Spinnaker Piccard Automatic Meteorite

The watch world is a fascinating blend of artistry, engineering, and heritage. While many brands boast centuries-old legacies, others emerge with a fresh perspective, drawing inspiration from unexpected sources. Spinnaker is one such brand, carving its niche by weaving nautical themes into its timepieces. Their latest creation, the Piccard Automatic Meteorite Limited Edition, takes this a step further, quite literally launching the collection out of this world.



Spinnaker has made a name for itself by crafting watches that evoke the spirit of maritime adventure. The brand's collections often take inspiration from iconic figures and events in sailing and diving history. From the vintage charm of the Fleuss series, named after the inventor of the first self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, to the rugged durability of the Bradner, a tribute to the "father of scuba diving," Spinnaker watches consistently capture the essence of exploration and the allure of the deep. The Piccard collection, named after the legendary Swiss explorers and inventors Jacques and Auguste Piccard, embodies this spirit perfectly. The Piccards, known for their pioneering work in deep-sea exploration and high-altitude ballooning, pushed the boundaries of human endeavor. Their bathyscaphe, the Trieste, reached the deepest known point on Earth in 1960, a testament to his relentless pursuit of discovery. Spinnaker's Piccard watches channel this adventurous spirit, offering robust timepieces designed to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration.



Now, with the Piccard Automatic Meteorite Limited Edition, Spinnaker has added a celestial dimension to its maritime-inspired collection. This limited-edition release, capped at just 100 pieces worldwide, features a dial crafted from a genuine Muonionalusta meteorite. This extraterrestrial material, discovered in Sweden in 1906, is estimated to have fallen to Earth over a million years ago, making each watch a unique fragment of cosmic history. Imagine, for a moment, the journey this meteorite undertook. Forged in the fiery heart of a star, it hurtled through the vast expanse of space, silently witnessing the birth and death of celestial bodies, before finally landing on our planet. Now, a piece of that incredible journey can be worn on your wrist.



The meteorite dial itself is a sight to behold. Its textured surface, etched with the unique Widmanstätten patterns formed over billions of years of cooling, gives each watch a distinct, otherworldly appearance. The intricate patterns, reminiscent of abstract art, are a testament to the meteorite's long and tumultuous journey through the cosmos. These mesmerizing patterns, a result of the meteorite's unique crystalline structure, are impossible to replicate, ensuring that each watch dial is truly one-of-a-kind. The interplay of light and shadow on the textured surface creates a captivating visual effect, drawing the eye in and inviting closer inspection. It's a reminder that we are connected to something larger than ourselves, a tangible link to the vast universe beyond our world.



Spinnaker hasn't just relied on the meteorite dial to make this watch special. The Piccard Automatic Meteorite is a serious dive watch, boasting an impressive 550 meters of water resistance. This depth rating, far exceeding the needs of most recreational divers, speaks to the watch's robust construction and its ability to withstand extreme pressures. A helium release valve, a crucial feature for saturation divers, further underscores its professional-grade capabilities. This valve allows helium molecules, which can infiltrate the watch case during deep dives, to escape safely during decompression, preventing damage to the watch.



Protecting the intricate dial is a super-domed sapphire crystal. Sapphire, one of the hardest materials on Earth, offers exceptional scratch resistance, ensuring that the watch's face remains clear and legible even after years of use. The domed shape of the crystal not only adds to the watch's vintage aesthetic but also enhances its durability, making it less susceptible to impacts.



Powering the Piccard Automatic Meteorite is the reliable Seiko NH35 automatic movement. This workhorse movement, known for its accuracy and robustness, ensures precise timekeeping even under demanding conditions. With a power reserve of over 41 hours, the watch can keep ticking even after being taken off the wrist for an extended period. The movement also features a date display, adding to its practicality.



The watch's design is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern functionality. The 45mm stainless steel case, while substantial, wears comfortably on the wrist thanks to its well-proportioned lugs. The unidirectional ceramic bezel, a hallmark of dive watches, allows for safe and accurate tracking of elapsed time underwater. Its smooth rotation and secure clicks provide a satisfying tactile experience. The bezel's markings are filled with luminous material, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light conditions.



Spinnaker has paid close attention to detail throughout the watch's design. The screw-down crown, engraved with the Spinnaker logo, provides an additional layer of water resistance. The hands and indices are generously coated with Swiss Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in the dark. Even the solid stainless steel bracelet, with its fold-over buckle and safety lock, exudes quality and craftsmanship.



The Spinnaker Piccard Automatic Meteorite is offered in two distinct variants, each limited to just 100 pieces worldwide. The SP-5098-AA features a striking night blue bezel, evoking the depths of the ocean, while the SP-5098-BB sports an elite green bezel, reminiscent of the lush hues of the coastline. These color choices, while subtle, add a touch of personality to the watch, allowing collectors to choose the variant that best suits their style.



At first glance, the Piccard Automatic Meteorite commands attention with its substantial presence. The 45mm stainless steel case is a bold statement on the wrist, reflecting the watch's robust construction and its ability to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration. However, despite its size, the watch wears comfortably thanks to its well-engineered lugs, which curve gently around the wrist. The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel, a material known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic properties. This ensures that the watch can withstand the elements and remain a reliable companion for years to come.



The unidirectional rotating bezel, a hallmark of dive watches, is crafted from ceramic, a material prized for its scratch resistance and resilience. The bezel's action is smooth and precise, with firm clicks that provide reassuring feedback. The markings on the bezel are filled with luminous material, ensuring excellent legibility even in low-light conditions. This attention to detail is crucial for divers who rely on their watches to track elapsed time underwater.



Protecting the intricate meteorite dial is a super-domed sapphire crystal. Sapphire, one of the hardest materials on Earth, offers exceptional scratch resistance, ensuring that the watch's face remains clear and legible even after years of use. The domed shape of the crystal not only adds to the watch's vintage aesthetic but also enhances its durability, making it less susceptible to impacts. The crystal is also treated with an anti-reflective coating, minimizing glare and maximizing clarity.



The dial itself is the undisputed star of the show. Crafted from a genuine Muonionalusta meteorite, each dial is unique, bearing the distinctive Widmanstätten patterns formed over billions of years. These mesmerizing patterns, a result of the meteorite's unique crystalline structure, are impossible to replicate, ensuring that each watch dial is truly one-of-a-kind. The interplay of light and shadow on the textured surface creates a captivating visual effect, drawing the eye in and inviting closer inspection. It's a reminder that we are connected to something larger than ourselves, a tangible link to the vast universe beyond our world.



The hands and indices on the dial are generously filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in the dark. The hour and minute hands are designed for maximum legibility, with a broad, arrow-shaped hour hand and a slender, pointed minute hand. The seconds hand features a lollipop-style tip, adding a touch of visual interest. The date window, located at the 3 o'clock position, is neatly integrated into the dial, maintaining its clean and balanced aesthetic.



Powering the Piccard Automatic Meteorite is the reliable Seiko NH35 automatic movement. This workhorse movement, known for its accuracy and robustness, ensures precise timekeeping even under demanding conditions. With a power reserve of over 41 hours, the watch can keep ticking even after being taken off the wrist for an extended period. The movement also features a date display, adding to its practicality.



The watch is fitted with a solid stainless steel bracelet, which complements the case perfectly. The bracelet is constructed with solid links and a sturdy fold-over clasp with a safety lock, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The clasp also features a push-button release, making it easy to take the watch on and off.



The Spinnaker Piccard Automatic Meteorite Limited Edition is not just a watch; it's an experience. It's a conversation starter, a piece of cosmic history, and a testament to human ingenuity. Whether you're a seasoned watch collector, an avid diver, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, this watch is sure to capture your imagination.



With a retail price of $1,200 USD, the Piccard Automatic Meteorite offers exceptional value for a limited-edition timepiece with such unique features and high-quality construction. It's a watch that can be worn with pride, knowing that you own a piece of the cosmos, a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and discovery.