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Wren and Ben’s Watches unveil the Diver One Magma, a diver that epitomizes the modern watch community

Wren and Ben’s Watches unveil the Diver One Magma, a diver that epitomizes the modern watch community

Jason Lee

Wren Watches may be a relatively new name for many enthusiasts, but its founder is not. Craig Karger, the voice behind the watch publication Wrist Enthusiast, launched Wren in 2023 as a microbrand focused on approachable dive watches built for everyday wear. Wrist Enthusiast’s audience – roughly 544k on Instagram at the time of writing – has given Karger a direct line to collector tastes. The Diver One family is Wren’s cornerstone, and the latest addition aims to broaden that audience without straying from the brand’s practicality‑first ethos.

The newest reference, the Diver One Magma, arrives as a co‑release with Ben’s Watches and represents Ben’s first collaboration. A co-host of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Ben’s Watches is a watch media platform run by the affable Ben Cook. He produces content mainly through his Instagram, which has garnered over 180k followers. Beyond the watch itself, the package underscores the story: each set includes a custom card, pieces of real volcanic rock, and personal notes from both Ben and Craig.

The case

Wren Diver One Magma 1

Dimensions are intentionally conventional, landing in the zone many collectors consider a sweet spot. Its stainless steel case measures 41 mm in diameter, with a compact 47 mm lug‑to‑lug and a thickness of 13.3 mm. The dial sits beneath a sapphire box crystal, and the case is rated to 200 meters of water resistance: specifications that align with the Diver One’s positioning as an everyday diver.

Wren Diver One Magma Lifestyle 2

Small design touches help the watch feel cohesive. The caseback is engraved via hydraulic press with Wren’s namesake bird, a motif that connects this limited collaboration to the brand’s broader identity.

The dial

Wren Diver One Magma Dial Close Up

Aesthetically, the most immediate talking point is the fumé dial, which Wren and Ben frame with an elemental theme: “forged in fire”. It transitions from a molten red‑orange centre to deep black at the periphery, a gradient inspired by lava’s visible shift as it cools and hardens. The look isn’t merely decorative; it ties directly to the watch’s story of heat and pressure.

Wren Diver One Magma Lifestyle 3

The Magma also introduces two firsts for the Diver One line. Wren employs black lume that emits a coal‑like glow in low light and features a ceramic bezel to the series for the first time. The insert is coloured to evoke volcanic rock, echoing the dial’s concept that reinforces the heat‑to‑stone narrative. Ceramic, of course, is an apt material choice for a dive watch’s bezel insert: it resists scratches better than aluminium and maintains its appearance over long periods.

The straps

Wren Diver One Magma Profile

Wren pairs the head with two included wear options: a microadjustable flat‑link stainless‑steel bracelet as well as a black rubber strap. The bracelet extends to 12mm max, and its flat links maintain a vintage‑leaning, tool‑watch profile that suits the 41 mm case.

The movement

Wren Diver One Magma Caseback

Under the hood is the Sellita SW200 automatic movement, a workhorse calibre with a 38‑hour power reserve that beats at 4 Hz and features hacking seconds and quickset date.

The verdict

Wren Diver One Magma Lifestyle

Taken as a whole, the Diver One Magma fits comfortably within Wren’s mission while offering enough novelty to draw attention beyond the brand’s existing audience. The collaboration angle will interest followers of Ben’s Watches, while the dial gradient and black lume provide a distinct visual identity. The dimensions remain conservative and wearable, the Sellita SW200 movement keeps serviceability simple, and the 200m rating ensures the watch is more than a styling exercise. If the appeal of microbrand divers lies in their ability to deliver character without pricing out enthusiasts, the Magma makes a case by wrapping a clear story around familiar, capable hardware.

Wren x Ben’s Watches Diver One Magma pricing and availability

The Wren x Ben’s Watches Diver One Magma is available now for pre-order, limited to 100 individually numbered pieces, positioning the watch squarely in the small‑batch realm that many microbrand followers prefer. The first 50 units are slated to ship immediately, while the remaining 50 will follow in October. Price: US$1,075

Brand Wren x Ben’s Watches
Model Diver One Magma
Case Dimensions 41mm (D) x 13.3mm (T) x 47mm (LTL)
Case Material Stainless steel, ceramic bezel insert
Water Resistance 200 metres, screw-down crown
Crystal(s) Sapphire
Dial Red fumé
Strap Flat-link stainless steel bracelet, Black rubber strap
Movement Sellita SW200, automatic
Power Reserve 38 hours
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date, unidirectional diving bezel
Availability Limited to 100 pieces
Price US$1,075