Wren x Ben’s Watches Diver One Obsidian Review

Wren is a relatively young independent brand, but its founder has many years of experience in the watch world.

Craig Karger first built an audience through the Wrist Enthusiast project, and in 2023 launched Wren, bringing a philosophy of enthusiasts to a collection of Swiss dive watches: reasonable proportions, everyday practicality, and reliable mechanical construction. The Diver One model became the key in Wren's lineup, and Obsidian is the second collaborative work of Karger and the popular social media watchmaker Ben Cook.

The History of Collaboration Between Wren and Ben’s Watches

Ben Cook is one of the most famous independent watch creators on Instagram and co-hosts the podcast Wrist Enthusiast Radio with Karger. Their partnership was a logical continuation of already established working relationships. The first joint model, Diver One Magma, stood out with a bright orange fumé dial based on the proven Diver One case, creating a unique visual image while retaining the technical foundation. Now the pair has introduced Diver One Obsidian, their second joint work, offering an alternative look at the Diver One platform through dark finishes and textures, highlighting the glowing orange dial.

Construction and Technical Specifications

The case of the Diver One Obsidian remains unchanged: 41 mm in diameter, 47 mm lug-to-lug, and 13.3 mm thick. These parameters meet modern standards for everyday dive watches, ensuring a balance between wrist presence and wearing comfort. A domed sapphire crystal is installed above the dial, and the screw-down crown and 200-meter water resistance confirm the status of a true tool watch. The black bezel now harmoniously matches the DLC-coated case, giving the model a darker and more austere look without altering the basic design.

Diver One Obsidian Dial Design

The dial is a key element of the model's appearance. Its expressive fumé transition from bright molten orange at the center to deep brown, almost black at the edges, creates a sense of depth and dynamism. The color scheme is inspired by cooling lava, and against the black case, the effect becomes even more dramatic. Applied indices and broad hands ensure excellent readability. A distinctive feature is the black luminescent coating, glowing with a charcoal light in the dark, supporting the volcanic theme and making the model stand out among competitors.

Movement and Functionality

Inside is a reliable automatic Sellita SW200 movement, familiar throughout the Diver One collection. Operating frequency is 4 Hz, power reserve is 38 hours. The movement is equipped with a hacking function and quick date setting, enhancing usability. This caliber is optimal for daily wear, combining proven reliability with ease of maintenance, which is especially important for tool watches.

Wearing Options and Package Contents

Wren offers two ways to wear the Diver One Obsidian right out of the box:

• A stainless steel bracelet with DLC coating, which emphasizes the dark and purposeful design of the case;
• An orange FKM rubber strap, highlighting the bright tones of the dial.

Switching straps radically changes the character of the watch, allowing the owner to choose between a restrained tactical style and a bolder visual accent without compromising design integrity.

Conclusion and Limited Release

The Diver One Obsidian continues a successful collaboration, retaining the original model's key features - comfortable proportions, reliable characteristics, and enthusiast orientation - while offering a fresh design perspective. This model proves that changing the finish can dramatically transform familiar watches, giving them a new identity. The release is limited to 100 numbered pieces, making the watch attractive to collectors and brand fans.

Price and Availability of Wren x Ben’s Watches Diver One Obsidian

The first batch of 100 watches will be released in a limited edition. The first 30 pieces can be purchased in person at the Windup Watch Fair in Chicago from July 10 to 12. The recommended price is USD 1195.