Watchdives WD1972 Review: A Crazy Good Sweeping Quartz Diver for $100
I review a lot of affordable watches, and most of them fall into two categories: perfectly fine or absolutely forgettable. The Watchdives WD1972 does not fall into either. For under $100 you get a compact dive style watch with real specs, real finishing, and one feature that legitimately made me do a double take.
The sweeping quartz movement.
That VH31 sweep fooled me for a split second and had me thinking automatic. I have handled enough Seiko NH35 microbrand divers to know what that smooth second hand normally looks like, and this little thing moves just as clean. It is honestly the main reason I bought this watch for a deeper review and for an upcoming Best EDC Watch roundup. And now that I have been wearing it hard for a while, I can say it is not a gimmick. It is a very good watch.
Let’s get into it.
- Accurate Timing: The men’s wristwatch uses a VH31 high-precision sweep second quartz movement to ensure the accuracy and stability of timing. There is no need to adjust the time frequently, so that you can grasp the accurate time in any situation.
Case and Wearability
Watchdives updated this version to a 20 millimeter lug width, and that single change makes it far more wearable and strap friendly. The sizing hits the sweet spot for daily use.
Dimensions:
Bezel diameter: just under 38 millimeters
Case diameter: 40.3 millimeters
Thickness: 11.2 millimeters
Lug width: 20 millimeters
Lug to lug: 46 millimeters
Watch head weight: 55 grams
Total weight on strap: about 70 grams
On wrist it wears like a true 38 due to the bezel size. The case is compact, lightweight, and hugs the wrist with that smooth bead blasted finish. This is one of the most comfortable small divers I have worn in the sub one hundred dollar range. Zero hotspots and nothing grabbing your wrist hair or digging into the side of your hand.
The asymmetrical case design with integrated crown guards is well-executed. Everything feels intentional and not like an afterthought. Crown access is excellent.
Case Finishing
The entire case is bead blasted and the finishing is shockingly clean for a watch under one hundred dollars. No unfinished surfaces. No sharp edges. No stray machining marks anywhere.
Even the underside is rounded and smooth. This is usually where budget brands cut corners, but Watchdives clearly put effort into making this case feel refined.
The crown is unsigned but the action is excellent. It threads smoothly, has plenty of grip, and the transition between the crown and case is seamless.
Crystal and Bezel
The WD1972 uses a double dome sapphire crystal with inner anti reflective coating. Double domes always look harsher on camera, but in real life this one is very clear and distortion free. It flows cleanly with the sloped aluminum bezel insert.
The bezel has a bead blasted finish to match the case with crisp printing, strong grip, and solid 120 click action. There is a small amount of play but nothing unusual for this price range. The clicks are loud and mechanical with a satisfying feel.
The lume pip is centered and aligned well. It does sit slightly proud of the bezel but still feels secure.
Dial and Hands
The matte black dial is simple, minimal, and extremely legible. Printed indices sit inside white borders which gives the dial more depth and visual clarity.
Hands are fence post style with segmented sections that suit the watch’s tough field diver look. The white hands against the black dial offer excellent contrast.
The second-hand sweep is the star. That VH31 movement ticks four times every second and creates a smooth continuous sweep that feels very close to an automatic movement. It is the defining feature of this watch.
Lume is Swiss BGW9 and performs very well. Bright, even, and long-lasting with that clean ice blue glow. No weak spots or inconsistencies on my sample.
Movement: Seiko VH31 Sweeping Quartz
This movement is what makes the WD1972 special.
The Seiko VH31 is accurate, dependable, and brings that buttery smooth sweep without the hassle of an automatic. Mine has been running at around two seconds per month. Battery life is roughly three years.
There is no ghost date position and the crown action is excellent. Quick hack, immediate setting, and smooth winding.
If you want an affordable quartz diver that does not feel like a quartz diver, this is the one.
Strap and Comfort
The included nylon strap is simple but comfortable. Matching bead-blasted hardware is a nice touch and the strap length works even for larger wrists.
Because of the 20 millimeter lug width, the WD1972 becomes a strap monster. Leather, FKM rubber, NATO, canvas, sailcloth, anything you put on it will look right.
I prefer it on FKM or vintage style leather. It changes the whole personality of the watch.
What Stands Out
The WD1972 does not feel cheap. It feels like a watch that should cost considerably more. Here is what really impressed me:
The sweeping second hand transforms the whole experience
The case finishing is excellent for the price
The comfort and size make it a perfect daily wear
The crystal and bezel have a microbrand feel despite the low price
The watch is simple, rugged, and surprisingly refined
At under $100, this thing is almost ridiculous.
Final Verdict: A Legit EDC Winner
I buy watches to use them, not baby them. The WD1972 has handled daily wear better than expected. Lightweight, durable, extremely comfortable and paired with that sweeping second hand, it is legitimately fun to wear.
For under one hundred dollars this is one of the most interesting and satisfying quartz divers I have reviewed. It is a great everyday watch and an outstanding value.
If you want an affordable diver that looks and feels more premium than its price, the Watchdives WD1972 is an easy recommendation.
- Accurate Timing: The men’s wristwatch uses a VH31 high-precision sweep second quartz movement to ensure the accuracy and stability of timing. There is no need to adjust the time frequently, so that you can grasp the accurate time in any situation.
Blair Witkowski is an avid watch nut, loves pocket knives and flashlights, and when he is not trying to be a good dad to his nine kids, you will find him running or posting pics on Instagram. Besides writing articles for Tech Writer EDC he is also the founder of Lowcountry Style & Living. In addition to writing, he is focused on improving his client’s websites for his other passion, Search Engine Optimization. His wife Jennifer and he live in coastal South Carolina.