Watchdives WD1861 Review: The Ultimate Speedy Homage

For watch enthusiasts and collectors, few pieces are as iconic as the Speedmaster. Its timeless design has inspired a myriad of homages, but the Watchdives WD1861 takes the homage game to a new level. As an elegant, budget-friendly alternative, the WD1861 doesn’t just imitate; it enhances, delivering features and build quality that easily surpass many of its competitors in the sub-$180 range. In this detailed review, I will take you through all the key aspects of this timepiece and why it stands out as the ultimate homage to the Speedmaster.

The Aesthetics: A Visual Masterpiece

The WD1861 boasts a classic chronograph layout, with the striking black dial set within a 316L stainless steel case. The first thing you’ll notice is the quality of the finishing. The mix of brushed and polished surfaces gives the watch an overall luxurious look without sacrificing its robust character. The aluminum bezel, complete with a tachymeter scale, adds a sporty touch while staying true to the heritage design that watch lovers adore.

The case dimensions are nearly perfect for a wide variety of wrist sizes. At 40mm in diameter, it offers modern appeal without being too large, while the 47mm lug-to-lug distance ensures a snug fit on most wrists. At 13.8mm thick (including the bubble sapphire crystal), it sits nicely on the wrist, offering presence without being overly bulky. The overall size is very comparable to the original Speedmaster design, making this homage as close to the real thing as possible.

The Movement: Japan VK63 Chronograph Movement

When it comes to the movement, the WD1861 is powered by the highly regarded Japan VK63 chronograph quartz movement. Known for its precision, this mecha-quartz movement offers the look and feel of a mechanical chronograph with the reliability and affordability of quartz. The VK63 allows for smooth, sweeping seconds during the chronograph function, and precise timekeeping in daily use.

With an expected battery life of 2-3 years, this movement is both practical and low maintenance, making it a reliable choice for those who want a stylish chronograph without the worry of constant winding or adjustment.

Sapphire Crystal with AR Coating: Durability Meets Clarity

One of the standout features of the WD1861 is its bubble sapphire crystal. Not only does this material provide exceptional scratch resistance, but it is also treated with anti-reflective (AR) coating, ensuring that you can easily read the time in any lighting conditions. Whether you’re indoors under bright lights or outside in direct sunlight, the sapphire crystal ensures that legibility is never compromised.

The bubble design of the crystal also adds a subtle vintage charm to the watch, reminiscent of older Speedmasters while still offering modern protection.

Stainless Steel Case & Bracelet: Built for Durability

The case of the WD1861 is constructed from 316L stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and strength. This ensures that your watch will remain in top condition even with daily wear. The brushed and polished surfaces of the case create an appealing contrast that adds depth to the watch’s overall design.

The bracelet, also made of 316L stainless steel, tapers from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the clasp, giving it a sleek profile. The bracelet feels solid and has a pleasant weight to it, with minimal jangle. Watchdives has used solid end links and sturdy spring bars, which further enhance the overall quality feel of the watch.

Aluminum Bezel Insert: Sporty and Sleek

The fixed aluminum bezel on the Watchdives WD1861 is both sleek and strong. The matte finish of the bezel contrasts beautifully with the shiny case and adds an air of rugged sportiness. While some might argue that a ceramic bezel could offer more scratch resistance, the aluminum insert is more than sufficient for daily wear and helps keep the watch’s price accessible.

Lume: BGW-9 That Shines Bright

Lume performance is often a make-or-break feature for a watch, and Watchdives has nailed it with the WD1861. Equipped with BGW-9 lume, the hands, markers, and dial glow in a vibrant blue that’s easily readable in low-light settings. Unlike many budget-friendly chronographs where lume is often an afterthought, the WD1861’s lume is comparable to much more expensive watches and remains visible throughout the night.

Whether you’re out for a night run or checking the time in a dimly lit room, the lume on this watch ensures that you can always see the time without any issues.

Water Resistance: 100M of Protection

Another notable feature of the WD1861 is its 100M water resistance rating. This makes the watch suitable for swimming, snorkeling, or just everyday wear in wet conditions. While it’s not a dive watch, the 100M rating is impressive for a chronograph at this price point, ensuring that you don’t need to worry if you get caught in a rainstorm or decide to take a quick dip in the pool.

Strap Options: A Strap Monster

The WD1861 is not just a looker on the bracelet; it’s also a strap monster. Whether you want to swap out the bracelet for a leather strap, a NATO, or a rubber band, this watch can pull off multiple looks effortlessly. The classic black dial and stainless steel case pair well with almost any strap material or color, allowing you to easily switch up the style depending on the occasion.

Conclusion: The New King of Speedy Homages

In conclusion, the WD1861 delivers a near-perfect homage to the iconic Speedmaster, with upgrades in all the right places. From the bubble sapphire crystal to the BGW-9 lume and durable stainless steel construction, this watch outshines its competitors at a price point that’s almost too good to believe.

For anyone looking for a high-quality chronograph without breaking the bank, the WD1861 is an excellent choice. It retains the classic, beloved design of the Speedmaster, while introducing practical modern elements such as a reliable VK63 mecha-quartz movement, robust water resistance, and exceptional lume.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a watch enthusiast looking for a stylish everyday timepiece, the WD1861 deserves a place in your collection. It’s the new king of Speedy homages, and once you get it on your wrist, you’ll understand why.

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