Spinnaker recognizes passion when they see it. So, it was only befitting for the brand to passionately add another instalment into the collection that commemorates Edward Spencer Lee’s passion for underwater archaeology. He specialized in finding shipwrecks and locating buried treasures buried at the bottom of the sea, bringing him to varied depth towards the ocean floor.
Keeping this passion in mind, Spinnaker releases its 5th instalment in their Spence line of diver’s watches. The Spinnaker Spence SP-5063-03, and it was made with the same passion that its namesake archaeology.
Being the 5th instalment in this series, Spinnaker made sure that the Spence SP-5063-03 will carry on the legacy of its lineage and show improvements where the others may have come short. And if you want to enter varying depths in the water, then this is one that you should try.
The Look
The Spence SP-5063-03 is made of marine grade stainless steel, just like those that came before it. This kind of material is specifically chosen by the brand because this is resistant to corrosion. It is a highlight because if you take into context their inspiration, to be constantly submerged in water makes any metal prone to corrosion. Being crafted from this material prevents that, making the watch more durable compared to diver watches which are not made with the same material.
Other than the material, the casing is matte black to give the wristwatch a stealthier look. In addition, it has a screw down crown installed to ensure its impermeability to water. In fact, it is because of this that Spinnaker was able to push its water resistance up to 20 ATM which is equivalent to 200 meters or 660 ft. Additionally, the Spinnaker logo is carefully carved on the face of the crown just to emphasize its brand.
Currently however, it only features one leather strap. Although it is water proof to ensure optimum underwater performance, it does not give you an opportunity to switch out into a Nylon Nato Strap giving you a more casual look which its predecessors allowed. It is a fairly new product in the market, and they may just add that feature in the future. However, all are speculations until it comes straight from the horse’s mouth.
In addition, its unidirectional bezel, which is a safety feature and which most individuals would prefer, only has markings up to the 15-minute mark. This is a stark to its previous model that has markers all the way round. This was supposed to give you a clear indication how long you have been underwater. Although, everyone is entitled to their own preference. Mine, I like the bezel to have indications all the way around.
Nevertheless, its black dial makes up for it which gives a good contrast to the white markers especially the thicker ones at every 5-minute mark. It also features long, thin lines at each 15-second mark, which was not in the Spinnaker SP-5039-05. Assuming it has the same lume, this can make up for the lack of bezel markings, although, I would rather have the latter.
Also, a tarnish free face from the mineral lends used to cover the dial gives you a high-quality clarity that you should enjoy once underwater.
Just like most Spinnaker timepieces, the Spence SP-5063-03 has an exhibition window case back that shows it gears turning as the time passes. In addition, it is an automatic watch. This adds a deeper dimension to its water resistance feature because, it continues to go on its own without worrying if the battery would suddenly stop.
SP-5063-03 Highlights
The Spinnaker brand has always used Japanese movement in most of its watches. Therefore, it did not come as a shock when the Spinnaker Spence SP-5063-03 features the Japan Movement which allows three hands to move smoothly around the dial with a date window at the 3 o’clock mark.
What impresses me the most is how it has improved the way its hands are made. They are shaped with pointed tips, accurately pointing to each marker on the dial without possibly causing confusion compared to its blunt tipped hands from the 4th instalment.
On the other hand, the second hand that runs around can be a distraction, although convenient for those who are time specific.
Spinnaker did a good job in embodying the passion that Edward Spencer Lee had for underwater archaeology. They continued and maintained the elite status that the timepiece held in the industry. However, sometimes, they might have stayed within the context too much to the detriment of furthering the watch.
At the end of the day, as the brand goes further into the series, you can see the passion that went with the watch, and it came through. Considering that it is still in its early stages, there may be much more in store. We just have to wait and see.
To check out all of the Spinnaker watch models you can visit their official website here.
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