ABOUT US
The Spirit of the Outdoors. The Heart of the Midwest.
Inspired by open skies and rugged trails, every Dryden watch is built for a life of adventure. We design and assemble each watch in our Kansas City workshop, creating reliable tools that celebrate the natural world —and reflect our commitment to preserving it.
The Founder's Journey
The Accidental Watch Guy
My path to watchmaking was unexpected. For thirteen years, my world revolved around photography, specifically capturing weddings. It was a career built on composition and light, a continuous effort to preserve a single, fleeting moment.
My entry into the world of watches was born from pure utility: a need to check the time in a quiet church without the distraction of a phone. That simple, practical tool soon became a passion. I began collecting, studying, and appreciating the intricate blend of art and engineering of watches.
When Hobbies Collide
Inevitably, my two passions merged. During the wedding off-season, I began photographing my watch collection. My work started to gain an audience, and soon, brands were reaching out, asking me to create content for them. This led to a four-year engagement with one brand in particular—an invaluable education in the inner workings of the watch industry. Most importantly, it's how I connected with the watchmaker I still partner with today, someone who immediately understood the vision for what Dryden could become.
Finding the Inspiration
The true identity of Dryden Watch Company began to form around 2020. I developed a serious passion for wildlife photography, and the more time I spent on the trail, the more I found inspiration in the details. I wasn't just seeing a landscape anymore; I was seeing the fleeting moments I’ve chased for years, now painted with the brush of mother nature. These details became the inspiration for our designs.
That rich green on our Heartlander? Drawn directly from an afternoon spent watching the light move across the Kansas prairie grasses. The vibrant color of our Caribbean Blue Pathfinder? An attempt to capture the way sunlight penetrates clear, shallow water. The subtle texture and dynamic shimmer of our Pathfinder Green & Gold dial is a nod to the iridescent feathers of a hummingbird—flashing bright in the sun and gone in the blink of an eye. For me, it has become a whole new way of seeing the world.
The Dryden Ethos
This journey—from photographer to watch enthusiast to founder—has shaped the core philosophy of Dryden Watch Company. Our ethos is built on a simple principle: a great tool should not only serve its purpose but also tell a story. For us, that story is one of connection—to the wild landscapes of the Midwest, to the intricate mechanics of a well-made watch, and to the community we call home in Kansas City.
It’s why our inspiration is active, not passive. Like planting native flowers to attract the Goldfinches that inspire our dials, we believe in giving back to our source of inspiration. We are committed to building a brand that not only draws from nature but actively works to honor and preserve it for the next generation.
This philosophy is embedded in every timepiece we create. Assembled by hand in our workshop, each Dryden watch is more than a tool for telling time—it's a tangible piece of the hHeartland, designed with intent and purposefully crafted, to be a reliable companion on your own adventures.
We believe a watch should do more than just tick. It should remind you of a place, a moment, or a feeling. Thank you for being part of our story and choosing Dryden to be part of yours.
Design with Purpose
We believe a watch should be a trusted companion, timeless in its design but unique in its character. Our process is rooted in the classic, functional styles of the past, but the soul of our brand comes from the American outdoors. The color of a dial might be born from the way sunlight hits prairie grass; a texture may echo the surface of a river stone. This blend of classic design and natural inspiration results in a versatile timepiece that feels both familiar and truly special.
Hands-On Craftsmanship
To build the best possible watches, we partner with trusted, expert manufacturers around the world for our premium components. But the most critical part of the journey happens right here in our Kansas City workshop. Every single Dryden watch is assembled by hand, one at a time, by our dedicated watchmaker. This hands-on approach allows us to perform meticulous quality control and ensure every timepiece meets our exacting standards before it ever reaches you.
A Commitment to Our Community
As a small, independent brand, our greatest asset is our direct connection with you. We read every email and comment, and we listen to your feedback. This conversation is what drives our commitment to continual improvement—from refining a clasp based on your suggestions to choosing our next design. Our promise is to always stand behind the quality of every watch we make and to continue building a community of owners who are as passionate about adventure as we are.
MEET THE TEAM
Jerry - Founder & Designer
The driving force behind Dryden, Jerry translates his lifelong passion for photography, nature, and classic timepieces into every watch design. He leads the creative direction and loves connecting directly with the Dryden community.
Jeff - Chief Technician
With 16 years of experience at the bench, Jeff is the master craftsman who brings every Dryden watch to life. His deep technical expertise is behind our rigorous quality control, servicing, and the final, hands-on assembly of every timepiece. A true "watch guy," his favorite piece in his personal collection is a testament to his love for reliable, classic design: the iconic Seiko 6309 diver from 1985.