I must start with an important clarification: this is not a review of the original Fiyta Spacemaster with a hand-wound movement, which was developed for and used in the Chinese space program. Instead, this review focuses on the commercial commemorative version of that watch. Since several commemorative versions have been released recently, I should be even more specific—this review covers only the Shenzhou 10 commemorative watch.
What sets this commemorative version apart from the original is not only the movement (automatic versus manual winding), but also the size. The original has an impressive 54 mm diameter, while this version measures 43.5 mm. And the differences don’t stop there. The original watch features only an AM/PM indicator, whereas this one also includes a date complication. On the chronograph’s seconds subdial, the number 10 is featured (as a nod to the Shenzhou 10 mission), and the chronograph minute counter has slightly different markings.
Let’s now start from the beginning. Fiyta is a Chinese watch company that acquired the Beijing Watch Factory and is, alongside Seagull, one of the most advanced and truly established watch manufacturers in China. It enjoys great popularity domestically, while in Europe it is primarily known for its Spacemaster watches. However, other Fiyta models have been gaining visibility in recent years as well.
As far as I know, the Spacemaster is—alongside the Omega X-33—the only watch specifically developed for use in space programs and actually worn by astronauts during space missions.
The chronograph minute counter is limited to 45 minutes, as most tasks in space must be completed within 30 to 40 minutes. The chronograph dial doesn’t have a full minute scale but only marks at 15, 30, and 45 minutes. Notably, there are colored five-minute segments before the 30- and 45-minute marks, and these segments even contain lume.
Another unique feature is the bezel, which displays an 8-hour scale, with the final hour subdivided into 15-minute intervals. This design reflects the fact that Chinese space suits allow for a maximum of 8 hours of spacewalk duration.
It's important to note that this bezel design is not found on all commemorative editions. Many versions feature a standard tachymeter scale, but the original Spacemaster—as well as the Shenzhou 10 commemorative model—uses the 8-hour format.
To be honest, when I first purchased this watch, I had no idea it was dedicated to the Shenzhou 10 mission, and I didn’t realize what the number “10” on the chronograph sub-dial represented. But of course, in hindsight, the meaning becomes quite obvious.
The case is made of titanium, with a diameter of 43.5 mm and a thickness of 15.5 mm. (Quick note: not all commemorative editions are made of titanium—most actually come with stainless steel cases.) I’m genuinely impressed by the quality—it's very well executed in every detail.
The steel bracelet, which at first gave me a “typical Chinese” impression, turned out to be much better than expected. It’s very easy to add or remove links. Although the links feel (and probably are) hollow, the watch still wears very comfortably, and thanks to the titanium case and hollow links, it feels light on the wrist.
The chronograph works perfectly. The pusher buttons have just the right resistance—not too light to be pressed accidentally, but not too hard to operate comfortably. The edges of the pushers are covered with rubber, which provides even better control. The 45-minute chronograph counter combined with the hour counter is an unusual setup and feels awkward to use. In the photo on the right, for example, the chronograph has been running for one hour and 17 minutes (and not 1 hour and 32 minutes, as it might appear at first glance).
In practice, the hour counter should be read more like a regulator watch with a single hand. But if you need an exact reading, you’ll have to do a bit of math. To be honest, I don’t understand why they even included the hour counter—especially since the watch was deliberately designed for space missions, and this feature isn’t necessary. All essential timing functions can be managed using the bezel and the minute counter.
The crown is unusual. It’s a screw-down crown, but it screws in the opposite direction from what we’re used to. You unscrew the crown by turning it upward, and as soon as it’s unscrewed, you immediately begin winding the watch.
Rotating the bezel is hard work! It only turns counterclockwise and is extremely stiff. So stiff, in fact, that at first I was convinced it was fixed and merely decorative. I honestly doubt astronauts wearing spacesuits and gloves would be able to rotate it at all.
The dial and hands have decent lume, but nothing extraordinary.
I wore the watch for five consecutive days, without taking it off—day and night—and I must say, I’m impressed: +2 seconds after five days. The rotor that winds the movement is very quiet, but I found one specific hand movement that accelerates the rotor, causing it to spin rapidly and noisily. It produces a very satisfying sound, reminiscent of the Perrelet Turbine watch, if you're familiar with it.
All in all, I’m very pleased with this watch. I’ll definitely include it in my regular rotation. And it makes a great addition to my space-themed watch collection.
P.S.: A shorter version of this review was first published on the Portal Satova watch forum in February 2018.
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Where can I find a Fiyta Spacemaster for purchase?