Introducing The Royter DR-02 Chronograph watches with bespoke options
Are you looking for an affordable, bespoke sports chronograph watch from an independent brand? The Royter DR-02 Chrono is the best bang for your buck in terms of finishing, functionality, and versatility. Created by Dan Roter, an independent watchmaker in NYC with a goal to offer a bespoke personalized watch at an affordable price point, the DR-02 model can be highly customized by the customer with a variety of options to choose from. Assembled and hand finished at their NEW YORK workshop using only Swiss made components, ROYTER watches are handsome, extremely reliable and can be worn in any given situation.
The rubber strap offering lets you enjoy wearing the watch during any sports activity including swimming in the pool or at the beach, while the alligator strap option will transform the watch into an elegant timepiece for business meetings. The ROYTER, although young, is becoming a highly respected Swiss made brand that offers so much value and quality for the money, anyone with a taste for bespoke luxury watches should certainly take note.
Built for collectors and watch enthusiasts who prefer high end horology watches such as Rolex Daytona, A Lange & Sohne, F.P. Journe, Audemars Piguet but want to have a slight edge on customization features, hand finishing, and price point along with the same Swiss reliability, should most definitely consider ROYTER as an option. The reason being is that it carries all characteristics and functions you would need in a sports luxury chronograph watch and much more.
Now, let's look at some specifications presented on the Royter DR-02 Chronograph. The solid stainless steel 42mm case with pump type pushers is 13.6mm thick with lug to lug distance of 50.5mm. It features a perfectly proportioned, highly legible and aesthetically balanced dial with hand applied diamond indexes, chronograph subdials, tachymeter scale for speed calculations; somehow it has it all. Additionally, it features oversized dauphine type hands with bright super luminova, as well as day and date window at 3 o’clock position. The hands and markers both glow in the dark which allow them to be easily read in low light conditions.
A flat profile scratch-proof sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating from both sides, protects the dial and eliminates unnecessary reflections thus adding more contrasts and appeal to the overall look of the watch. Having the chronograph function is a very practical tool to keep track of any sport activity such as biking or running. The timers present a large sweeping seconds center hand and small subdial hands are located at 9, 12 and 6 o’clock positions; all of which can be customized by Dan Royter with the desired color. With just the push of a button, you are able to precisely measure a lapsed time and get a perfect read out just like you would on a stopwatch.
Case, Bezel & Crown
With the robust and elegant design, the Royter DR-02 is proven to be extremely well built. Its stainless steel shock absorbing case, stepped bezel, and rubber strap it can withstand severe conditions while remaining precise and comfortable on the wrist, making it an ideal sports watch for every day.Thanks to its oversized crown and screw-down case back it is water resistance to 50m which is just another reason why ROYTER DR-02 is an excellent choice for everyday use. The pump style chrono pushers are handsome both structurally and aesthetically which were designed to resemble vintage chronographs from the 60 and 70s. With very little pressure to the pusher you are able start and stop the chronograph timers when needed.
Bracelet & Straps
The straps presented with ROYTER watches are all a work of art and crafted by hand of highly skilled leather artisans. Made with 100% alligator leather from both sides, each strap is a custom personalized order that will make your watch a unique piece. Dan lets you select the color of the stitching and leather material to fit your style and taste. Whether you like the red crocodile or blue calfskin they can make it for you. In addition, each ROYTER timepiece comes with a rubber strap that can quickly be switched out, thanks to the quick release pin located on the back of each strap. If a customer prefers a stainless steel bracelet, a mesh bracelet can be purchased separately which is a neat option to have.
Movement & Accuracy
Inside of ROYTER watches beating away is one of the most trusted and tested Swiss chronograph movements made today. The ROYTER DR-02 caliber is based on the Valjoux ETA 7750 - chronometer-certified, exclusively hand finished and decorated in-house with traditional decorations such as straight graining, micro-blasting, beveling, gold plating, Côtes de Genève, perlage, carving and polishing of screw counter sinkholes, black polished screws and free hand engraving.
The movement is very robust, easily maintainable and undergoes rigorous testing for reliability, shock resistance and timekeeping in 6 different positions. While checking the watch on the timegrapher it runs to -2 to +2 seconds per day! This is higher than the regular standard COSC certification which allows the watch to run -4 to +6 seconds a day.
No wonder ROYTER sells out fairly quickly. With only 50-75 annual production of the DR-02, they are mostly about quality and exclusivity, thus it might be a long waitlist to get your hands on one.
We've looked at many brands in the same category but we were unable to find the same offerings, quality and finishing in this price level. In all honesty, the overall look, level of craftsmanship, and personalization options is simply superb to pass up and worth every penny. Where else could you get a Swiss made custom watch with hand decorations under $5000
The Royter DR-02 Chrono Sport comes in two variations. The standard option with factory finished movement comes in at $2950 USD. However, if you prefer the hand finished version, the option is offered at $4950 USD. Both options can be customized and if you are interested, you can discover more by visiting the brand website.
Indeed, ROYTER is a young brand, but it has already received well-deserved approval from the Swiss watch industry for its solid foundation due to its dedication to craftsmanship, a commitment to quality and finishing as well as its eager step toward independence. Overall the ROYTER DR-02 is an incredibly respectable option. With its unique features and history behind the brand it makes a great choice for any watch collector or an enthusiast who is looking for an entry level hand finished watch, with great value proposition or just an awesome conversation piece all in one.
You can purchase the ROYTER DR-02 Chronograph here
Technical specs:
Case diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 13.6mm
Lug to lug: 50.5mm
Water resistance: 50m
Weight: 113 grams
Movement: Swiss Chronograph ETA 7750 - hand decorated
Power Reserve: 42 Hours
