Spinnaker Watches stands as a testament to the adventurous spirit of the sea, capturing the essence of human exploration and mastery over the ocean’s vast expanse. As a microbrand watch manufacturer, Spinnaker delves deep into the legacy of human interaction with the sea, drawing inspiration from the courage, skill, and ingenuity that have defined maritime adventures. From the historic evolution of scuba diving to the modern advancements in marine technology, the brand embodies the narrative of aquatic exploration. In this article, we will dive into the world of Spinnaker Watches, uncovering the stories and inspirations behind their unique timepieces, and exploring how they pay tribute to the enduring bond between man and sea.
Darthmouth Brands Ltd
Before we dive into Spinnaker Watches, it’s essential to introduce another key player in the watchmaking industry: Dartmouth Brands Ltd. Established in 2013 and based in London, England, Dartmouth Brands Ltd embodies a fresh and innovative approach to watch manufacturing and distribution. Unlike the lavish aura of conglomerates like LVMH and Richemont, Dartmouth Brands distinguishes itself through its commitment to affordability, innovation, and diverse design. Operating under stable leadership, the company has developed a global manufacturing network across Germany, the UK, China, and Switzerland, combining over 30 years of industry experience with a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques.
With a modest yet focused workforce, Dartmouth Brands Ltd reported a revenue of $1.9 million. Its approach is tailored to a wide range of global markets, offering unique timepieces through both UK and international retailers. This strategic positioning allows Dartmouth Brands to cater to a variety of consumer preferences.
Under the Dartmouth Brands umbrella, Spinnaker Watches emerges as a standout brand, renowned for its quality, affordability, and nautical themes. Drawing inspiration from yachting and diving, Spinnaker’s range is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, especially popular among water-sports and diving enthusiasts. The brand’s use of the Japanese NH35 Automatic caliber by Seiko and quartz movements in some models, combined with sporty and functional designs, underscores its commitment to both style and substance.
In the broader context of the watch industry, dominated by larger conglomerates, Dartmouth Brands Ltd and its prominent brand, Spinnaker Watches, play a crucial role in introducing diversity and innovation. Spinnaker’s unique approach to watchmaking, particularly in the nautical and diving world, has garnered increasing recognition, showcasing the significant impact of microbrand conglomerates in the luxury watch market.
Watch Collections
Currently, the company offers 11 watch collections, here’s some information about the main collections.
The BOETTGER:
The BOETTGER collection features a limited edition series of automatic watches, each boasting a 42mm case diameter, a 13mm thickness, and a 47.5mm lug size. These timepieces are designed for durability and resilience, with water resistance up to 300 meters and a two-year warranty for added assurance.
Each watch in this collection is accompanied by an additional rubber strap, matching the color of the watch’s dial for aesthetic coherence. The dial itself is protected by a sapphire lens, complete with an anti-reflective coating to ensure clarity under various lighting conditions. The watches are further enhanced with a uni-directional bezel, adding to their functional appeal. Internally, the watches are powered by the Miyota 9015 automatic movement, renowned for its reliability and precision.
Despite being one of the most premium offering in the Spinnaker range, with a price tag of $695, the BOETTGER collection has achieved remarkable popularity, evidenced by its status as a sold-out line. This success underscores the collection’s unique blend of quality, design, and functionality, making it a coveted choice among watch enthusiasts.
The BRADNER:
The Spinnaker Bradner collection is a testament to the brand’s commitment to heritage and innovation. Inspired by the classic field watch, the Bradner exudes a timeless elegance that seamlessly blends modern sensibilities with vintage charm. Characterized by its clean lines, uncluttered dial, and robust construction, the Bradner is a versatile timepiece that effortlessly transitions from casual outings to formal settings.
At the heart of the Bradner lies the renowned Seiko NH35A automatic movement, a workhorse of the watchmaking industry. Renowned for its reliability and accuracy, the NH35A ensures that the Bradner remains a faithful companion for years to come. Encased within a 42mm stainless steel case, the Bradner boasts a water resistance of 200 meters, making it an ideal companion for both land and sea adventures.
The Bradner’s dial is a symphony of style and function. The applied indices and luminescent hands provide exceptional legibility in all lighting conditions, while the subtle date window at the 3 o’clock position maintains a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. The Bradner’s crown guards, subtly integrated into the case design, seamlessly blend into the overall profile, offering protection without compromising the watch’s sleek lines.
The Spinnaker Bradner is available in a variety of color options, each offering a unique personality to complement your style. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of a black dial or the adventurous spirit of a green dial, the Bradner collection has a timepiece to suit your taste. With its interchangeable straps, ranging from supple leather to durable nylon, the Bradner adapts effortlessly to any occasion.
The BRADNER watches are being sold for $189-$430.
The CAHILL:
The Spinnaker Cahill collection is characterized by its reliable Japanese automatic movement, renowned for its precision and durability. This movement is central to the collection’s promise of long-term accuracy and dependability. Each watch in the collection is encased in a 43mm stainless steel case and offers water resistance up to 300 meters. Key features include a unidirectional bezel, ideal for dive timing, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, ensuring the dial remains legible in various conditions.
The Cahill collection is distinguished by its functional yet stylish design. The dials feature large, luminescent hands and markers for clear visibility, complemented by a date window at the 3 o’clock position. Available in a range of colors, the Cahill watches cater to diverse tastes, from the classic appeal of a black dial to the bold look of a blue dial. The collection’s versatility is further enhanced by interchangeable straps, available in 22mm stainless steel or NATO styles, allowing for easy adaptation to different diving environments. Emblematic of Spinnaker’s commitment to quality and innovation, the Cahill watches represent a legacy of craftsmanship. With a case diameter of 43mm and a thickness of 13.65mm, these watches balance a commanding presence with comfortable wear, making them an ideal choice for divers who seek a timepiece that combines resilience and style.
The CAHILL watches are being sold for $325-$370.
The CROFT:
The Croft series, another of Spinnaker’s diving watch collections, features watches encased in a 40mm stainless steel case. These watches are equipped with a sapphire lens treated with an anti-reflective coating and boast a unidirectional rotating bezel. Designed for durability, they offer water resistance up to 150 meters.
A standout feature of the Croft collection is its unique dials. Spinnaker has designed this range with skeleton dials and some models showcase a gradient effect on the small seconds dial. Many watches in this collection have been popular, with most models sold out. They are priced between $280 and $495. In terms of customization, the watches come with either a stainless steel bracelet or leather straps, offering versatility to suit different preferences and styles.
The DUMAS:
The Dumas collection from Spinnaker Watches stands out for its distinctive design. These watches feature an octagonal stainless steel case, measuring 44mm in diameter and 15mm in height. Each watch is fitted with a unidirectional bezel with glass and a sapphire lens that includes an anti-reflective coating.
Powered by the Japanese NH35 TMI Automatic movement, the Dumas watches are water-resistant up to 300 meters. They are designed with vintage-style dials and colors, adding a classic touch to their modern build. The watches in this collection are priced at around $400, offering a blend of unique style and functionality.
The Fleuss:
The Fleuss series is a collection of dive watches that draw inspiration from the classic Blancpain Fifty Fathoms design. These watches are encased in 316L stainless steel, featuring a case diameter of 43mm and a thickness of 13mm. They are equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, complete with an anti-reflective coating, and a unidirectional bezel with hardened glass. Powered by the Japan NH35 TMI Automatic movement, the Fleuss watches boast water resistance up to 150 meters.
This collection is notable for its variety of unique dial colors, offering choices such as red, green, and Ama pearl dials. Some models in the Fleuss series are created in collaboration with the Paris-based watch modifying company, Seconde/Seconde/. Typically, the watches come with either a leather band or stainless steel bracelet, but those created in partnership with Seconde/Seconde/ also include an extra rubber band. The price range for the Fleuss watches varies between $285 and $445 USD.
The Hass, Hull, Wreck:
The Has collection is inspired by the whale watch, with a sleek and modern design that is perfect for those who love the ocean. The Hass watches feature a variety of colors and materials, including stainless steel, leather, and rubber.
The Hull is inspired by the sailboat watch, with a sporty and nautical design that is perfect for sailors and boaters. The Hull watches feature a variety of colors and materials, including stainless steel, leather, and nylon.
The Wreck collection is inspired by the shipwreck watch, with a distressed and vintage design that is perfect for those who love the thrill of the unknown. The Wreck watches feature a variety of colors and materials, including stainless steel, leather, and canvas and they feature an ages style bezels and dials.
The Piccard, Spence, Tesei:
Three collections which are inspired by diving and tool watches.
The Tesei watches embody the essence of a functional tool watch, indispensable for any mission, whether tactical or otherwise. Crafted in either Titanium or Bronze, these watches boast a robust 43mm case, powered by Swiss automatic movements. They are designed to withstand water depths of up to 200m, and feature a unidirectional rotating bezel and a sapphire lens treated with an anti-reflective coating, enhancing both their utility and durability. The watches are prices between $690 – $890.
The Piccard collection from Spinnaker watches marries vintage aesthetics with the precision of contemporary watchmaking. This range redefines dive watch design with its bold yet comfortable presence on the wrist, ensuring readability and functionality, making it a standout piece in any collection. The watches feature a Japan NH35 TMI Automatic movement housed in a stainless steel case with a matching stainless steel color. Each watch measures 45mm in diameter and 21mm in thickness, with a lug to lug length of 52mm. The lens is an ultra-domed, scratch-resistant shaped sapphire with an anti-reflecting coating, enhancing durability and visibility. Completing the design is a unidirectional bezel adorned with a blue ceramic plate, adding to its distinctiveness. All three models in this collection are priced at $550.
The Spence 300 from Spinnaker’s collection stands out for its exceptional engineering precision rather than its size or weight. This timepiece exemplifies meticulous design and hand-assembled craftsmanship, resulting in a watch that, despite being only 10.9mm thick, can withstand over 300m of water resistance. It’s a testament to the fusion of delicate aesthetics and robust functionality.
Delving into the specifications, the Spence 300 is powered by a Japan Miyota 9039 Automatic movement, encased in a durable stainless steel body. The case measures 40mm in diameter and maintains a sleek profile with a thickness of just 10.9mm. The lug to lug measurement is 48mm, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist. For clarity and durability, it features a sapphire lens equipped with an anti-reflective coating. Completing its distinctive design is a unidirectional bezel with a striking blue aluminum plate, adding both style and practicality to this remarkable timepiece. All the models are being sold for $650 and they are equipped with an extra leather/fabric band.
Spinnaker Watches FAQ
Who makes Spinnaker watches?
Spinnaker watches are owned by Dartmouth Brands, which is part of the portfolio of watch companies under the manufacturing expertise of Solar Time Ltd., based in Hong Kong. Dartmouth Brands is also the owner of AVI-8, another esteemed watch company.
Where are Spinnaker watches made?
Spinnaker watches are crafted in Hong Kong, where their design and manufacturing take place. The movements integrated into these watches are sourced from reputable Japanese brands, including Seiko and Miyota.
Where can you buy Spinnaker Watches?
Spinnaker watches are available for purchase directly from the brand’s website. They come with a 2-year warranty, offer free worldwide shipping, and provide a 30-day hassle-free return policy.
To Sum It Up
In conclusion, Spinnaker Watches represents a unique and innovative presence in the watchmaking industry, blending the spirit of maritime adventure with the precision of modern craftsmanship. Under the umbrella of Dartmouth Brands Ltd, Spinnaker has carved a niche for itself, offering a diverse range of timepieces that are not only aesthetically appealing but also functionally robust, catering especially to enthusiasts of diving and water sports. Their commitment to combining quality, affordability, and distinctive nautical themes, along with the integration of reliable Japanese movements, sets them apart in a market often dominated by larger luxury brands. The brand’s direct-to-consumer approach, offering a 2-year warranty, free worldwide shipping, and a 30-day return policy, underscores its customer-centric philosophy. As such, Spinnaker Watches not only pays homage to the timeless bond between man and the sea but also stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and relevance of microbrand watchmakers in today’s luxury watch market.
For more information about Spinnaker Watches, please visit the brand’s website.
