MICRO MONDAYS: ROYTER expands its custom offerings with the DR-02 Chrono Sport

Ricardo Sime

What differentiates a high-end watch from an entry-level watch? Is it the movement that’s used? Is it the inclusion of precious metals? Or could it be the brand name behind it? Well, if you ask me, the finishing of a watch and how unique it is plays a large role in the differentiation. (There is a reason why the term “Piece Unique” gets the attention of many a collector.) So, with that being said, when the brand Royter, which is known for their highly personalised watches, releases a collection called the DR-02 Chrono Sport, my ears perk up. Here is why.

For those who don’t know, Royter is a small brand based out of New York City. It was founded in 2017 and has been making personalised watches ever since. On an annual basis, the brand makes no more than 75 pieces for collectors looking to take a much larger role in the creation of their watch.

That continues with this release.

The DR-02 Chrono Sport is a chronograph packaged in a 42mm stainless-steel case. Lug to lug comes in at 50.5mm and with a thickness of only 13.6mm. It features topside polishing with beautifully contrasted satin sides. The two-step bezel is polished as well, capturing any light source on the wrist. As for water resistance, that is 50 metres.

Overall, it’s not the case shape that stands out. That’s similar to other chronographs on the market. What grabs your attention is the level of finishing, with fine transitions between them. It’s here that Royter starts to shine.

Moving in from the case, we’re met with three different dial variations. There is a black, a grey and a classic panda. Each features highly polished, diamond-cut indexes with Dauphine-styled hour and minute hands. That high polishing can also be found on other parts of the dial, framing the day/date window, registers and the whole dial. It gives a sporty dial that bit of pop that would see the watch feel right at home in a boardroom.

Beyond the polishing, this is also the first place on the watch where personalisation can begin. You can change the colour of the chronograph hand to something you find more appealing. Or choose between a white or black date wheel to get a bit of contrast or to match things up. These options can truly change the overall appearance of the watch.

Now if you’re someone who wants to take things to the next level, turn the DR-02 Chrono Sport around and view the movement. Here, Royter uses a chronometer-grade ETA 7750 chronograph movement for those looking at a standard option.

But if the customer wants to go wild, they can go the hand-finished route. This can include “straight graining applied to the hammers and levers, anglage, hand bevelling and engraving of the rotor, micro-blasting, Côtes de Genève, a choice of rose gold/yellow gold/rhodium plating of the bridges and main plate, hand carving and polishing of chamfers around the screw holes, black polishing and bevelling of screws.”

All this leads to a well-finished movement and a visual feast through the caseback.

The ability to customise your offering continues with the choice of straps. Each one is made of hand-stitched alligator leather with a quick-release pin and stainless-steel, fold-over clasp.  If you want a sportier look, you can choose either a white, black, army green or red rubber strap. And finally, you can choose a steel-mesh bracelet if that’s what you prefer.

Overall, the Royter DR-02 Chrono Sport provides the perfect base for all the customisation being offered. It delivers a workhorse dependable movement, a case that perfectly walks the line between sporty and dressy and a highly legible dial. Furthermore, in the hand, the overall quality of the watch is competitive to other standard chronograph offerings.

So if you’re someone looking for this level of customisation on your next watch and want something that you won’t see on another wrist, the Royter DR-02 Chrono Sport may be right for you.

Royter Dr-02 Chrono Sport collection pricing and availability:

The Royter DR-02 Chrono Sport comes in two variations. The standard option comes in at $2950 USD. If your want more customisation, there is the hand-finished option at $4950 USD.  If interested, you can find them on the brand’s website.

Made in partnership with Royter Watches. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.