Spinnaker Fleuss 40 seconde/seconde/ 2024 Edition

The watch world is a fascinating blend of tradition, innovation, and sometimes, a touch of the unexpected. Spinnaker, a brand renowned for its nautical-inspired timepieces, has consistently pushed the boundaries of watch design, often drawing inspiration from the depths of the ocean and the spirit of maritime adventure. This year, however, they've taken a detour from the familiar seascape and ventured into the realm of the supernatural, just in time for Halloween. In a captivating collaboration with Parisian watch artist Romaric André, the founder of Seconde/Seconde/, Spinnaker has unveiled the Fleuss 40 Automatic Seconde/Seconde/ 2024 Edition. This isn't just another dive watch with a spooky paint job; it's a playful exploration of horological artistry with a distinctly eerie twist.



Before we delve into the spectral specifics of this limited-edition release, let's set the stage by understanding the key players. Spinnaker, with its roots firmly planted in the rich heritage of seafaring, has carved a niche for itself by crafting timepieces that embody the adventurous spirit of exploration and the enduring allure of the sea. Their watches are more than just instruments to measure time; they're a testament to the brand's dedication to merging robust functionality with captivating design. Think of their watches as stylish, reliable companions for those who appreciate the call of the open water, whether they're seasoned sailors or simply drawn to the nautical aesthetic.



On the other side of the spectrum, we have Seconde/Seconde/, a Parisian watch customization studio helmed by the visionary Romaric Andre. This studio isn't your typical watch repair shop; it's a playground for horological creativity, where vintage timepieces are given a new lease on life through unconventional modifications and artistic reimaginations. André's approach is playful, irreverent, and undeniably captivating, challenging the established norms of watch design and injecting a dose of personality into every piece he touches.



The Fleuss collection, which serves as the foundation for this Halloween-inspired release, is a tribute to Henry Fleuss, a diving pioneer who revolutionized underwater exploration in the late 19th century with his invention of the first self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. This collection, much like Fleuss himself, is characterized by its boldness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to functionality. These are watches built for adventure, capable of withstanding the pressures of the deep while maintaining a distinct visual appeal.



Now, imagine these two distinct worlds colliding – Spinnaker's maritime heritage and Seconde/Seconde/'s artistic audacity – and you have the Fleuss 40 Automatic Seconde/Seconde/ 2024 Edition. This special release comes in two equally intriguing variants: the Phantom Classic and the Phantom No Apparitions. Both watches share a striking violet color palette, a departure from the typical Halloween hues, which immediately sets them apart. The violet, with its regal and mysterious connotations, adds a touch of sophistication to the spooky theme, hinting at the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that lie beneath the surface.



Let's take a closer look at the Phantom Classic. Picture a dark dial punctuated by 50 miniature, custom-molded ghosts, each meticulously crafted and coated in Swiss Super-LumiNova. These spectral figures, reminiscent of Casper the Friendly Ghost, seem to float across the dial, their luminescent forms glowing eerily in low-light conditions. The effect is both playful and captivating, a subtle reminder of the watch's Halloween inspiration that doesn't overpower its overall design.



The Phantom No Apparitions, on the other hand, takes a slightly different approach. Instead of ghosts adorning the dial, they've migrated to the bezel, leaving behind a stark "no apparitions" sign at the center. This design cue, inspired by radioactive warning signs, adds an element of intrigue and a touch of industrial aesthetic to the watch. The bold, graphic emblem signals that these aren't your typical friendly ghosts; they're a force to be reckoned with, their presence felt even in their absence.



Both variants feature a unique hidden detail – a date display that only reveals itself under UV light. This playful element adds a layer of mystery and interactivity to the watch, inviting the wearer to engage with it on a deeper level. Imagine the surprise and delight of discovering this hidden feature, like uncovering a secret message from the watch itself. To further enhance this sense of discovery, Spinnaker includes a UV flashlight with each watch, ensuring that you have the tools to unlock its hidden secrets.



But the Fleuss 40 Automatic Seconde/Seconde/ 2024 Edition is more than just a visual spectacle. Beneath its playful exterior lies a robust and reliable timepiece, powered by a high-precision Miyota 9 Series automatic movement. This movement, known for its accuracy and durability, ensures that the watch keeps perfect time, whether you're navigating the high seas or simply going about your daily routine. The inclusion of a sapphire lens, renowned for its scratch resistance, adds another layer of durability, protecting the watch from the wear and tear of everyday use.



The Fleuss 40 also boasts a unidirectional turning bezel, a crucial feature for divers who rely on it to track elapsed time underwater. The bezel on the Phantom Classic features a traditional diving scale, while the Phantom No Apparitions showcases the escaped ghosts, adding a touch of whimsy to this functional element.



The Fleuss 40, as its name suggests, boasts a 40mm stainless steel case, a size that strikes a balance between wrist presence and everyday wearability. This makes it a versatile option for a wide range of wrist sizes, appealing to both men and women who appreciate a watch that's neither too bulky nor too dainty. The case design is a blend of classic dive watch elements and modern aesthetics, with its clean lines, polished finish, and subtle curves. It's a design that exudes confidence without being overly flashy, perfectly complementing the watch's playful yet sophisticated personality.



Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. Sapphire is renowned for its exceptional hardness, making it virtually scratch-proof. This ensures that the watch's dial remains pristine, even after years of use. The anti-reflective coating further enhances the viewing experience, minimizing glare and allowing the intricate details of the dial to shine through.



Speaking of the dial, it's undoubtedly the star of the show, particularly in the Phantom Classic variant. The 50 miniature ghosts, each meticulously molded and coated in Swiss Super-LumiNova, create a mesmerizing spectacle. These luminescent specters seem to dance across the dial, their glow intensifying in low-light conditions. It's a whimsical touch that adds a sense of depth and dimension to the dial, transforming it into a miniature stage for a ghostly ballet.



The Phantom No Apparitions variant, while lacking the ghostly figures, is equally captivating in its own right. The bold "no apparitions" sign, inspired by radioactive warning symbols, takes center stage, creating a stark contrast against the dark dial. The design is minimalist yet impactful, conveying a sense of mystery and intrigue.



Both variants feature applied indexes filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light conditions. The hands, also coated in lume, further enhance readability, allowing you to tell the time with ease, even in the darkest of nights. This attention to detail highlights Spinnaker's commitment to functionality, ensuring that the watch remains practical even with its playful design.



The Fleuss 40 is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel, a hallmark of dive watches. This bezel, with its 120-click action, provides a satisfying tactile feedback and allows for precise timekeeping during dives. The bezel on the Phantom Classic features a traditional diving scale, while the Phantom No Apparitions showcases the escaped ghosts, adding a touch of whimsy to this functional element.



Powering the Fleuss 40 is a Miyota 9039 automatic movement. This Japanese-made caliber is known for its reliability and accuracy, ensuring that the watch keeps precise time. With its 24 jewels and a smooth sweeping seconds hand, the 9039 movement adds a touch of mechanical sophistication to the watch.



The Fleuss 40 comes with a genuine leather strap in a vibrant violet hue, matching the watch's overall color scheme. The strap is both comfortable and stylish, adding a touch of refinement to the watch. An additional rubber strap is also included, providing a more sporty and durable option for those who prefer it. Both straps feature a buckle engraved with a playful "Boo!", a subtle nod to the watch's Halloween theme.



To further enhance the ownership experience, Spinnaker includes a UV flashlight with each watch. This allows you to uncover the hidden date display, adding an element of surprise and interactivity. It's a small but thoughtful touch that elevates the Fleuss 40 beyond a mere timepiece, transforming it into a conversation starter and a source of amusement.



With a retail price of $445, the Fleuss 40 Automatic Seconde/Seconde/ 2024 Edition offers exceptional value for money. It's a watch that combines playful design, robust construction, and reliable mechanics, all at an accessible price point. This makes it an appealing option for both seasoned watch collectors and those looking to add a unique and fun piece to their collection.



The 2024 Edition is not just a limited release; it's a carefully planned rollout. The first batch consists of 1,776 pieces, divided equally between the two variants. Each watch in this batch is engraved with "2024 Edition 1st Batch" and individually numbered, adding to its exclusivity. The initial release will see 1,000 units available exclusively on Spinnaker's website, with the remaining pieces distributed through select global retailers. If demand exceeds supply, Spinnaker may open pre-orders for a second and final batch, ensuring that those who missed out on the initial release have another chance to acquire this unique timepiece.