I haven't covered the watch brand Dent in quite some time, but wanted to bring your attention to this attractive chronograph model made by the brand whose name goes back to the maker of London's Big Ben clock. This piece is called the Dent Ministry Chronograph, and while not a totally original design, is very well-proportioned and attractive.
The Ministry is a larger range collection for the brand with at least three different model types. The chronograph model has a 43mm wide case with a thick sloped bezel and case. There are rings engraved into the side of the case to help reduce visual mass, and the square chronograph pushers help even out the look.
The Ministry Chronograph dial is almost minimalist, but in a very elegant way. The design is good, offering key elements of style without going overboard. The dials of course are inspired by classic Dent pocket watches. This is essentially a sport watch in a sport jacket. The large, legible dial nevertheless has applied Roman numerals and easy to see hands. Hands which are traditional in style (and blued on the silver and cream dial versions).
Inset chronograph subdials with a hint of texture offer exactly the right amount of decor and sense of dial depth. The hands are the right length, which really (really) helps the dial look its best. Too short hands on a watch like this would have totally killed it for me. Right now Dent offers three versions of the Ministry Chronograph, with black, silver, or cream dials.
These go along with the three case materials, which are 18k rose gold, platinum (with the black dial), and steel (with the silver dial). For some reason, Dent calls two of the watches the Dent Ministry Chronograph, but the steel version is the Dent Ministry Evolution. Not sure why that is as the pieces are the same save for the case material. Inside the watches is a modified Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph than Dent refers to as their caliber 301.
I really like the straps on these watches. They look thick and soft, each being alligator. The integration of the straps right to the case is proper. All in all, these are handsome timepieces with a good spirit and design that most people can get behind. Mix in a fancy sounding brand that most watch lovers haven't even heard about and I think you have a pretty cool watch. Prices however are on the steeper side. The Ministry Evolution in steel is $7,850, while the 18 rose gold is ($27,600) and platinum models are even more.
