Spinnaker has been turning heads in the watch world, carving out a niche for themselves with nautical-themed timepieces that are surprisingly approachable. They've consistently delivered designs inspired by the sea, blending rugged functionality with affordability. Their journey started with a vision to create watches that resonate with the spirit of sailing and maritime adventures. Over the years, Spinnaker has expanded its collections, always keeping the ocean close to their heart. Now, they're stepping it up a notch, venturing into the realm of semi-precious stones with their latest offering.
The newest collection, Spinnaker has dubbed the Hull Titanium Bronze Lapidary Limited Edition, and it's a departure from their usual fare. This time, they're embracing the beauty of natural gemstones, with each watch in the series featuring a dial crafted from either Tiger Eye, Malachite, Onyx, or Turquoise. This series is Spinnaker's love letter to the art of lapidary – the meticulous cutting and polishing of stones. It's a bold move that highlights the brand's ambition to blend natural artistry with the precision of timekeeping. These watches are set to launch on January 24, 2025, and with only 200 pieces made for each stone variant, they're going to be pretty sought after.
Courtesy of Spinnaker
Each stone chosen for this collection carries its own unique charm and symbolism. The Tiger Eye, with its golden-brown luster and captivating shimmer, is a stone that stands for strength and focus. It's the kind of rock that's believed to instill resilience and clarity in those who wear it. The watch face with this stone could resonate with someone looking for a bit of grounding in their life. It's not just a watch; it's a statement of intent.
Then there's Malachite, a stone deep green and rich with swirling patterns. It's all about transformation and protection. Historically, Malachite has been worn as a guardian stone, believed to ward off negative energy and promote growth and healing. A watch with a Malachite dial is not just a timepiece; it's a personal talisman. The wearer is likely to be someone who appreciates the deeper meanings behind things, someone who sees their watch as more than a way to tell time.
Onyx brings a sleek, reflective black into the mix. This stone is all about power and sophistication. It exudes a bold, grounding energy. An Onyx dial watch is for the confident individual, someone who values a classic, understated look but wants a touch of something extra. It's a watch that could be worn in the boardroom or at a black-tie event, fitting in seamlessly in both settings.
Courtesy of Spinnaker
Last but not least is Turquoise, a vibrant stone that has been prized for centuries for its soothing tones and association with peace and prosperity. This stone has a long history of being used in jewelry and ornaments, symbolizing calm and well-being. A Turquoise dial watch is likely to catch the eye of someone who values a bit of color and vibrancy in their life, someone who wants their watch to be a conversation starter. It's a piece that stands out, yet it's not overly flashy.
Diving into the technical side of these watches, Spinnaker hasn't skimped on the details. The case is crafted from titanium, known for its strength and lightweight nature, making the watch both durable and comfortable to wear. With a 42mm profile, it's a substantial piece that will have a presence on the wrist without being overly bulky. The antique bronze-plated stainless-steel bezel adds a touch of vintage charm, complementing the natural stone dials beautifully. It's a design choice that bridges the gap between classic and contemporary styles.
The movement powering these watches is the reliable NH35 Japanese automatic movement. It's a workhorse movement known for its accuracy and durability, a fitting choice for a watch that's meant to be worn and appreciated. The inclusion of a date function at the 3 o'clock position adds practicality to the mix. It's a small detail, but one that's useful in everyday life. It showcases that this isn't a one trick pony, it's not just all about the stone face, it's actually still a functional watch.
Courtesy of Spinnaker
The lens is made from anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, ensuring that the beauty of the stone dial is always on full display. Sapphire crystal is a premium material, and its use here speaks to the quality Spinnaker is aiming for. It's the kind of feature that might not be immediately noticeable, but it makes a big difference in the long run, keeping the watch looking pristine even after years of wear.
The visual appeal of these watches is undeniable. The combination of the natural stone dials with the titanium and bronze case creates a striking contrast. Each watch is unique, thanks to the natural variations in the stones. The way the light plays off the Tiger Eye, the deep swirls of the Malachite, the sleekness of the Onyx, and the vibrant hue of the Turquoise – each watch face tells its own story. The applied indices and hands, coated with a luminescent material, ensure that the time can be easily read even in low light conditions.
Turning our attention to the case back, Spinnaker has chosen to go with a display titanium case back. It's a great choice that let's you see the black branded Spinnaker winding rotor as well as the mechanical movement. The case back is engraved with the Spinnaker logo and the watch's limited-edition number, adding a touch of exclusivity. It's a reminder that this isn't just any watch; it's a limited-edition piece that's part of a special collection. The caseback also has all of the typical information you would see on a watch, things like the water resistance rating, and materials used.
Courtesy of Spinnaker
The strap is a 22mm silicone strap with a pin buckle, a practical choice that complements the rugged nature of the watch. Silicone is comfortable to wear, resistant to sweat and water, and easy to clean. It's a strap that can handle daily wear and tear without showing signs of wear. The pin buckle is a classic design that's easy to use and secure. It's a straightforward, no-nonsense choice that fits well with the overall aesthetic of the watch.
The water resistance of these watches is rated at 200 meters, which is more than enough for most everyday activities, including swimming and snorkeling. It's a testament to the build quality of the watch and its ability to withstand the elements. While these watches might not be designed specifically for diving, they're certainly capable of handling a bit of water exposure.
From a collector's perspective, these watches offer something unique. They're not just another set of dive watches; they're a blend of natural beauty and horological craftsmanship. The limited-edition nature of the collection, with only 200 pieces per stone, adds to their appeal. It's a chance to own something that's not mass-produced, something that stands out from the crowd. The combination of the stone dials, titanium case, and reliable movement makes for a compelling package.
Courtesy of Spinnaker
For someone new to the world of watches, these Spinnaker Hull Titanium Bronze Lapidary watches could be an intriguing entry point. They offer a blend of style, functionality, and a touch of something different with the gemstone dials. They're not overly complicated, but they have enough going on to spark an interest in the intricacies of watchmaking. Plus, they're approachable in terms of price, making them a less intimidating purchase than some high-end luxury watches.
The pricing for these watches is set at $425.00 USD, which positions them in the mid-range category. Considering the materials used, the craftsmanship involved, and the limited-edition nature of the collection, it's a fair price. These watches offer a lot of bang for the buck, especially when compared to other watches with similar specifications. They're not cheap, but they're also not exorbitantly priced. They strike a balance between affordability and quality, making them accessible to a wide range of watch enthusiasts. They will be available on Spinnaker's website starting January 24, 2025.
Case: Titanium, 42mm diameter, antique bronze-plated stainless-steel unidirectional turning bezel, screw-down crown, water resistant to 200 meters, anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal.
Movement: Japan Automatic NH35 (hours/minutes/seconds/date), date function at 3 o'clock.
Dial: Available in four natural stone options: Blue Turquoise, Green Malachite, Brown Tiger Eye, and Black Onyx.
Strap: 22mm Silicone Strap with pin buckle.
Price: $425.00 USD
Notes: Limited Edition, 200 pieces per stone. Each watch features a unique dial crafted from natural gemstones. Available January 24, 2025.