WM Watch WM175 Review – An Overengineered Budget Diver with Real Character
The WM Watch WM175 sits squarely in familiar territory: a stainless-steel dive watch powered by a proven automatic movement, offered at a budget price. On paper, the ingredients are expected—sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel insert, screw-down crown, and an exhibition caseback. In practice, the WM175 distinguishes itself not by novelty, but by execution.
This is an unapologetically rugged diver that leans into overengineering rather than restraint. It embraces sharp angles, heavy geometry, and strong visual contrasts in a way that feels deliberate rather than careless. At roughly $70 before tax, the watch presents a level of case complexity and tactile feedback that immediately invites closer inspection. At roughly this level of spend, buyers are spoiled for choice, with several strong competitors available.
On the wrist, the WM175 carries real presence, but it avoids feeling clumsy. Despite its aggressive styling and substantial dimensions, it manages to wear more comfortably than expected. What makes the watch compelling is not just what it includes, but how confidently those elements have been assembled.
Design & Case
The WM175 is bold by design. The stainless-steel case measures 44 mm in diameter, 11.8 mm thick, with a substantial 51.6 mm lug-to-lug length. Lug width is 22 mm, tapering down to 20 mm at the butterfly clasp. These numbers suggest a large watch, yet the execution helps keep it wearable.
The case profile is slab-sided and horizontally brushed, reinforcing its tool-watch intent. What elevates the design is the extensive use of polished chamfers. A prominent 45-degree polished bevel runs along the case, catching light and breaking up the mass. The lug hoods are sharply angled and polished, dropping aggressively downward in short, architectural planes.
This interplay of brushed flats and polished angles gives the WM175 visual complexity rarely seen at this price point. It can feel almost chaotic under close inspection, but when viewed as a whole, the geometry comes together with a distinctly industrial harmony. Stubby lugs and articulated end links allow the case to fall away from the wrist, helping offset the large footprint.
Movement & Crown
Powering the WM175 is the Miyota 8215 automatic movement, visible through the exhibition caseback. The movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, uses 21 jewels, and offers a stated 42-hour power reserve. It is a familiar, dependable caliber that suits the watch’s utilitarian purpose.
The screw-down crown measures 6.2 mm in diameter and is positioned at 4 o’clock, aligning visually with the date window. It is signed, well proportioned, and securely seated between integrated crown guards that are smoothly machined into the case. Grip is excellent, and engagement feels confident when threading the crown in and out.
While the movement itself is not exotic, its inclusion behind a display caseback at this price reinforces the sense that the WM175 has been intentionally overbuilt. The mechanics are presented openly, matching the watch’s bold, no-nonsense aesthetic.
Bezel
The bezel is one of the WM175’s strongest features. It is tall, heavily notched, and gear-like in profile, offering outstanding grip. The sides of the bezel are polished, adding reflectivity and reinforcing the watch’s assertive character.
Rotation is dense and controlled, with strong resistance and consistent tension throughout. Each click feels deliberate, with no slack or back play once the bezel settles into position. The action is tactile and reassuring, bordering on premium in feel.
The only noted drawback is a slight misalignment at 12 o’clock. It is minor, but noticeable once seen. Despite this, the overall bezel experience is exceptional for the price and stands out as a highlight of the watch.
Bracelet
The bracelet begins at 22 mm to balance the visual weight of the case and tapers subtly to 20 mm at the butterfly clasp. It uses a three-link construction designed to visually mimic a five-link layout, with polished inner shoulders on the outer links framing brushed center sections.
The bracelet is secured with push pins, which is expected at this price point. Finishing is clean, with no sharp edges, and polishing along the outer faces adds visual interest. While tolerances are not perfect, with some noticeable stretch between links, articulation is excellent thanks to shorter link segments.
There are no half links, but the shorter links help achieve a good fit despite the butterfly clasp. Overall, the bracelet feels functional, comfortable, and well matched to the watch’s rugged design language.
Crystal & Dial
The WM175 features a synthetic sapphire crystal that sits slightly recessed beneath a polished stainless-steel chamfer. This design choice helps protect the crystal from direct impacts while creating a visually appealing transition from bezel to dial.
The black ceramic bezel insert is etched with crisp white markings for a full 60-minute scale, with only the luminous pip at 12 glowing in the dark. Beneath the crystal, the dial reveals a deep royal-blue sunburst finish that can shift toward purple depending on the light.
A dark navy rehaut slopes inward, printed with a precise minute track that draws the eye toward the center. Applied indices add depth: batons at 3, 6, and 9, a downward triangle at 12, and polished circular plots elsewhere. All are chrome-edged with white luminous centers.
The handset includes a sharp arrow-style minute hand that reaches the rehaut, paired with a seconds hand featuring a lumed counterbalance. A beveled date window sits neatly at 4 o’clock. Lume is bright green, evenly applied, and long-lasting.
Summary
The WM Watch WM175 is a study in controlled excess. It is large, angular, and unapologetically industrial, yet thoughtfully executed. From its dense bezel action and complex case geometry to its recessed sapphire crystal and richly finished dial, the watch delivers a level of tactile and visual interest that defies its price point.
While it is not refined in a traditional sense, the WM175 succeeds by embracing rugged overengineering rather than fighting it. For enthusiasts seeking a bold, full-steel dive watch with surprising mechanical and finishing details at a budget price, the WM175 stands out as a compelling and memorable option. For a wider view of how this watch compares within the brand, you may want to revisit our other WM Watch reviews.
WM175 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | WM Watch WM175 |
| Type | Automatic dive watch |
| Movement | Miyota 8215 automatic |
| Jewels | 21 |
| Beat Rate | 21,600 vph |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Case Diameter | 44 mm |
| Thickness | 11.8 mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 51.6 mm |
| Lug Width | 22 mm → 20 mm taper |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Finish | Brushed with polished chamfers |
| Crown | Screw-down, signed, 6.2 mm (4 o’clock) |
| Bezel | Unidirectional, ceramic insert |
| Bezel Action | High resistance, no back play |
| Crystal | Synthetic sapphire |
| Dial | Blue sunburst |
| Indices | Applied, chrome-edged |
| Hands | Arrow minute hand, lumed |
| Lume | Bright green, hands and indices |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel, push pins |
| Clasp | Butterfly clasp |
| Caseback | Exhibition |
| Water Resistance | 200 m |
| Price | ~$70 before tax |
