This is a brand that keeps a relatively low profile. And yet.., Spinnaker has made a name for itself in the sub-€500 segment. Inspired by the world of the sea – an obvious choice given its name – it’s its diving machines that have made it a success. Some of its models have been incredibly successful, notably the Bradner with its super-compressor look and price under €300. Today, we present their latest innovation, the Dumas which evolves in GMT version.
An affordable GMT and a watch with character
When the Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT appeared last year, all the micro-brands in the affordable watch segment were abuzz. Indeed, the movement equipping this novelty, the caliber 4R34was certainly going to be offered to casers (under a different name). For watch enthusiasts, this was excellent news: new GMT automatics at around €500 were about to appear en masse. A huge price gap with the Sellita SW330 caliber, the Swiss reference, which was found in timepieces costing around €1,500. And even if some people don’t consider this Japanese alternative to be a true GMT, because there’s no such thing as a GMT. no quick-set function and independent of the second time zone hand, its function remains identical. For his first use of this calibre renamed NH34Spinnaker has therefore chosen the Dumas, a model with sharp lines reminiscent of Omega’s Ploprof, named after a French scuba-diving pioneer. He was one of the famous three “Mousquemers”, along with Cousteau and Tailliez.
Highlights
This watch’s greatest strength is clearly its design. With its octagonal shape, this box immediately stands out from the competition and offers a presence on the wrist. Its flat edges combined with its sharp angles give it an unmistakable instrumental feel, and with a vertical brushing and polished bevelling.. We also appreciate the pyramid-shaped crown protectors, which converge towards a glass cabochon surmounting the screw-down crown. The absence of visible horns is also an excellent feature, softening the presence on the wrist thanks to a length of 48.3mm which makes this piece far more portable for a small wrist than one might imagine. The reinforced glass bezel insert completes the package perfectly, giving it a soft touch and a look akin to the Bakelite found on older GMT-Masters. Impossible not to mention the300-meter water resistance which, for this price and with a transparent back, is remarkable. Finally, Spinnaker surprises with a case with two braceletsone in steel and one in silicone, with colored loops that give it an appreciable pop touch, at a very aggressive price.
Our regrets
With a height of 15mm, it’s a thick watch. Given the flat shape of the case middle and its angles, there’s nothing to attenuate this thickness, which might bother some. However, given the design, its diving vocation and its water-resistance, this is a debatable criticism. When the 3-hand version was offered on a Shark mesh bracelet, we criticized the buckle for adding an extra thickness that compromised comfort. Today, we regret the rectangular design of this buckle, which has been replaced by a deployment clasp which contrasts with the lines of the case. The buckle on the silicone strap, on the other hand, has been worked with curves that once again create a discrepancy. It’s a shame, because Spinnaker was almost there. Then, even though the dial is very well composed and legible, the choice of coloring theminute hand in orange creates confusion. Even if the minute hand is oversized, orange is a color usually used for minutes, so the eye is systematically disoriented. Let’s not forget to mention the weakness of its bezel which, due to its mineral glass constructionwill scratch, that’s for sure. After that, you can test the magic of the Polywatch…
Our opinion on this Spinnaker watch
There are many positive things to say about this watch. Even though its sharp design will create two camps This Spinnaker Dumas GMT is a great success. This was the case with the 3-hand version, and it’s still the case with this GMT evolution. We prefer the latter with its very successful bezel with its Batman look – bearing in mind that 3 other colors are available – as well as a well-thought-out colorimetric composition. Thanks to the NH34 caliber, Spinnaker enters the GMT world in style and with a surprising price. And even if it doesn’t function as a true GMT, its primary function remains the same. When you see what you get for €509.5 ex VAT (around €611 incl. VAT), it’s quite an attractive proposition. And if you register now on the official websiteyou’ll benefit from 25% discount at launch on April 28. And then the price will literally be unbeatable!
Available on the official Spinnaker website.
SPECIFICATIONS – SPINNAKER DUMAS GMT AUTOMATIC
Case : 316L stainless steel – brushed and polished finish – 44mm wide x 48.3mm long x 15mm thick – flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment – transparent back – screw-down crown – 30 ATM (300 meters) water resistance
Dial : matt navy blue background – applied markings – grey minute scale with white markings – date window at 6 o’clock – SuperLumiNova on hands and hour markers
Movement : automatic – Seiko Instruments NH34 calibre – 41-hour power reserve – 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) – 24 jewels – Diasjock shockproof – stop-second function – 27.4mm wide x 5.3mm high – hours, minutes, seconds, date and GMT
Straps : 3-link stainless steel – brushed and polished finish – 22/20mm cut – flash pumps – folding clasp with diving extension – second blue silicone strap with orange loops and pin buckle
Information : reference SP-5119-22 – available on Spinnaker’s official website – 2-year warranty – 509.95€ HT
