Spinnaker is a nautical-inspired watch brand that has become one of the go-to names in affordable dive watches. Founded in 2013 under the Dartmouth Brands group, the British-born label takes its name from the billowing downwind sail, and everything about it — from case shapes to colourways — draws on the sea, dive gear and the golden age of underwater exploration.
What sets Spinnaker apart is its storytelling: each collection is named after a pioneer of diving history. The Fleuss honours Henry Fleuss, credited with inventing the self-contained breathing apparatus in 1878; the Croft salutes Robert Croft, the first free-diver to descend beyond 200 feet; while the Dumas, Piccard, Hass and Tesei lines continue the theme. These references anchor the brand’s retro-flavoured designs — domed crystals, chunky 1970s barrel cases, compressor-style silhouettes and bronze finishes — in genuine dive culture rather than mere nostalgia.
Crucially, the watches deliver real specification for the money. Most models run reliable Japanese automatic movements from Miyota and Seiko (with some Swiss-powered pieces), paired with sapphire crystals, screw-down crowns, unidirectional dive bezels, generous lume and solid water resistance — typically at prices between roughly £200 and £450. That combination has earned Spinnaker a loyal following among collectors wanting characterful mechanical watches without luxury pricing.
The brand also runs playful limited editions and charitable collaborations, including recent partnerships with the Dolphin Project and pop-culture tie-ins, keeping the catalogue fresh with frequent releases across more than a dozen collections.
Key products
Fleuss Automatic — $305 (approx. £240)
The Fleuss is Spinnaker’s signature bestseller and the perfect embodiment of its neo-vintage philosophy. Named after Henry Fleuss, inventor of the first practical scuba apparatus in 1878, it channels 1950s dive watch aesthetics in a robust 43mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal and screw-down crown. Inside beats a Japanese automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve, 21 jewels and a date display, while generously lumed hands and indices keep it legible in low light. Offered in a huge range of dial colours from Lumber Black to Lagoon Green, it’s the definitive entry point to the brand.
View the Fleuss Automatic
Croft Mid-Size Automatic — $280 (approx. £220)
Named after Robert Croft, the US Navy diver who became the first person to free-dive past 200 feet, the Croft Mid-Size is Spinnaker’s most wearable everyday diver. Its 40mm stainless steel case suits a wide range of wrists, and the spec sheet is impressive for the price: automatic movement, sapphire crystal, unidirectional dive bezel, solid steel bracelet with safety-lock clasp and 15 ATM water resistance. Consistently one of the brand’s top-rated watches, it has also spawned popular spin-offs including a 39mm GMT version and a Dolphin Project charity limited edition.
View the Croft Mid-Size Automatic
Press coverage
- MTR Watches — review coverage of the Croft Pioneer Automatic launch, praising the collection’s vintage dive styling, NH35 movement and sapphire crystal at a competitive price point: Spinnaker unveils the Croft Pioneer Automatic
- Windup Watch Shop (Worn & Wound) — a profile of the brand on its arrival at the respected enthusiast retailer: Welcome Spinnaker to the Windup Watch Shop