Hands-On With The New Ianos Dytis Divers
Today, we’ll go hands-on with the new Ianos Dytis, the final diver in a trilogy of watches from this independent brand. Because of its more compact size, the Dytis may prove to be the most popular yet. This doesn’t take away from prior releases, but the trend toward smaller watches is clear.
I remember seeing the first Ianos release, the Avyssos (Abyss), at Fratello HQ in 2019 shortly after its introduction. It was an impressive watch for several reasons. The unique design set a trend for the next piece, the Mihanikos, and today’s subject, the Dytis. A sub-seconds register, which is uncommon for a diver, became a style hallmark as well as the strap channel on the case back. The Dytis is the last diver in what Ianos has dubbed a trilogy, and if it is truly the end of this genre, it’s a great finale.
The Ianos Dytis
Smaller watches have gained traction over the past several years, and Ianos could no longer ignore customer requests. The latest release is the smallest yet at 41mm, whereas previous pieces were 44mm and 43mm. This doesn’t mean that the Dytis is small, but it should be more approachable for a wider variety of wrists. The lug-to-lug is also smaller than prior models at 49mm, and the thickness compared to the Mihanikos has dropped by more than 10% to 14mm.
Titanium is also an increasingly popular material, and the new Dytis uses a shotblasted Grade 2 variety of the metal for the case and unidirectional bezel. This marks the first time Ianos has used the lightweight grayish material, which results in a supremely comfortable wearing experience. Comfort doesn’t mean that capabilities have suffered, though. The depth rating is still considerable at 300 meters.
Two dial options
Ianos offers two dial options for the Dytis, and both pay tribute to the brand’s Greek heritage. Blue and white, the colors of the Greek flag, are the only visible hues on each dial. One is bright blue, and the other is bold white. Large, luminous indexes recall kampanelopetra diving stones, used by sponge divers as weights. The minute track is also quite distinct, with four luminous dots between each hour marker. On both versions, white Super-LumiNova fills the blue hour and minute hands. Regarding the bezel, Ianos deliberately chose a naked design, aside from a luminous pip, to ensure the dial remains the focal point.
The primary feature that separates Ianos from so many other dive-watch brands is the small seconds display. With each watch model, the design has changed. On the Dytis, it has changed again and is fashioned as the evil eye, or mati (μάτι) in Greek. This is a good-luck symbol and is meant to ward off evil spirits. That sounds like a good token to have while diving. As an aside, I’ve carried one in my luggage for nearly 15 years, and I’m still here typing!
The strap channel returns, now with fixed strap bars
Ianos kept its signature strap channel on the Dytis but added fixed strap bars to the lugs. The effect is a more tailored and secure fit. Additionally, note that the case is a monobloc style, which increases the overall robustness.
Concerning the straps, each watch comes with a single-pass one in dial-matching rubber and a shotblasted titanium pin buckle. The straps stay on theme and contain a sponge texture.
The automatic Sellita SW360-1
To achieve sub-seconds functionality, Ianos chose the Sellita SW360-1 automatic caliber. This 31-jewel movement was used in the brand’s last model and carries over without change. This translates to a frequency of 28,800vph and a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Unscrewing the crown hacks the movement and allows for setting and winding.
So, how does the Dytis wear?
As expected, the Dytis is a supremely comfortable dive watch. The size, lightweight titanium case, and soft rubber straps help it wear like a dream. Plus, the strap channel maintains the watch’s true 14mm thickness. The shotblasted finish is also a nice touch. It reduces everything from fingerprints to glare and noticeable scratches. It, along with the brightly colored dials, also gives the watches a very beachy look on the wrist.
Distinctive dive watches at approachable prices
The Dytis is available on the Ianos website for CHF 1,850. It is not a limited edition, but the first 100 pieces of each color will be numbered. Shipping will begin immediately as production is already underway. Overall, these are nicely designed watches, perfect for summer and even as a more casual daily option. Plus, the combination of a lightweight material and a smaller case size should open up the Dytis to a wider range of potential buyers. Finally, the fact that they are inspired by a country not known for watches also sets them apart.
