Watchdives WD1860 vs WD1863: Which VK63 Chronograph Should You Choose?

The Watchdives WD1860 and WD1863 are both VK63-powered meca-quartz chronographs, but they are not simply two sizes of the same watch. They share the same basic movement architecture and practical everyday specifications, while their case proportions, dial choice, bracelet options and overall visual character are different enough to suit different buyers.

This comparison uses current Watchdives product data checked in September 2026. Prices, inventory and individual variants can change, so use the linked product pages as the final source of truth before ordering.

The photographs below come from the official Watchdives product pages. They illustrate the pictured configurations, not a controlled size or performance test. The watches were photographed separately and are not shown at a common scale; use the stated dimensions to compare fit.

Compare the Watchdives WD1860 and Watchdives WD1863.

WD1860 vs WD1863 at a Glance

The Biggest Difference: Simplicity vs Variety

The WD1860 is the more focused product. Its current listing is built around two dial colors—black and white—with a stainless-steel bracelet. That makes it easier to choose if you already know you want a clean, traditional chronograph layout without sorting through a large number of configurations.

The WD1863 takes the opposite approach. It has a much wider selection of dials, hand colors, bezel treatments and bracelet/clasp combinations. Current variants include black, white, panda, reverse panda, blue, racing-inspired and Space Pilot executions, among others.

If choice is part of the appeal, the WD1863 provides considerably more room to personalize the look. If you prefer a short decision process and a restrained black-or-white chronograph, the WD1860 is easier to understand.

Both Use the Seiko VK63 Meca-Quartz Chronograph Movement

Both watches use the Japan VK63 chronograph movement. The VK63 combines quartz-powered timekeeping with a mechanically actuated chronograph system. It provides a sweeping central chronograph seconds hand while the chronograph is running and an instant snap-back reset when the chronograph is reset.

This does not make the movement mechanical. Normal timekeeping remains quartz powered, which means the ownership experience is generally simpler than a fully mechanical chronograph. For the shared movement's functions, including the chronograph seconds hand and 24-hour subdial, read our TMI VK63 movement guide. To compare other complete models, browse our VK63 chronograph watches; case, crystal and fit still depend on the individual watch.

If you want a broader explanation of quartz and automatic ownership differences, see our Quartz vs Automatic Watches guide.

Size Comparison: Do Not Read “39mm” as the WD1863 Case Diameter

This is the most important measurement detail in the comparison.

The current WD1860 product specification lists a 40mm bezel diameter, a 46.9mm lug-to-lug and 13.95mm thickness including the domed crystal.

The current WD1863 specification lists a 39mm bezel but a 41mm mid-case, together with a 46mm lug-to-lug and 12.9mm thickness including the bubble crystal.

That means it would be misleading to describe the WD1863 simply as a “39mm case.” The 39mm figure refers to the bezel; the mid-case is 41mm. For wrist fit, compare the complete dimensions rather than relying on one headline number.

Which One Wears More Compactly?

On paper, the WD1863 has the slightly shorter lug-to-lug measurement at 46mm versus 46.9mm for the WD1860, and it is also thinner at 12.9mm versus 13.95mm including the crystal.

However, the WD1863 mid-case is listed at 41mm, while the WD1860 product page emphasizes a 40mm bezel measurement rather than a separate mid-case diameter. Because the two product pages do not describe every diameter using the same measurement convention, it is better to compare lug-to-lug and thickness directly than to claim that one watch is definitively smaller in every dimension.

If you are sensitive to case height, the WD1863 has the lower listed total thickness. If top-to-bottom wrist span matters most, both sit in a similar range, with the WD1863 slightly shorter by the published measurements.

Crystal and Everyday Durability

Both watches use sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The WD1860 uses a domed sapphire crystal, while the WD1863 uses a bubble sapphire crystal. Both shapes contribute to the vintage chronograph character while retaining the scratch resistance associated with sapphire.

Both are rated to 100m / 10 bar water resistance and use screw-down crowns and screw-down case backs. Water resistance depends on the complete watch and its condition, so follow the product instructions and avoid operating chronograph pushers underwater unless the specific watch is designed and documented for that use.

Dial Choice: WD1860 Is Focused, WD1863 Is a Platform

The WD1860 currently keeps the choice simple: matte black or glossy white. This is useful if you want a classic chronograph appearance and do not need multiple sub-styles.

The WD1863 behaves more like a platform for many chronograph designs. Current variants include traditional black and white, reverse-panda and panda layouts, blue, orange-accented racing dials, vintage treatments, steel-bezel options and Space Pilot versions.

Lume also varies by WD1863 configuration. Its current listing specifies BGW9 blue lume on BGW9-labelled versions and C3 lume on versions explicitly labelled C3. The WD1860 product specification lists BGW9 blue lume.

Bracelet and Clasp Differences

The WD1860 uses a stainless-steel bracelet tapering from 20mm to 16mm with a 5-hole micro-adjustment milled safety clasp.

The WD1863 also uses 20mm bracelet sizing and offers a 5-hole micro-adjustment milled safety clasp on standard configurations. Some WD1863 variants are specifically sold with an OTF clasp, so buyers should check the exact selected option rather than assume every WD1863 includes the same clasp.

This is one of the practical advantages of the WD1863 lineup: buyers who value clasp adjustment can select a configuration that explicitly includes the OTF option where available.

Current Price Positioning

At the latest Shopify check in September 2026, the WD1860 was listed at approximately $105–$109 for its current black and white bracelet variants.

Current sellable WD1863 variants generally started around $129, with many configurations around $139 and selected OTF or special versions around $149. Not every WD1863 variant was in stock at the same time.

These are live-price observations rather than permanent price promises. Promotions, inventory and variant pricing can change, so check the selected product page before ordering.

Choose the WD1860 If...

• You want the lower current entry price.
• You prefer a straightforward black-or-white chronograph.
• You want VK63 meca-quartz operation without sorting through many variants.
• You like a 40mm-bezel chronograph with a 46.9mm lug-to-lug measurement.
• A conventional 5-hole micro-adjustment clasp is sufficient for your needs.

Choose the WD1863 If...

• You want far more dial, hand and bezel choices.
• You prefer the shorter 46mm lug-to-lug and lower 12.9mm listed thickness.
• You want the option of an OTF clasp on selected configurations.
• You like panda, racing, Space Pilot or other more expressive chronograph layouts.
• You want a chronograph that has evolved across multiple Watchdives versions and configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the WD1860 and WD1863 use the same movement?

Yes. Both current product listings specify the Japan VK63 meca-quartz chronograph movement.

Is the WD1863 a 39mm watch?

The current specification lists a 39mm bezel and a 41mm mid-case. Treating 39mm as the complete case diameter would be inaccurate.

Which model is thinner?

The current published measurements list the WD1863 at 12.9mm including its bubble crystal and the WD1860 at 13.95mm including its domed crystal.

Which model has more dial choices?

The WD1863 by a wide margin. The WD1860 current listing is focused on black and white variants, while the WD1863 includes a broad range of panda, racing, blue, Space Pilot and other configurations.

Does every WD1863 come with an OTF clasp?

No. The clasp depends on the selected configuration. Most versions use a 5-hole micro-adjustment milled safety clasp, while specifically labelled variants use an OTF clasp.

Final Comparison

The WD1860 and WD1863 share the same VK63 foundation, sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance, so the decision is less about movement quality and more about proportions, styling choice and price.

The WD1860 is the simpler, lower-priced route into a Watchdives VK63 chronograph. The WD1863 gives you more dial variety, selected clasp upgrades and a slightly shorter/thinner published footprint, but its 39mm figure must be understood as the bezel diameter rather than the complete mid-case.

Before ordering, compare the exact live variants: WD1860 and WD1863.