Spinnaker – a particular type of sail designed for use when a boat is reaching or sailing ‘off the wind’ – but also the name of my new favourite horological discovery.
I have long had a penchant for a bit of wrist candy so when I was asked to road-test the Spinnaker Watches Croft 3912 Automatic Limited Edition I jumped at the chance – so let’s dive right in…
The history of efforts to use watches underwater, and to make watches that are water-resistant, or waterproof and make dive watches, goes back to perhaps the 17th century. In the 19th century, water and dust-resistant watches were usually one-off pieces custom-made for a particular customer and described as “Explorer’s Watches”.
Today dive watches are one of the most popular types of sports watch, not necessarily because people use them to dive, but because of their style, the promise of durability, and utilitarian value, and this is certainly the case with the Spinnaker Croft 3912.
A beautifully styled yet robust piece of kit, this limited edition (only 75 pieces) watch is a looker for sure. The dial design is simplistic yet striking, this is the ‘Storm’ colourway, a stylish combination of grey and naval blue with steel and a hit of punchy aqua on the signature – which sits at six o’clock, unusually leaving the 12 o’clock position void of any furniture whatsoever. I wasn’t sure about that design detail at first, but it really has grown on me and now I’m really enjoying that point of difference.
Both the oversized hour indices and chunky sword hands are luminous, as with most dive watches, to aid visibility underwater, or if you’re like me and have never entertained the idea of getting up close and personal with Nemo, to help you tell the time in the dark. For those that are happy to get their feet wet, it has a water resistance depth of 150m. A lollipop central seconds hand with aqua detailing completes the dial which is encapsulated underneath a sapphire lens with anti-reflective coating. The unidirectional bezel with an aluminium plate is a nice touch and at 39mm, it certainly has a presence on the wrist without being overbearing or uncomfortable.
I love the vintage-esque styling of the Spinnaker Watches range, there is a definite nod to the ‘golden era of diving’ and the simplicity of the aesthetics really speaks to me. The Croft 3912 comes with a 20mm Stainless Steel Bracelet with Fold Over Buckle with Safety Lock and Push Button, and whilst the watch is rather more opulent (as most are) when on the bracelet, I much prefer the Paratrooper style elastic strap which is in navy with a contrasting white stripe, it does give a more casual and maybe more sporting look, but I just love the pop of corresponding colour.
Powered by a high beat 9015 Miyota Automatic movement, it is resolutely built and styled through the eyes of one of Korea’s foremost watch experts who envisioned a vintage skin on all weather dive watch that is compact, comfortable yet completely ocean worthy.
The competitive price point of the Spinnaker Watches range is most appealing, in an industry dominated by the ‘big boys’, this microband is certainly making waves and for those looking for a vintage-inspired dive-watch, you won’t go wrong with Spinnaker.
- Movement : Japan Miyota 9039 Automatic 3 Hands
- Case Material : Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter (mm) : 39
- Case Thickness (mm) : 12
- Lug to Lug (mm) : 47
- Lens : Sapphire Lens with Anti-Reflective Coating
- Bezel : Unidirectional Bezel with Aluminium Plate
- Dial Color: Grey
- Band : 20mm Stainless Steel Bracelet with Fold Over Buckle with Safety Lock and Push Button
- Extra Band :20mm Paratrooper Elastic Nylon Strap
- Water Resistance : 150m
- Warranty : 2-Year International
If you fancy following my watch obsession on TikTok I’d be glad to have you 😉
