The independent watch space thrives on passion projects. From collectors to bloggers, many enthusiasts have taken their love of horology one step further by creating something tangible for the community. One of the latest and most exciting examples comes from Wrist Enthusiast, the popular media brand founded by Craig Karger. After a successful debut with the Wren Diver One and the more compact Diver 38, the brand has returned with a bold and fiery new release: the Wren Diver One Magma.

Tthe Diver One series also marks a new milestone as the first collaboration piece from Wrist Enthusiast, created alongside Ben of @benswatches. With only 100 pieces available, the Diver One Magma is both visually striking and highly collectible.

A Lava-Inspired Dial

The first thing that draws attention to the Diver One Magma is its dial. Unlike the more traditional tones of earlier Diver Ones, this edition embraces a daring orange-to-black gradient, giving it the look of molten rock cooling into volcanic stone. It’s a fitting name—“Magma”—and one that instantly sets it apart from the rest of the lineup.

To complement the vivid backdrop, the dial features white-outlined hour markers and hands, which pop against the fiery gradient and ensure strong legibility. The contrast is sharp, functional, and balanced, keeping the watch from tipping into overly flamboyant territory. The overall aesthetic is bold without losing the refined tool-watch character that defines the Diver One series.

Ceramic Bezel and Lume Upgrades

Beyond the dial, the Diver One Magma also introduces a first for the series: a ceramic bezel insert with lumed markers. While the original Diver One models had PVD bezels with aluminum inserts, this new iteration adds a more premium and durable material that is scratch-resistant and visually striking. The ceramic bezel not only reinforces the watch’s rugged dive credentials but also ties the fiery theme together, glowing in the dark with Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 lume.

The lume itself extends beyond the bezel. Both the markers and hands are filled with BGW9, offering a crisp blue-green glow that makes the Diver One Magma easy to read in low-light conditions. This attention to detail reflects the kind of enthusiast-driven design approach that Wrist Enthusiast has emphasized from the beginning.

Case and Proportions

The case of the Diver One Magma continues with the proven dimensions of the series: 41mm in diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, and 13.3mm thick including the sapphire box crystal. These specs make for a versatile case that wears comfortably on a wide range of wrists while still delivering the presence expected of a modern dive watch.

Constructed from stainless steel with a PVD coating, the case retains its steel-like appearance but benefits from added scratch resistance. The profile strikes a balance between robust tool watch and everyday versatility. A screw-down crown and caseback help guarantee the watch’s 200 meters of water resistance, making it a capable companion both in the office and underwater.

On the back, the case is finished with a pressed engraving of a wren, the brand’s avian namesake and recurring symbol of Wrist Enthusiast’s microbrand identity.

Swiss Movement Inside

Powering the Wren Diver One Magma is the tried-and-true Sellita SW200 automatic movement. A workhorse caliber often considered the Swiss alternative to the ETA 2824, it offers reliable performance with a 38-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, and quick-set date. While not exotic, it provides the kind of dependability and ease of servicing that most enthusiasts look for in an everyday diver.

For a brand that has always positioned itself as both enthusiast-driven and practical, the choice of Sellita makes perfect sense. It ensures the watch remains accessible while delivering the quality expected in the $1,000 price range.

Bracelet and Straps

The Diver One Magma is offered on a flat-link steel bracelet that integrates seamlessly with the case. True to modern enthusiast preferences, the bracelet features quick-release end links, making it easy to swap straps without tools. Wrist Enthusiast also includes an integrated black rubber strap, giving buyers a versatile option for more rugged or summer-ready wear.

This dual-strap inclusion is a thoughtful move, acknowledging the growing trend of strap experimentation among watch collectors. The watch’s fiery gradient dial is sure to pair well with different strap colors, offering endless personalization.

Limited Edition Details

Only 100 pieces of the Diver One Magma are being produced. The first 50 watches are available for immediate shipment, while the remaining 50 will ship in about two months. Buyers will receive randomly assigned numbers.

The retail price is $1,075 USD, positioning it slightly above the original Diver One, which retailed around $895, but justified by the ceramic bezel upgrade, the limited nature of the release, and the unique design.

The Evolution of Wren

The Diver One Magma isn’t just another model—it represents the growing identity of Wren as a microbrand. What started as an Instagram account in 2015 has evolved into a blog, a podcast, and now a genuine player in the independent watchmaking scene. The release of the original Diver One established Wrist Enthusiast as a serious contender, while the Diver 38 showed that the brand was responsive to community feedback, offering slimmer proportions and updated specs.

With the Diver One Magma, Wrist Enthusiast is branching out into collaborations. Partnering with Ben of @benswatches reinforces the brand’s enthusiast roots and highlights its willingness to celebrate the watch community itself.

Final Thoughts

The Wren Diver One Magma is a statement piece. With its molten-inspired gradient dial, lumed ceramic bezel, and robust Swiss movement, it embodies the spirit of independent watchmaking while pushing the boundaries of the Diver One series. Its limited nature also makes it appealing, especially for collectors who appreciate not just a watch, but the story and passion behind it.

At $1,075 USD, it sits in a competitive price bracket, but given its unique design, quality specs, and the collaborative spirit that brought it to life, the Diver One Magma offers both value and exclusivity. For fans of Wrist Enthusiast, @benswatches, or simply collectors seeking a bold diver that stands out from the crowd, this fiery release is a worthy addition to any collection.

Wren Diver One – Specs

• Diameter: 41mm
• Lug-to-lug: 47mm
• Thickness: 13.3mm (including sapphire box crystal)
• Case: PVD-coated stainless steel
• Bezel: Ceramic unidirectional with lumed markers
• Dial: Orange-to-black gradient with white-outlined markers
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: Sellita SW200 automatic, ~38h power reserve
• Lume: Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9
• Bracelet: Flat-link steel bracelet with quick-release, plus black rubber strap
• Limited Edition: 100 pieces
• Price: $1,075 USD