There is a lively market developing for sub-£500 mechanical automatics, mostly using high quality Japanese-made movements in on-trend sports watches with integrated bracelets.
Seiko and Citizen Watch Company are leading the charge, but other brands are muscling in, with Spinnaker — whose watches are made by Hong Kong-based Solar Time and distributed by Dartmouth Brands — developing an attractive commercial catalogue of automatics.
Spinnaker’s latest addition is a trio of limited edition Bradner Bascom dive watches.
The watches use the names of scientists Willard Bascom and Hugh Bradner, who are credited with developing the first Neoprene wetsuits in the 1950s.
Spinnaker’s watches use forged carbon to create interest for the dials of the three-handers with date.
They come in a choice of raw steel for the 42mm case and bracelet; or with gold or black treated steel.
Only 200 of each are being produced.
They run off a Seiko NH35, which is decorated and visible via an exhibition case back.
The watch is made resistant to water with a compressor-style case and case back construction, and by screw-in crowns.
The steel piece is on sale now for £377. The gold or black treatment increases the prices to £415.
