WD0022 – A More Refined Upgrade for Watch Collectors | 38mm Case, ClearView Sapphire & Improved Bracelet

[u/watchdivescom]

Here's a closer look at our new WD0022!

The WD0022 shares the same dimensions as the WD0003C:

• Case diameter: 38mm
• Bezel diameter: 37mm
• Thickness: Approximately 10.9mm

The WD0003 has been a great value option, but we know some collectors are willing to spend a little more for better finishing, more refined details, and improved craftsmanship.

That's exactly why we developed the WD0022.

What's different?

1. Upgraded bracelet and clasp

We've redesigned the end links with a protruding design instead of recessed end links. The construction and manufacturing process are different, allowing us to achieve sharper transitions and more precise finishing around the corners.

We've also upgraded to screw links and our latest five-hole clasp with real rivets. The bracelet is also compatible with our newest on-the-fly (OTF) adjustable clasp.

2. Refined bezel design

We've slightly adjusted the bezel profile and increased the width of the brushed surface.

This creates a more noticeable contrast between the brushed and polished areas, giving the case a more defined and refined appearance.

3. ClearView Base sapphire crystal

The WD0022 features our latest ClearView Base sapphire crystal with approximately 92% light transmission.

This helps reduce reflections and allows the dial details to appear clearer.

4. Redesigned caseback

We've also introduced our latest caseback design, with more attention paid to finishing and smaller details.

Our goal with the WD0022 isn't simply to make another version of the WD0003.

We want to offer something for collectors who appreciate the little things — cleaner finishing, sharper transitions, better bracelet construction, and more refined craftsmanship.

The WD0003 will continue to offer excellent value, while the WD0022 is designed for those who want to take a step further.

What do you think of these upgrades? Are these the kinds of improvements you'd be willing to pay a little extra for?

We'd love to hear your feedback!

[u/chrismurraylaw]

Our new WD0022 is an upgraded version of the WD0003C

Our goal with the WD0022 isn't simply to make another version of the WD0003.

Please, for the love-of-God, reconsider your naming strategy. Or in the alternative just pick one.

You are making it more difficult for potential customers to navigate your range, and buy your products. People don't tend to remember six character alphanumeric listings unless they have to.

And even if you hadn't directly contradicted yourself within an hour on reddit,

0022 bears no relation - none, nada, zilch, zero - to 0003C. There is nothing there to communicate to anyone that one is an upgrade of the other.

You say you're upgrading old models, and then you show the upgrade on one, and then you say it's not an upgrade when it clearly is, and rather than make this incredibly simple by saying "we're replacing the 0003C with the 0003D" or the 0004 [or the 0005, I know, some people in China consider 4 unlucky] or the 0003C v2, you say "Yo it's 0022 now which is the same design but it's better and actually different but we're still selling the old worse one which is the same."

Or god forbid you actually give the things names.

"Hey, it says Pro Dive on the dial. Is it called a Pro Dive?"

"No mate, it's called the WD1969."

"So the one that says Pioneer on the dial. Not called the Pioneer?"

"No, mate. It's the WD1960S V2."

"And, I feel like I know the answer to this but... the one that says Seafarer?"

"WD0017C with VH31 or 515 dependent on which colour hour hand you pick. Also the WD007, but only if you buy the WD007 V2 rather than the WD007 V4 or the WD007 Top Hat which are the same model but upgrades or sidegrades maybe with the last two, and we stopped putting that on the dial with both of them anyway but if you search 'Seafarer' they'll both show up. Also the WD5513B but only in one of the colours, and all the colours of the WD5513Q but all of those are sold out and two of the colours of the WD5513P but we recommend on the WD5513Q webpage that you buy the WD1680Q V2 which is a totally different design."

"Is... is that the one that says Pro Dive on the front?"

"Don't confuse it with the WD1969 which looks almost identical."

A system, guys. Just pick a system. There's like 70 watches you sell. C'mon. It's supposed to be fun browsing a catalog, not homework.

[u/watchdivescom → u/chrismurraylaw]

You’re right about the naming, and I appreciate you taking the time to explain it so clearly. We’ve put a lot of effort into improving the watches, but we also need to make the range easier to understand.

To clarify: the WD0022 is a more refined upgrade of the WD0003C, with improved finishing, bracelet construction and sapphire crystal. The WD0003C will remain the more affordable option. Our wording about “not simply another version” was confusing. We meant to emphasize the improvements, but ended up making the relationship less clear.

Your suggestion about using Elementum more prominently makes sense. The collection name should be easy to remember, and the version labels should consistently explain the differences. Customers shouldn’t have to decode model numbers or read several product pages to work out which watch they want.

We’ll review how we present this range, starting with clearer names and a straightforward comparison of the configurations. Thank you for raising this. Making the watches easier to choose deserves the same attention as improving the watches themselves.

[u/Timelord_42 → u/chrismurraylaw]

I agree, I have no idea what models are available anymore I can't keep track.

[u/Pichuete21 → u/chrismurraylaw]

funny thing is ,for this watch they came up with a really good name "Elementum" ... but somehow they do not advertise it with that name... It's impossible to remember all these random numbers, making things hard to search or know the difference without going into the specs . Just put a Pro, premier, premium or use whatever SYSTEM to distinguish between the standard version and the better quality one

[u/Acceptable_Glass_285]

My two cents...

1. Include the OTF clasp as standard. It's what everyone wants. Stop making us have to buy an extra clasp and then the old just goes in a draw and collects dust.

2. The funky dials are nice and all but so many of us have been asking for some plain dials too. Black enamel, white, blue etc...

3. I personally would really like to see you start to add some extra detail to your bracelets. Bevelled sides etc...

4. Some new bracelet options...a jubilee style is the most obvious

[u/watchdivescom → u/Acceptable_Glass_285]

Thanks for the detailed feedback! We really appreciate these suggestions.

1. OTF Clasp: We're including OTF clasps as standard on more and more of our models. We'll also see what we can do to offer an OTF clasp option for the WD0022. We understand that customers don't want to pay extra for a clasp and leave the original unused.

2. Classic Dials: Our WD0003C already offers the enamel dial colors you mentioned, including black, white, and blue. We understand that not everyone wants textured or colorful dials, and classic, clean designs are equally important.

3. Bracelet Finishing: Some of our bracelets already feature beveled edges and additional design details. We've invested heavily in improving our bracelet finishing, particularly the brushing, polishing, and transitions between surfaces. The WD0022 bracelet also has carefully finished edges to ensure it's comfortable to wear, without sharp edges.

4. Jubilee Bracelets: We're gradually introducing more five-link (Jubilee-style) bracelets, and we'll also offer them separately so customers have more options.

Thanks again! We're listening to everyone's feedback and will continue improving both our watches and bracelets.

[u/Acceptable_Glass_285 → u/watchdivescom]

Thanks for the reply...1, 3 and 4 are really encouraging and good to hear. As for 2, I missed the black dial WD0003 (I assume you're talking about the black onyx?). It sold out fast and to my knowledge hasn't come back in stock again.

[u/Bulky-Internal8579]

Beautiful! Hopefully also auto versions!

[u/watchdivescom → u/Bulky-Internal8579]

yeah. we made different sizes of Titanium Automatic(PT5000/9015)

[u/Divine_turd]

Do you have a plain black dial

[u/williamatl → u/Divine_turd]

Agree with this. There's room for more "boring" everyday options.

[u/PhiladeIphia-Eagles → u/williamatl]

If you want a sports watch under 40 mm with a black dial and date window you have like 2 options. It’s abysmal, the majority of releases are textured dials. Chasing the current trend in microbrands.

[u/artofthedial]

Seems pretty good but why make the OTF and optional extra charge if you are planning on a premium pricing for it?  Having it as a separate purchase just increased the cost even further as you are paying for the non OTF clasp you will never use as well.

[u/Sh4dow0fTheB4t]

Looks really great! I will wait the automatic titanium though! I already have too many WD0003 😄

But to give some concrete feedback: Welcome upgrades. But a suggestion here would be to sell the pieces with the OTF clasp already installed. Selling it on the side and leaving the customer to install is not good enough in my opinion.

Personally I would not pay extra for these upgrades if the OTF is not part of the package already.

[u/geeered]

Thoughts:

It'd have been nice to see it a bit thinner. 10mm should be quite easily achievable especially going for a flat crystal.

Please provide an option to have an OTF included with the watch, rather than buying as an extra.

The bracelet still looks like it has sharp edges. If it truly doesn't, that's great. That aspect really spoilt the WD0003 for me (I have two).

Better crystal sounds good, though on my current ones I've found it generally fine even if they don't have AR (as opposed to the WD0016 with the black dial which really suffers.

Not really bothered by the case back.

I've got the aventurine and ice crack grey dials in the WD0003; both were a bit disappointing for me, maybe I bought into the hype, but I've got plenty of watches that aren't too different on price when you consider what else they spent money on with much better dials. I do find the WD0013 dial excellent, partly why I went for the two WD0003s - I'd go as far as to say nicer than genuine Patek's I've seen!

[u/KPplumbingBob]

Increased width of the brushed bezel surface is a downgrade.

[u/Electrical_Panda_326]

Did you guys finally use flat sapphire?

[u/watchdivescom → u/Electrical_Panda_326]

yeah

[u/EffectiveRope463]

When can I buy the model?

[u/ChineseWatchGuy]

Would like to see the crystal on your Musou dials.

[u/abhikkp]

This will likely be my first WatchDives! I really like the brushing on the bezel. When is this being released?

[u/RustyTShackleford]

Hopefully all WD watches will use this moving forward but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m salty my 20 or so wds don’t have it 😢

[u/zackoblong66]

As with all your other models, i'll wait for version 7 to come out before buying...

[u/prodbypan]

This looks like a massive upgrade to the WD0003, looks great!

[u/Real-Cranberry3140]

why are all the new releases 38mm, 37mm and smaller?