Review - Straight Up Tool
I’m doing this review as a thank you to all that took the time to respond to my “Which Microbrand to Add” post. The responses in that post fed me stuff to research that was not on my radar. The research took an entire day; I found many possibilities, but many were not immediately available. The company with more than one possibility was Spinnaker, and there was availability and a discount offer.
Spinnaker Piccard Dark Cerulean List $550.00 Paid $413.00
We aren’t going to discuss specs on this post, those can be found here:
Ok, so I have been called out for favoring predominantly “black dial watches of a certain quality.” For this purchase, a self imposed rule was added that the dial of this addition should not be black. Notice I said should be, had to leave the possibility in case there was a black dial watch I just had to have.
My full attention quickly shifted to the Piccard. With the full on tool watch vibe, unusual crystal, and availability with a discount it didn’t take long for me to hit the order button. I chose the dark cerulean blue but did lust after the volcano black version first. The order was placed on Sunday and the watch was delivered to me on Wednesday. I’ve rarely seen faster delivery service than this.
Since receiving the watch I am very happy with it. It presents as a tool watch and delivers it right out of the box. I don’t care much about the watch having a base Seiko movement, that just means it will last a long time. The bracelet is decent but the clasp needs improvement with micro adjustments etc… I actually like the bracelet a lot, and the clasp that comes with it is adequate. The whole thing is heavy and rattle feel, think of the recent Seiko Turtle bracelet but twice as heavy. I took one link out with the pin system quick and easy and I was good to go.
The large crown deserves special mention. The crown action on this piece is the best in my micro collection, smooth and easy to operate.
Now I usually wear a new purchase in the stock configuration for a while before making any changes. One reason is strap changes causes small damage to the watch, and it is only original once. Second reason is to try the watch stock for a while making a change later if needed.
Day two of the honeymoon and my plan comes crashing down. A fellow cruncher said those “throw it on a mesh” words. I quickly cannibalized my Amphibia mesh to put it on the Spinnaker. The comfort is so much better, and it also looks better. I would have been happy to rock that stock bracelet for a while, but now it is never going back on.
If you are into heavy tool watches this is the ticket. You get great value for your money. And now I have to source another mesh for my Amphibia!
Review - Straight Up Tool
Yes
No
- Specialty Tool Style
- Postive Crown Action
- Solid Feel, Zero Rattle
- Clasp
- Nothing
- Nothing
W.I.S. - "Throw it on a mesh!"
Do rather fancy one myself. 👍🏻
Good review of an interesting watch! On my radar now!
I Own one of these and it's honestly my favourite watch in my collection. The build quality is honestly second to none and I never get bored of that crystal :)
I’ve wanted one of those for so long now omg
I’ve had mine for a few hours… I’m going to be a little more critical - the build quality is not there. My dial is a few degrees off vertical, and as such the bezel does not align over 120 clicks. Of all three Spinnakers I own, this one is the worst in terms of final product. The MCS Turtle has some marker and dial alignment problems, the Wreck V2 has serious bracelet issues (cannot adjust, the screws are absolutely w*nkered). Spinnaker QC is not quite there, just be prepared for minute things that will trigger your OCD. I am happy others are getting better results than me, but it is a gamble. I will not be buying another Spinnaker going forward, I think I have given them a fair crack of the whip, but with 3 for 3 in terms of something not being quite right with the end product, further investment into other models would be the very definition of insanity. I’ve tried, I’ve defended, I now stop.
Dial is nice, but not perfect. The markers are not exactly bang on in terms of the minute track. The date wheel and window are also slightly off, the numbers sit a little off to the right, made worse by the warp of the domed crystal. Again, not overly noticeable at a glance, but stare at it too long, these will all become apparent.
I am used to a domed crystal, and the warp, I have a Bubble, this I was expecting. The other thing I was expecting is AR coating and the dome - there are more positions where you can’t read the watch from than when you can, be it glare, reflections, or warp. It is not practical as a watch, but then again, it is not a practical watch. The watch is a trifle. Just be prepared for what you are getting into.
All that aside, I do like it. It has relatively unique look (again, Bubble owner, domed crystal isn’t novel to me). It wears well (missing micro-adjustments to the bracelet aside), and has a substantial weight and presence. It feels like it costs… if that makes sense, and full disclosure I paid 50% RRP. I definitely think it will survive an absolute hammering, Bond would be pleased. I wouldn’t recommend it if you are annoyed by little errors. I wouldn’t recommend you wear it with a blue suit, it is too thick to be dressy.
For RRP, with an NH35, it is a little bit steep. It has a helium escape valve, and some novelty, but the QC is not there. It’s probably a 2.5 to a 3/5 from me.
I’ve had mine for a few hours… I’m going to be a little more critical - the build quality is not there. My dial is a few degrees off vertical, and as such the bezel does not align over 120 clicks. Of all three Spinnakers I own, this one is the worst in terms of final product. The MCS Turtle has some marker and dial alignment problems, the Wreck V2 has serious bracelet issues (cannot adjust, the screws are absolutely w*nkered). Spinnaker QC is not quite there, just be prepared for minute things that will trigger your OCD. I am happy others are getting better results than me, but it is a gamble. I will not be buying another Spinnaker going forward, I think I have given them a fair crack of the whip, but with 3 for 3 in terms of something not being quite right with the end product, further investment into other models would be the very definition of insanity. I’ve tried, I’ve defended, I now stop.
Dial is nice, but not perfect. The markers are not exactly bang on in terms of the minute track. The date wheel and window are also slightly off, the numbers sit a little off to the right, made worse by the warp of the domed crystal. Again, not overly noticeable at a glance, but stare at it too long, these will all become apparent.
I am used to a domed crystal, and the warp, I have a Bubble, this I was expecting. The other thing I was expecting is AR coating and the dome - there are more positions where you can’t read the watch from than when you can, be it glare, reflections, or warp. It is not practical as a watch, but then again, it is not a practical watch. The watch is a trifle. Just be prepared for what you are getting into.
All that aside, I do like it. It has relatively unique look (again, Bubble owner, domed crystal isn’t novel to me). It wears well (missing micro-adjustments to the bracelet aside), and has a substantial weight and presence. It feels like it costs… if that makes sense, and full disclosure I paid 50% RRP. I definitely think it will survive an absolute hammering, Bond would be pleased. I wouldn’t recommend it if you are annoyed by little errors. I wouldn’t recommend you wear it with a blue suit, it is too thick to be dressy.
For RRP, with an NH35, it is a little bit steep. It has a helium escape valve, and some novelty, but the QC is not there. It’s probably a 2.5 to a 3/5 from me.
Thanks for weighing in, our opinions aren't that far apart. People need to see and hear multiple opinions before pulling the trigger.
Throw that on a mesh immediately, for comfort as much as great looking.
Thanks for weighing in, our opinions aren't that far apart. People need to see and hear multiple opinions before pulling the trigger.
Throw that on a mesh immediately, for comfort as much as great looking.
I agree we are very much on the same side of the fence. Yours seems to be better than mine in terms of end product. Perhaps your batch was checked more rigorously than mine. It happens (and for me, each and every).
Mesh is an option, but I’m doing ok with the bracelet for now. I like the end links, I think with the thickness having too much of a gap will make for uncomfortable viewing. My honeymoon period is over within hours though - it was a gift (that I sourced) and I am very thankful for it, and have been waiting patiently to finally wear… but the flaws are glaring. If I paid full RRP, I would be pissed.
I closed negotiations on the following as a consolation. As TER seems to now be unofficially sponsored by Camy now Ryan has joined the editorial team, a smart Camy seemed to be something to add. I also don’t have a “TV” watch, so I’m still off-resort.
I’m also eyeing up a 50mm Aragon as well. Bigger and thicker.
Only have the one but I do like it .
I bought the Volcano Black in April and have really enjoyed it as a change of pace from my other watches. I have a pretty skinny arm for such a beast of a watch, but that superdomed crystal is so interesting that I don’t particularly care. It’s fun, and watch collecting is meant to be fun. Enjoy your Piccard.
I've been called worse...
Very good review! You're making me want one now. I'm easily swayed by peer pressure. You're not helping my cause! For that price you can't go wrong.
spinnaker has some nice looking units
I've been called worse...
Very good review! You're making me want one now. I'm easily swayed by peer pressure. You're not helping my cause! For that price you can't go wrong.
Do some additional research including youtube reviews, there are enough of them out there to get more information.
Love Spinnaker, great choice John. Great specs for the $. I have a couple Spinnakers and love them.
Enjoy your watch!
Cheers
I do love me a Spinnaker, might need get one of these for the collection
I have a Bradner and a Fluess:
Great review thanks John, looks amazing on the Milanese mesh bracelet. Congratulations 🎉 amazing #spinnaker
This just hit my radar yesterday. I do like the blue version, (but then that's usually the case.) Thanks for the review and enjoy your new watch.
Thanks for the review!
#spinnaker