I really liked the look of these, specifically the 1963 (the vintage chrono) and the 1970 (the compressor style diver), but which one? On checking out the website, the pricing is such that getting both was a definite option. Since I couldn't decide between the two, I did the inevitable thing and bought both.
With the prices on these ($230 and $250), I was a little hesitant as to how well finished they may be, but I'm very pleasantly surprised. Ok, they may not have Omega or Rolex worried, but as a value for money proposition, they're bloody hard to beat. They also wear surprisingly well and are very comfortable on the wrist. Moreover, the styling on these two is right up my street....
The highly domed crystals are in keeping with the vintage theme, and while not acrylic, they are sapphire coated mineral class. I've had crystals like this before in Seikos (they call it Sapphlex) and they work surprisingly well staying scratch free every bit as well as full sapphire. Presumably they're cheaper to make though.
The case backs are superbly finished, with very nice deep relief finishing. I'd like to see more companies do this, it adds interest to the watch.
On the wrist... the 44mm 1970 with my wife's vintage themed Beetle. I don't like rubber straps, but my god this one is comfortable. So much so, that after taking the photo below with a 24mm genuine Croc strap, I put it back on the rubber strap, which is almost unheard of for me! At 44mm it's a tad bigger than I prefer, but it doesn't look that big. I might get the digital calipers out and double check it later.
At 42mm, the 1963 is probably the better wearing of the two for my 7.25" wrist. It's probably also the one I'd pick if I could only keep one.
Would I buy another Dan Henry? I'd consider the 1947, but while I like watches of that style, they never seem to last very long in my collection. At $190, it's cheap enough that I'd not be tempted to resell it, so it may actually get a look in over time. The remaining one, probably not for me. However, they're a great value watch and I'll certainly be on the lookout for their next model with a view to buying one. I hope he keeps to the vintage theme with nothing later than the early 70s...
Edit: Just for Om, I have to agree with you. I'd probably prefer the brand name to be something other than Dan Henry, but it is what it is
