The Dietrich watch brand began in 2010 and was founded by Emmanuel Dietrich. Emmanuel Dietrich was born in 1969 and graduated from the Parisian design school Ecole Boulle. After 20 years of designing watches for major brands, he decided to launch his own watch brand, and I am glad he did. I have been interested in the Dietrich Organic Time watches ever since they came out and have always wanted to get my hands on one. Fortunately for me I was able to get the Dietrich Watch Company to loan me their Dietrich OT-1 (Organic Time -1) so I could spend a little time with this unique watch. Lets check this out.
The Dial
Right away you can see this is no ordinary watch (which we also saw back in 2015). This is a four-layer dial, with hour and minute hands. For the seconds there is no hand but there is a six point star that rotates past a 10 second index so you can get a reference for the seconds ticking by. Tucked away at the 9 o’clock position there is a 24 hour sub dial which is a pretty cool little feature. Dietrich uses many different shapes, polishes, and textures to make up this dial.
This combination adds a lot of dimension. All the parts of this dial combine to create a very organic look. The hour and second hands are leaves which are painted in a almost fluorescent green that glow the same color. At the base of the dial you can see the exposed Miyota 82S7 movement. Covering all of this is a very oddly shaped sapphire crystal with soft round edges. One could write an entire article just trying to describe all the different element on this dial. So much visual interest here.
The Case
Made from 316L stainless steel, the case is micro-bead blasted and pvd coated. Water resistance is rated to 50m; it also has a push in crown with double o-rings. What makes this case so special is the curved case back that fits perfectly on the wrist. The lugs are integrated into the case back and the strap passes though them. Because of this pass-though strap design, this has to be the most comfortable watch I have worn. The only metal you feel are the two lug bars – and they are so smooth and rounded you hardly notice them.
The Strap
The strap was one of the most comfortable straps I have worn. Made from perforated leather and with many size adjustments this strap felt so natural on my wrist. I could adjust it to the perfect fit: not too loose, not too tight. The green accent stitching went perfect with the watch and of course fit the organic theme perfectly.
Overall Impression
There is really nothing bad I can say about this watch except that I will miss it when its gone. There many visual elements that make this watch stand out. The Dietrich OT-1 is truly unique and really shows as a unique timepiece on the wrist, but with those smooth lines it does not scream for attention. Dietrich has achieved the organic look so well it looks as though I should have to water it every now and then, or those leaf hands might wilt. The Dietrich OT-1 is a great watch for collectors who want something special in their collection and at $1,215 you get a lot for the money. dietrichamerica.com.
REVIEW SUMMARY
- Brand and model: Dietrich OT-1
- Price: $1,215
- Who’s it for: Someone who wants something truly different.
- Would I wear it: For sure
- What I’d change: Some polish on the exposed movement.
- The best thing about it: The leaf hands
Tech Specs from Dietrich
- Materials: 316L steel, case frame and bezel micro-beads blasted/polished and coated with black PVD
- Crystal: Sapphire glass with anti-glare coating on the underneath side
- Dial: 4 layered dial: first and third layers sun brushed black, second and fourth layers vertical brushed black.
- Movement: Modified automatic mechanical Miyota 82S7 with open view on the escapement dial side.
- Measurements: Length 48 mm/1,89 Inches – Width of the case 46 mm. Height 13,7mm/0,51 Inches.
- Water resistance: 50 meters/5 ATM
