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The FIYTA Space Shuttle is not a watch that tries to blend in. From the moment you see it, it feels more like an object from speculative design than a conventional timepiece. Rounded, reflective, and almost organic in form, it resembles a small spacecraft hovering above the wrist rather than a traditional watch case. Despite its futuristic appearance, this is very much a real mechanical watch, produced by a brand with a genuine connection to aerospace and space exploration.
Watch the full hands-on review on YouTube below.
About the brand
FIYTA is far from an unknown name in Chinese watchmaking. Founded in 1987, the brand has grown into one of China’s most established manufacturers, with a portfolio that ranges from classic designs to experimental concepts like the Space Shuttle. What sets FIYTA apart, however, is its long-standing relationship with space exploration. The brand is the official supplier of watches for China’s manned space program, and its watches have been worn during multiple Shenzhou missions, including China’s first spacewalk in 2008.
That background adds credibility to a watch that might otherwise be dismissed as purely artistic. While the Space Shuttle clearly leans into playful, conceptual design, it is backed by a brand with real manufacturing scale, technical experience, and design recognition, including international awards and public listing on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
Design and Dial
The design is where the Space Shuttle truly separates itself from anything else in its price range. The case is fully round, smooth, and polished, with the lugs hidden underneath. From a top-down view, the strap appears to emerge from beneath the case, giving the watch a floating, almost weightless look on the wrist. This uninterrupted circular form is a big part of why the watch feels more like a sculptural object than a standard wristwatch.
The crystal plays an equally important role in the overall aesthetic. FIYTA uses a prominent double-domed sapphire crystal that dramatically changes the appearance of the dial depending on the angle and lighting. Reflections and distortions are part of the experience, reinforcing the idea that this is not meant to be a flat, utilitarian display.
Under the crystal sits a highly three-dimensional dial inspired by spacecraft design. The surface is sculpted into layered curves with small rivet-like details, giving it depth. Time is displayed using a rotating hour disc paired with a raised central hour and minute hand. A two o’clock crown with FIYTA branding keeps it from digging into the wrist.
Case, Specs and Wearability
On paper, the dimensions suggest a large watch at 45 mm in diameter and around 14.4 mm thick. In practice, the Space Shuttle wears far smaller than expected. The hidden lug design keeps the lug-to-lug at roughly 41 mm, and the curved case profile helps it sit comfortably on the wrist. Much of the perceived thickness comes from the domed sapphire crystal rather than the case itself, which prevents it from feeling overly bulky.
The case is made from polished 316L stainless steel and is well finished for the price. The double-domed sapphire crystal features an anti-reflective coating, though reflections are still noticeable due to the extreme curvature. Around the back, a sapphire exhibition caseback reveals the modified Miyota automatic movement inside. Sapphire on both sides is a welcome detail at this price, even if water resistance remains a modest 30 meters
The silicone strap suits the futuristic design and is comfortable for daily wear. It uses quick-release spring bars, making strap changes easy for those who want to experiment with different looks.
Price and Value
The official retail price of the FIYTA Space Shuttle sits around $480, but in practice it is frequently available for closer to $300. At that level, the value proposition becomes much more compelling. Sapphire crystals on both sides, a solid stainless steel case, an automatic movement, and a genuinely distinctive design are not common at this price point.
If you’re interested in picking one up, you can use code WRISTFINDS10 on their official store for 10% off.
Final Thoughts
The FIYTA Space Shuttle is a reminder that watchmaking does not always have to be conservative or trend-driven. It is unapologetically bold, unconventional, and design-focused, yet still grounded in solid construction and mechanical credibility. It will not appeal to everyone, and it does not try to. Instead, it offers something genuinely different in a market that often plays it safe.
For around $300, the Space Shuttle delivers a distinctive wearing experience, backed by a brand with real aerospace heritage and manufacturing scale. For collectors who enjoy watches that spark conversation and stand apart from the usual designs, this is a piece that succeeds precisely because it dares to be different.
Specs, Pricing & Availability
Brand: FIYTA
Model: Intergalactic Series Space Shuttle
Dial: Gunmetal black with three-dimensional spaceship-inspired design, rivet pattern, rolling hour disc
Hands: Silver minute and seconds hands with teardrop-shaped design
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Diameter: 45 mm
Lug-to-Lug: 41 mm
Thickness: 14.8 mm
Crystal: Double-domed synthetic sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on one side
Case Back: Press-fit transparent sapphire case back
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Black silicone strap
Lug Width: 20mm
Movement: Modified Miyota automatic movement
Functions: Hours via rolling hour disc, minutes, seconds
Price: $480 (often available for $300), code WRISTFINDS10 for 10% off
Availability: Available via FIYTA official store
FAQ — FIYTA Space Shuttle
Is the FIYTA Space Shuttle a good watch?
The FIYTA Space Shuttle is a good watch for collectors who value unique design and originality over traditional styling. It offers solid build quality, sapphire crystals, a reliable automatic movement, and a genuinely distinctive three-dimensional dial at its price point.
What makes the FIYTA Space Shuttle special?
What sets the FIYTA Space Shuttle apart is its sculptural, space-inspired design and unconventional time display. Unlike most watches in this range, it uses a rotating hour disc, a raised minute hand, and a fully three-dimensional dial, giving it the feel of a mechanical art piece rather than a standard watch.
Is FIYTA a reputable watch brand?
Yes, FIYTA is a well-established and reputable watch brand. Founded in 1987, FIYTA is the official supplier of watches for China’s manned space program, with its timepieces worn during real space missions. The brand is also publicly listed and has received multiple international design awards.
How does the FIYTA Space Shuttle wear on smaller wrists?
Despite its 45 mm case diameter, the FIYTA Space Shuttle wears much smaller than expected. Thanks to its hidden lugs and short lug-to-lug length of around 41 mm, it sits comfortably even on smaller wrists, wearing closer to a mid-size watch in practice.
What movement is used in the FIYTA Space Shuttle?
The FIYTA Space Shuttle uses a modified Miyota automatic movement. While not heavily decorated, it is reliable, easy to service, and well suited to the watch’s price and design focus.
Is the FIYTA Space Shuttle worth the price?
At its commonly discounted price of around $300, the FIYTA Space Shuttle offers strong value. You get sapphire crystal on both sides, a solid stainless steel case, an automatic movement, and a design that is unlike anything else in the segment.
What size is the FIYTA Space Shuttle?
The FIYTA Space Shuttle has a 45 mm case diameter, approximately 41 mm lug-to-lug, and a thickness of about 14.4 mm. While the diameter sounds large on paper, the hidden lugs and curved case design make it wear significantly smaller than expected.
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