Watchdives WD1980 (V2/V3) Review – VH31 Military-Diver Hybrid with Sapphire
The Watchdives WD1980 aims to merge two familiar tool-watch categories — the diver and the military field watch. Priced at $75 before tax, it uses the Seiko VH31 hybrid quartz movement rather than an automatic, and leans into simplicity, legibility, and durability. For buyers who want the aesthetics of both categories in a single piece, the WD1980 presents a straightforward, function-first approach with a few unexpected refinements in finishing and bezel construction.
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Watchdives WD1980 V2/V3 Military Diver
Design & Case
Although the listing advertises a 39 mm case, real-world measurements show a 40.2 mm diameter, paired with 9.7 mm thickness, 20 mm lugs, and a 47.1 mm lug-to-lug. It’s compact for a military-leaning diver and sits close to the wrist due to the slim profile.
The case design stays mostly utilitarian: horizontal brushing along the flanks, flat case sides, and no unnecessary shaping. The one visual flourish is a set of polished widening bevels that run into slightly flared lug hoods — subtle, but enough to distinguish the watch from a purely blunt tool aesthetic.
The screw-down crown is guarded and signed, with polished threading visible as the crown unwinds. Finishing across the case is consistent, and tolerances feel controlled. The overall impression is of a compact, wearable watch that retains practicality as its priority.
Bezel
The WD1980’s bezel is one of the more developed components. It is a 120-click unidirectional design with a tall polished coin edge and deep, widely spaced notches. There is no overhang; instead, the case flank rises slightly above the bezel line, helping prevent unwanted rotation when brushing against sleeves or surfaces.
Rotation is clean, loud, and mechanically even. Resistance is medium and consistent throughout the full rotation, with no tight sectors and no mushiness. Between clicks, there is only a light springiness rather than loose play. Alignment at twelve is easy to achieve and holds securely.
The insert behaves like a dark navy ceramic, despite the listing stating “sapphire,” and appears nearly black in most lighting. Its subdued color pairing works well with the military-field positioning.
Crystal & Dial
A synthetic sapphire crystal sits almost flush with the bezel, rising only slightly above it. AR coating reduces glare and maintains legibility in a range of lighting conditions.
The dial is built around clarity: matte black, with a brushed sloping rehaut that keeps reflections low. All markings are printed — minute track, batons, and the 3, 6, 9, 12 Arabic numerals. The layout is simple and balanced, with only the brand under 12 and Professional Diver 100 m above 6.
The handset follows the same functional tone: white sword-style hour and minute hands, and a slender seconds hand with an arrow tip. There is no date on this configuration, though a separate variant exists with a day-date and a different movement.
Lume
Lume is applied to both the dial markings and the full bezel scale. The glow is bright blue, evenly distributed, and holds its intensity for an extended period. The bezel pip and numerals charge quickly and remain visible alongside the hands and markers. Performance is solid and consistent with the brand’s reputation in the sub-$100 category.
Movement & Crown
The watch is powered by the Seiko VH31 hybrid quartz, operating at four beats per second for a smoother sweep than standard quartz. Accuracy is around ±20 seconds per month, and the battery lasts up to three years. For a daily-use military-style diver, the VH31 offers dependable operation without servicing requirements.
The screw-down crown threads smoothly and feels securely seated when locked, contributing to the watch’s 100 m water resistance.
Strap & Caseback
The WD1980 comes on a 20 mm canvas strap with brushed stainless-steel keepers and an unbranded buckle. It suits the military tone, and while simple, it complements the watch’s purpose-driven design.
The back of the watch features a sterile screw-down caseback, securing the 100 m rating and keeping the overall profile slim.
Summary
The Watchdives WD1980 V2 blends diver and field-watch elements into a compact, straightforward design. Its strength lies in its functional execution — a clean dial, a well-constructed bezel, controlled case finishing, and the reliability of the VH31 movement. The polished bevels and navy-black insert add a touch of refinement, but the overall character remains firmly utilitarian.
For those who prefer a quartz-based military diver with clear legibility and practical proportions, the WD1980 offers a grounded, uncomplicated option at a reasonable price.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Watchdives WD1980 V2 |
| Case Diameter | 40.2 mm (listed 39 mm) |
| Thickness | 9.7 mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 47.1 mm |
| Lug Width | 20 mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel, brushed with polished bevels |
| Crown | Screw-down, signed, guarded |
| Bezel | 120-click unidirectional, polished coin edge, dark navy insert |
| Crystal | Synthetic sapphire with AR coating |
| Dial | Matte black, white printed markers, 3/6/9/12 numerals |
| Lume | Blue lume on dial markers and bezel scale |
| Movement | Seiko VH31 hybrid quartz, 4 Hz sweep, ±20 s/mo, ~3-year battery |
| Strap | 20 mm canvas strap, brushed hardware |
| Caseback | Sterile screw-down |
| Water Resistance | 100 m |
| Approx. Price | ~$75 (ex. tax) |
