11.8mm thick- crystal included). All in all, it wasn't a watch that needed improving. But I’m sure glad that it was.

Refining the Pathfinder

Heartlander - Credit Guest Author

The v1.5 Pathfinder is available with five new dial colors. While other noteworthy changes were made, these news dials are the star of the show. There are three textured dials (such as the captivating Sky Blue on my wrist as I type this), standard classics such as Glossy Black and, of course, the Forged Carbon option.

One of the welcome tweaks made to the previous version of the Pathfinder was replacing the word “Automatic” above the 6:00 date with “PATHFINDER”. A pet peeve of mine is when precious dial space is used to brag about things such as location of assembly, beat rate or accuracy certifications. The Pathfinder’s simple dial lets the specs talk for themselves- a trend I would love to see more of.

Dryden Pathfinder v1.5 - Credit Guest Author

Some cool facts of the Pathfinder that you won't find on the dial: 

• This automatic dive watch is powered by a high beat Miyota 9015.
• Each Pathfinder is assembled and tested in Kansas City. This includes water testing and movement regulation.
• You’ll find 12 layers of Superluminova BGW9 on the applied indices for long lasting lume.

Other changes include improved grip on the bezel, an upgraded milled clasp with four positions of micro adjust and the addition of five minute markers around the outside minute track. Oh, and remember that beefy 6.5 mm crown that steals the show on the Heartlander? That 6.5 mm goodness is now found on the Pathfinder. 

Final Thoughts

Heartlander - Credit Guest Author

Inevitably, us enthusiasts will find something that could be improved ever so slightly on the new Pathfinder. Maybe that will be adding a toolless micro adjust clasp as those become more prevalent, a smaller case as the pendulum swings toward vintage sizing, or even more dial material options.

As trends shift and new materials and innovations expand the realm of possibilities of affordable microbrands, it’s clear Dryden will continue to adapt -making calculated enthusiast driven refinements. For now, I’m going to silence that voice inside that is always asking “what's next?” and simply enjoy the v1.5 before its time to return these watches. If you want to permanently enjoy a Pathfinder v1.5 of your own, head on over to Dryden website to see the entire collection.

• Brand: Dryden
• Model: Pathfinder v1.5
• Price: $550
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Movement: Miyota 9015
• Complications: Date
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Dial: Several new options including new colors, textures and materials.
• Size: 41 x 47mm. Notably, its only 11.8 mm thick including the domed crystal
• When the reviewer would personally wear it: There is a dial for every occasion. The Forged Carbon could pass as formal, and the Sky Blue begs to be worn at the beach.
• A friend we’d recommend it to first: Anyone looking for a refined high beat tool watch.
• Best characteristics of the watch: The new dials!
• The worst characteristics of the watch: Dryden sells quality colorful FKM straps. I would love the option to save a bit of cash and purchase a Pathfinder on a colorful rubber strap instead of the bracelet.