Charges under any light for months of power
The classic size that fits most wrists
With an inner anti-reflective coating
Hand-assembled and tested locally
The Heartlander Solar builds on our bestselling automatic series, evolving it into the ultimate grab-and-go companion. We wanted to offer the same clean aesthetic and solid feel of our mechanical field watch, but in a lower-maintenance setup powered by any light source.
We kept the core features that matter most—100 meters of water resistance, a secure screw-down crown, and bright Swiss BGW9 Grade A lume while bringing the overall thickness to just 10.8mm. The result is a highly dependable watch that requires zero winding, stays completely out of the way, and is ready for the wrist the second you pick it up.
Built for maximum, hassle-free utility. Ideal for travel, active weeks, or as a reliable grab-and-go companion.
Charges under any ambient light source. Always running and ready.
Zero winding. No dead power reserve if it sits in a drawer for a week.
Set-and-forget quartz precision. Accurate to within 15 seconds a month.
A crisp, ticking second hand that allows for a noticeably lighter, leaner case profile.
Built for the enthusiast who values traditional horology, craftsmanship, and the soul of a mechanical watch.
Powered by the natural motion of your wrist.
Requires winding and resetting if off the wrist for more than 42 hours.
Classic mechanical regulation, typically gaining or losing a few seconds a day.
A fluid, sweeping second hand with the satisfying weight of a traditional mechanical movement.
"The Heartlander Solar nails the 'grab-and-go' concept. With a 38mm case, sapphire crystal, and 100m of water resistance, it's a hassle-free field watch with specs that punch well above their weight."
The 38mm case hits the sweet spot for nearly any wrist, and at only 10.8mm thick, it wears slim and slips easily under a cuff. But its comfortable size hides a robust spec list built for reliability
Dimensions: 38mm stainless steel / 10.8mm thick / 46mm lug-to-lug
Movement: Japanese Epson VS42 Solar (6-Month Reserve)
Crystal: Flat Sapphire with Inner Anti-Reflective Coating
Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft
Crown: Screw-Down (Sunflower Motif)
Lume: Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade A or Vintage Old Radium
As a photographer, my work is built around light. But for me, that connection is also deeply personal.
I grew up in Kansas, and for years I visited Grinter's Farm around Labor Day, a local spot famous for its incredible rows of sunflowers. I’ve always admired their beauty and how they supported wildlife, from pollen for the bees to seeds for the birds. But what always stuck with me was how they faithfully follow the light, from sunrise to sunset.
A solar-powered version of our bestselling Heartlander just felt like a natural extension of that story. It’s my nod to those Kansas roots and that powerful, simple idea. We paid direct tribute to that inspiration with a subtle sunflower motif on the crown and caseback.
— Jerry
Overall rating: 4.894737 / 5 from 19 reviews.
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"Perfect watch for me. Steel bracelet and case are very high quality and the design and features are all very well thought out and executed. Very readable and wearable with anything. Strap changes are simple and really expand the usability of this piece, nicely balances being elevated and rugged. Very happy with this purchase."
"I love it! Great every day every occasion watch. Its rugged and classic looking. Customer service is excellent and delivery was quick. I will not hesitate to replace it with same if I ever lose it. Thanks Dryden"
"The Heartlander Solar in Slate Gray is the second Dryden watch I have purchased and I love it as much as the first, which was the Chrono Diver Chronograph - PVD Vintage. The fit and finish on both watches is terrific. I was born and raised near Kansas City and that is what drew me towards Dryden whenever I put away my Apple Watch and returned to traditional watches. I am so glad that I found them. This is my first solar watch and I am looking forward to having a watch that I can throw on my wrist at any given time and know that it has accurately kept the time ever since the last time I put it away. I am more than satisfied with my purchase and honestly cannot wait to expand my Dryden collection. Thank you, Dryden for making attractive and affordable time pieces!"
"Fantastic quality and a perfect size. The styling is what I look for in a watch, clean design with just enough style to make it interesting. Very happy with it"
"WOW, so pleasantly surprised receiving my gray today! Stunning simplicity, a quality build and, both case and strap feel really nice. This watch is a winner and a great value."
"The Heartlander Solar is the perfect grab and go watch. The Slate Gray goes with just about any strap, making it very versatile in many settings. The stock rubber strap is one of the most comfortable rubber straps I've ever worn and I'm definitely going to add the black and khaki to my collection. The finishing punches way above its price point and the subtle polishing is done perfectly well making it less like a tool watch, and adding to its versatility. The 38mm case is a perfect size and wears very well. I'm not a lume snob so this means little to me, but if I had to pick one thing to nitpick at it would be the lume seems to not last very long. Other than the lume, if that's a problem for you, I can't think of a better solar watch under $300. Highly recommend!"
"I have over 80 watches, most mechanical, and except for a very few, they all have something I perceive as a flaw, and it gnaws away at me. For example, I dislike bling, and I have a number of watches that I'd otherwise find perfect, but they have polished hands. The Dryden Heartlander Solar is one of the very few watches with which I can't find a single thing I'd change. To my surprise, I've been wearing it for two weeks straight, to the exclusion of all my other watches, many of which, to be blunt, have greater brand-name cachet. The Heartlander Solar really does seem to be that rarest of things - a true GADA watch whose design I love, and which has nothing that I dislike."
"I've been looking for a high quality, grab-and-go, and versatile field watch and the Dryden Heartlander Solar in Slate Gray has fit the bill perfectly. The case is finished well and I really enjoy the detail in its design, including the sunflower motif contained on both the crown and back of the case. The dial is well spaced, legible, and I enjoy the small pop of color on the seconds hand and model name to keep things visually interesting. Meanwhile, the primary gray color palette is suitable for all situations. The sapphire crystal enhances its durability. I typically gravitate towards larger watches, but at 38mm with a reasonable thickness, this one hits a sweet spot for most people and is extremely wearable. The solar quartz movement has been very accurate and provides a great convenience factor. The included rubber strap has been very comfortable to wear in a variety of situations. I also ordered the bracelet and it too is high quality and comfortable while elevating the watch's overall appearance. The watch shipped quickly, was nicely packaged, and included a handwritten note from Dryden's founder. I enjoy supporting a local business and great service with personal touches like this only enhance the experience. I highly recommend!"
"Beautiful watch! I have already picked out the next one that I want from your collection. Thank you!"
"The build quality and finishing on the bracket, case and dial is insane for the price point."
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