WM Watch WM216 Review – All The Essentials Plus Some

When you think of field watches, you expect practicality, legibility, and a no-nonsense build. The WM Watch WM216 delivers all of that — and then some. At around $130, this model blends minimalist military-inspired design, a sandblasted stainless-steel case, sapphire crystal, and a Seiko NH35 automatic movement, creating one of the most capable and distinctive tool watches in its class.

Originally under the Welly Merck name, WM has evolved — and the WM216 shows just how far the brand has come. Compact, rugged, and understated, this is a field-ready automatic that also happens to look fantastic on the wrist.

Design & Case

The WM216 finds balance between stealth and sophistication. Measuring 38 mm in diameter, 11.5 mm thick, and 44 mm lug-to-lug, it hits that universal sweet spot — wearable for both men and women without losing presence. With 20 mm lugs, strap options are plentiful, but even the stock configuration impresses.

The entire stainless-steel case is sandblasted, producing a soft, matte texture that resembles titanium. It’s entirely devoid of polish, giving it a subdued, tactical aesthetic. The case architecture mixes rectangular and circular forms — sharp, angled flanks flowing into a round dial aperture — creating a restrained, modern geometry that feels deliberate rather than decorative.

Refinement is everywhere: the broad 45° chamfers transition neatly from the flat flanks to short, sharply downturned lugs, ensuring a seamless wrist fit. On the right, the 6 mm screw-down crown features precise threading and a signed cap. It operates with crisp resistance, enhancing the watch’s 100-meter water resistance. Every tactile element reinforces the WM216’s tool-watch credentials.

Movement & Crown

Powering the watch is the Seiko NH35 automatic movement, a 24-jewel workhorse that beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a 41-hour power reserve, with hacking and hand-winding. It’s a proven caliber, ensuring reliability and straightforward serviceability.
The screw-down crown complements it beautifully — notchy, well-damped, and secure, offering confident engagement when setting the time or locking down the case for full water resistance.

Strap & Clasp

The WM216 is offered with either a stainless-steel bracelet or a black canvas strap. The canvas version, reviewed here, reinforces the watch’s military ethos: tough, flexible, and breathable. The rectangular brushed hardware mirrors the sandblasted finish of the case, ensuring full visual consistency.
The signed buckle clasp adds a touch of refinement, and the inclusion of quick-release spring bars makes strap changes effortless — a thoughtful upgrade at this price point. It’s a strap made for wear, not display: rugged, comfortable, and cohesive.

Crystal & Dial

Front and center is a flat synthetic sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, offering excellent clarity and minimizing glare even under bright light. The crystal sits slightly proud of the bezel, creating subtle dimensionality without affecting the sleek profile.

The star of the show, however, is the white dial — because it’s fully luminous. Once charged, the entire dial glows in a striking icy blue, creating an unmistakable night-time signature. The lume isn’t the longest-lasting, but visually, it’s stunning.

Printed black Arabic numerals form the 12-hour scale, while a smaller 24-hour track sits inside it. Around the outer edge runs a finely printed minute chapter ring, keeping legibility razor-sharp. At 12, the WM logo anchors the design, with Automatic and 100M printed modestly above 6.

The dial is perfectly balanced — functional, minimal, and immediately readable. Combined with the glow effect, it achieves that rare balance of utility and visual intrigue.

Caseback & Water Resistance

A screw-down stainless-steel caseback ensures 100 m of water resistance, making this more than just a desk diver. It’s built to handle rain, swimming, and weekend hikes without hesitation — a proper field-ready spec that justifies its build and finish.

Summary

The WM Watch WM216 delivers an uncommon mix of ruggedness, minimalism, and premium materials for its price. The sandblasted case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, and NH35 automatic movement combine into a field watch that feels overbuilt yet sleek.

The luminous dial may fade faster than ideal, but as a concept, it’s a brilliant execution — giving the watch genuine uniqueness. WM has clearly matured as a brand: what was once entry-level homage territory is now a space for thoughtful, capable, and stylish originals.

For anyone seeking a compact, modern field automatic under $150, the WM216 is easily one of the strongest contenders available today.

Specifications Table