A look at Spinnaker watches 2 years later
A look at Spinnaker after 2 years
Friends, hello everyone. You are on the channel about Feeltime watches, Stanislav is with you as always and today there will be a large selection of watches from the Spinnaker microbrand.
Although this is not even quite a selection, but a fresh look at the models that I considered with you about 2 years ago.
In fact, my perception of hours changes over time. For 2 years, a huge number of hours have passed through my hands. I have the opportunity to compare, I become more experienced, I can see what I have not seen before.
Therefore, I myself am very interested in looking at the clock, which I first met a long time ago. Such a fresh look at old models.
Spinnaker Cahill watch
And I will start, perhaps, with the model, which today is one of my favorites from the brand. This is a Spinnaker Cahill watch in the very first edition.
Previously, I only had a black dial version in my hands, but recently we brought a version with a blue dial as well.
The watch case and bracelet are made of stainless steel. And I have a feeling that the guys have grown in the quality of the finish in 2 years. This is not the same watch that was produced before. This can be understood at least by the direct font. As of mid-2021, the Spinnaker brand has phased out the oblique font.
Therefore, these models have already been released with a fresh hand.
And, again, the quality of the finish, according to my feelings, has grown. Especially the upper part of the lugs of the case and the bracelet. The side of the case is also better, but here the satin finish is a bit rougher.
What else I can note is the best polishing of the hour and minute hands. Although I remember that on older versions, the lume was applied to some marks not perfectly evenly, and this problem did not go away here.
If you look very closely, then some kosyachki can be found. But such things are more likely to be attributed to my perfectionism. Especially considering the price of the watch.
Also, the outdated caliber from the Japanese Citizen Miyota 8215 is still installed in the watch, which has a small defect in the form of a periodic stuttering of the second hand. This does not affect the accuracy in any way, and you may never see it, but there is such a moment, and it is indicated in the passport description of the movement.
Dimensions
These watches are just the perfect size.
Diameter - 39 mm, ear to ear - 47 mm, thickness - 12.5 mm, weight - 144 grams.
On the hand
On my arm, 18 cm in circumference, they sit simply royally. Today, I repeat, this is one of the smallest models of the brand and one of my favorites.
Other characteristics
According to the characteristics, there is a slightly domed sapphire with an anti-reflective coating, an unusual water resistance of 150 meters, the crown is screwed for better tightness. You can press on the clock.
Conclusions on this watch
Based on this model, I can conclude that it has become even better than it was when I first met it.
In my opinion, the finish has become more pleasant, small elements such as arrows have also been improved.
The disadvantage is the still outdated mechanism, but given the price of the watch, I can hardly even call it a disadvantage. As well as some imperfections in applying lume to marks.
Spinnaker Fleuss watch
The following model belongs to the Spinnaker Fluess collection.
Of course, if you know about the luxury brand Blancpain and their iconic Fifty Fathoms, then you will immediately understand that these models are homage.
And homage, made at a fairly high level.
With this watch, I met again relatively recently. Several new flowers arrived in our Feeltime store in autumn, and before the New Year a couple more arrived.
And if the color of the “Bardo” dial in the photo did not cause me any special emotions, then in real life it is, of course, something incredible.
Very nice gradient from wine to black. Yes, and the detail in general is at a very high level.
The arrows are well processed, overhead marks give the correct volume. Detailed minute scale, and date on a custom, black disk, so as not to distract attention.
The dial in my understanding is almost perfect.
And the quality of the case is at the highest level for this budget. The satin finish here is at a higher level than on the previous Cahill model.
The bezel, of course, despite all its beauty and excellent processing, is functionally absolutely not convenient. Slides, rotate very uncomfortable.
Although in the same Spinnaker Сahill I found that in the version on the black dial, the bezel is just as tight and uncomfortable. When in a watch with a blue dial, the grip is perfect, and the nature of the rotation is completely different. From the point of view of the identity of the models, this is not very good. There has to be some sort of standard though.
Dimensions
Diameter - 42 mm, ear to ear - 50.5 mm, thickness - 12.7 mm, weight - 92 grams.
On the hand
On my hand, again, they sit well, but the watch is large, and in my opinion the fit will be even better on a more massive hand.
The version with a black dial is more concise. There is also a dial with Spinnaker's signature, grainy texture.
Strap quality
Straps of excellent quality. This is a water-repellent leather, which is very handy, given the water resistance of 150 meters.
The outer side of the skin is rough like suede, the inner side is smooth.
The skin is quite thick, but I'm sure it will quickly take the size of your wrist.
Other characteristics
Of the other characteristics, I would like to note that the Seiko NH35A movement, which is more modern and familiar to micro-brands, is here. Stop second is already here, but from the minuses I will note the open back cover of the watch. Still, the finish of the mechanism is weak, and there is nothing special to show here.
And of course, a domed anti-reflective sapphire and an excellent Swiss Super Luminova on the hands, markers and on the bezel.
Model Totals
In general, about these watches, even after a while, the most positive emotions. Here, of course, the corporate identity of Blancp in a chic performance for such a price.
But Spinnaker did not just copy the design, but did it with taste. Here you have beautiful options for dials, and your own branded detailing.
If you like this vintage, then the option is chic.
Spinnaker Bradner watch
The next Spinnaker model from the Bradner collection today gives me mixed impressions.
The model is made in the style of Super Compressor. If in 2 words, then the “Super Compressor” style is when the watch has 2 heads, one of which controls the internal bezel.
Of course the Spinnaker Bradner is not a true "Super Compressor". If only because the head responsible for the bezel is not screwed. From a safety and diving watch point of view, this is wrong.
But visually the watch conveys the style very well.
Massive and brutal stainless steel case, bracelet in the style of the so-called "rice grains".
Finishing almost the entire body - satin finish. The quality of the finish is not bad, but of all the watches that I will show you today, probably the simplest.
Still, the satin finish on the side of the case and the side of the links of the bracelet is rather rough.
In everything else - rather pluses.
Dimensions
The size of the case is 41.5 mm in diameter, 50 mm from lug to lug, 14.3 mm thick, which, with a water resistance of 180 meters, may seem too big, and the weight on a full bracelet is 169 grams.
watch on hand
I really like how the watch sits on my hand 18cm in girth. Despite the noticeably greater thickness than in the same Spinnaker Fleuss, here the lugs clearly go down and the model feels more accurate on my hand.
Dials with signature, grainy texture. Detail and volume are top notch.
The only thing is that the hands have a somewhat rough satin finish, similar to the side finish of the case.
Characteristics
The watch is again equipped with the Japanese movement Seiko NH35A sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, which repeats the shape of the welt.
Hourly totals
The only thing I can find fault with this model now is its somewhat rough finish on the sides and on the hands with marks.
On the other hand, the price of the watch softens this nuance very much. But, again, there are Phoibos Eagle Ray Compressors, which are slightly more expensive, but the quality of their finishes is noticeably better.
Although, the watches are very different and we do not always buy just for the sake of decoration. Otherwise, I will not name which models of junior luxury brands would not be sold at all.
Spinnaker Hull watch
The next in the collection will be the Spinnaker Hull model, and for some reason I was sure that after a while after the first acquaintance I would start to find fault with them.
But as it turned out, there is nothing to complain about here.
The model has a chic pillow-shaped case, and the polished side edges boast the highest quality finish. I look into these surfaces as if into a mirror.
The case as a whole is quite complex and thoughtful. See how the lines curve and how voluminous it looks thanks to the combination of polishing and patination on the upper elements.
Plus, I really like that the Seiko NH35A movement is finally closed with an engraved cover here. Even if the engraving is not deep, it is better than admiring any finish of the mechanism, albeit with a custom pendulum.
Bracelet
Yes, and a watch bracelet with chic patination and geometry. No kinks, no extra sounds and backlash.
Feels like a bracelet of a really adult model.
Dimensions
Diameter - 42 mm, from ear to ear - 50.5 mm, Thickness - 13.5 mm, Weight - 206 grams.
On my arm
On my hand they sit perfectly.
The dial is just as good. It is very deeply seated, the hands are perfectly processed, the marks are high and give the right volume.
Readability is top notch. Plus, the chic Swiss Super Luminova. The bezel is also the most comfortable. The grip is just perfect, the move is very confident.
Hourly totals
This model has a very brief conclusion. If you like the design, they are perfect for the price, period.
Spinnaker Croft watch
The latest model Spinnaker Croft also frankly pleased me. Although I found flaws in it.
The first time I met her was on this version with a Pepsi bezel.
But before the New Year, another color arrived. And the first thing that attracts attention in a good way is the excellent quality of the case satin finish.
I usually meet similar quality on Swiss watches, which are 3-4 times more expensive than these watches.
The bracelet also has excellent satin quality, but the geometry is not perfect. Friction is felt in some links, plus, on one or another color, I noticed that there is such a gap at the attachment point with the body.
Absolutely identical on both models. This is a small joint.
Dimensions
Case diameter - 39.5 mm, ear to ear - 47 mm, thickness - 13.4 mm, weight - 166 grams.
On the hand
On my hand, again, they are good. The size is perfect.
Bezel that in one, that in another model with an aluminum overlay. The colors are awesome. It will be difficult to hit, as the bezel is below the level of the sapphire crystal.
The grip is very comfortable, but on the blue version I liked the course of the bezel less than on Pepsi. Some places are softer, some are harder. That is, it is clear that the same models may differ in some way. This is not about perfect quality control.
The dials are awesome. Signature, grainy texture, tall and voluminous hour markers, applied logo. Looks expensive.
The only thing is that the cyclops is outwardly good, but it rather does not increase the date, but distorts it. From the point of view of functionality - minus.
Of the other characteristics, the same beloved by us Seiko NH35A, which, thanks, is again closed with a simple engraved lid and water resistance at the level of 150 meters.
Watch Summary
All in all a great watch, but as you can see there are quality control issues. But I can't really scold them for it as the price is very affordable. In the end, I sometimes meet more unpleasant shoals on the Swiss, which are noticeably more expensive.
General results
In general, summing up the general results, I would like to say that for me, after a while after the first acquaintance, they remain excellent options for those who want to please themselves with high-quality watches for affordable money.
Yes, I noticed more of some jambs, somewhere there are nuances with quality control, but, believe me, over the year I have seen a lot of interesting things on branded Swiss and Japanese watches. I just saw things that you don’t expect in expensive watches, but they are.
Therefore, I want to say that Spinnakers are not perfect, but for their price they are more than good.
And with us, as the official distributor of the Spinnaker brand in Ukraine, you buy only the original with a 2-year warranty.
All links for purchase will be left at the bottom of the article.
And that’s all for me, as always, Stanislav was with you, until we meet again. Bye!
