Watchdives WD1863 Space Pilot Chronograph Review: A Flight-Qualified Homage That Punches Far Above Its Price

(Disclosure: This article features affiliate links, for more information, click here. Watchdives provided this watch at a discounted price for review purposes.)

I chose the Watchdives WD1863 Space Pilot for a very simple reason: I didn’t own a chronograph, and I wanted one that felt fun, sporty, and engaging, without jumping straight into expensive mechanical territory. At the same time, I wanted something with real design intent, not just a random budget chrono.

The Space Pilot version is a clear homage to the Speedmaster “Flight Qualified”, a piece defined by legibility, functionality, and purpose, apart from luxury of course. This watch isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it delivers the spirit of a space-ready chronograph while solving two major problems: price and accessibility.

Having owned and reviewed few watches from Watchdives, I already trusted their value proposition. Still, the WD1863 Space Pilot managed to exceed even those expectations.

First Impressions: Expectations vs Reality

Before seeing it in person, I expected a solid, well-executed budget chronograph. What I didn’t expect was how premium it would feel once on the wrist. Photos genuinely don’t do it justice.

The first thing that stood out was the size. It wears smaller than it looks online, which immediately made it more appealing. Knowing this was the Space Pilot / Flight-Qualified–inspired version, the compact proportions and clean layout instantly made sense. From the moment I handled it, the watch felt closer to the $300–$400 range than its actual price. It didn’t just meet expectations, it exceeded them.

On my 6.5-inch wrist, the WD1863 Space Pilot wears extremely well. While the case is officially 39mm, the crown guards give it a visual presence closer to around 41mm, but it never feels bulky.

• Long-term wear is absolutely comfortable
• Lug-to-lug length keeps the watch compact
• Thickness is not noticeable under a cuff
• The watch sits flat and well balanced

There are no sharp edges or comfort issues on my unit, making this an easy all-day chronograph.

Case Finishing & Overall Build Quality

This is where the WD1863 really starts to shine.

The case finishing is excellent for the price, with clean brushing and well-executed transitions. Nothing feels rushed or cheap. On my example, there were no alignment issues, everything is exactly where it should be.

The screw-down crown is smooth and confidence-inspiring. The quartz movement actually improves the experience here: no resistance, no grinding, just smooth operation. In hand, the watch feels solid and dense, not hollow or flimsy.

The dial features a subtle but attractive texture that adds depth without compromising clarity. Subdials are properly recessed, staying true to the classic 1863 layout associated with Flight Qualified chronographs.

Legibility is excellent:

• Outdoors
• Indoors
• At a quick glance

The bubble sapphire crystal adds character, with a pleasing edge distortion that enhances the vintage-inspired space-tool aesthetic without harming readability.

Lume performance was a genuine surprise. Chronographs don’t usually excel here, but this one delivers diver-level brightness, lasting long enough that I can read the time at any point during the night.

Chronograph Experience: Functional and Enjoyable

The pushers have a crisp, satisfying click that genuinely mimics a mechanical feel. There are no hand alignment issues, and operating the chronograph feels deliberate and rewarding.

I’ll be honest: it’s mostly aesthetic for me—but I have used it, including timing an espresso shot. The sweeping chronograph seconds hand adds a lot of enjoyment and reinforces the Space Pilot’s functional-tool identity.

The Seiko VK63 is a smart and intentional choice here. It keeps costs down, maintains excellent proportions, and delivers exactly what this watch needs to succeed.

Accuracy has been flawless over about a month of use, exactly what you expect from a Seiko quartz movement. One particularly clever decision is how Watchdives uses the 24-hour subdial as a day-night indicator, solving a common criticism of VK63 layouts.

Bracelet & Strap Options

The bracelet is genuinely impressive.

• Comfortable over a full day
• No rattle
• Perfect end-link fit

The clasp is functional but average, using spring-bar micro-adjustment. An on-the-fly clasp would have been welcome, but at this price point, it’s a reasonable compromise.

I tried a Moonswatch-style strap from AliExpress, which made the watch look more playful and sporty, but I still prefer it on steel. The bracelet elevates the entire watch and completes the Space Pilot look.

At its price, the WD1863 Space Pilot is almost in a category of its own. Compared to entry-level Seiko chronographs in the $200–$300 range, this Watchdives offers:

• Better case finishing
• A more refined, purposeful dial
• Superior wearability

Where does it lose? Subdial functionality. The chronograph minute counter advances in five-minute increments, which isn’t ideal for users who rely heavily on precise timing.

Other than that, this piece absolutely punches above its price, it genuinely feels like it should cost around $300.

Nothing about it feels cheap, and I would recommend it without hesitation over similarly priced alternatives. It works perfectly as both a first chronograph and a daily watch.

Who This Watch Is (and Isn’t) For

Perfect for:

• Speedmaster fans who appreciate the Flight Qualified design language
• Budget-focused buyers who still care about finishing
• New collectors looking for a fun, space-inspired chronograph

Not ideal for:

• Mechanical-only purists
• Users who rely on highly precise chronograph timing

Pricing, Availability and Where to Get One

The Watchdives WD1863 Space Pilot is sold primarily via Watchdives’ official online store at a very reasonable (and unbeatable) price, $129 USD.

Verdict

The Watchdives WD1863 Space Pilot proves that a well-executed chronograph doesn’t need to be expensive to be enjoyable. By leaning into the Flight Qualified design language, keeping proportions compact, and choosing a sensible quartz movement, Watchdives has created a watch that feels thoughtful rather than compromised.

It’s not trying to replace an icon, and that’s exactly why it works. Instead, it offers the look, feel, and spirit of a space-inspired chronograph in a package that’s affordable, wearable, and easy to live with. For anyone looking for their first chronograph, or a fun, no-stress addition to a growing collection, the WD1863 Space Pilot is one of the most convincing options in its price range.