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It is a brand that is relatively discreet. Nevertheless, Spinnaker has created a place of choice in the segment under 500 euros. Inspired by the world of the sea, obvious given its name, it is nevertheless its divers who have made its success. Some of his models have been incredibly successful, notably the Bradner with its super-compressor look and its price under the 300€ mark. Today, we present to you their latest novelty, the Dumas which evolves in GMT version.
An affordable GMT and a watch with character
When the Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT made its debut last year, every micro-brand in the affordable watch segment was in turmoil. In fact, the movement that fitted this novelty, the caliber 4R34, was certainly going to be offered to casters (under another name). For watch lovers, this was excellent news: Automatic GMT around 500€ were going to appear en masse. A huge price gap with the Sellita SW330 caliber, the Swiss benchmark, which was found in pieces costing around €1,500. And even if some do not consider this Japanese alternative as a real GMT because there is no quick setting and independent of the hand dedicated to the second time zone, its function remains the same. For his first use of this caliber renamed NH34Spinnaker therefore chose the Dumas, a model with sharp lines which are reminiscent of the Omega Ploprof, bearing the surname of a French pioneer in scuba diving. It was one of the famous three “Mousquemers” with Cousteau and Tailliez.
The strong points
The greatest strength of this watch is clearly its design. With its octagonal shape, this case immediately stands out from the competition and offers a remarkable presence on the wrist. Its flat edges combined with its sharp angles give it an indisputable instrumental side and with a very successful game of vertical brushing and polished bevel. We also appreciate the crown protectors with their pyramidal shape which converge towards a glass cabochon surmounting the screw-down crown. The visible absence of lugs is also an excellent point, reducing the presence on the wrist thanks to a 48.3mm length which makes this piece far more portable for a small wrist than one might imagine. The reinforced glass bezel insert completes the whole thing perfectly, giving it a soft touch and an appearance close to the Bakelite found on the old GMT-Masters. Impossible not to mention thewater resistance of 300 meters which, for this price and with a transparent background, is remarkable. Finally, Spinnaker surprises with a case including two braceletsa steel and a silicone with colored loops that give it an appreciable pop touch, always with a very aggressive price.
What we regret
With a height of 15mm, it’s a thick watch. Given the flat shape of the middle and its angles, there is nothing to reduce this thickness, which could bother some. Afterwards, given the design, its vocation as a diver and its waterproofness, it is a criticism that remains debatable. When the 3-hand version was offered on a Shark mesh bracelet, we criticized its buckle for adding an extra thickness that undermined its comfort. Today, we regret the rectangular design of this buckle which has been replaced by a deployant clasp too standard which contrasts with the lines of the case. The pin buckle of the silicone strap has been worked with curves that once again create a shift. It’s a shame because Spinnaker was almost there. Then, even if the dial is very well composed and its readability is very good, the choice to color theminute hand in orange creates confusion. Even if that of the minutes is oversized, orange is a color usually used for the minutes, thus, the eye is systematically disoriented. Let’s not forget to mention the weakness of its bezel which, due to its mineral glass manufacturing, will scratch, that’s for sure. Afterwards, this will allow you to test the magic of the Polywatch…
Our opinion on this Spinnaker watch
There are a lot of positive things to say about this watch. Even if its cutting edge design will create two camps very distinct, this Spinnaker Dumas GMT is very successful. This was the case with the 3-hand version and is still the case with this evolution in GMT. We prefer the latter with its very successful glasses with its Batman tunes – knowing that 3 other colors are available – as well as a very well thought out colorimetric composition. Thanks to the NH34 caliber, Spinnaker enters the world of GMT in a beautiful way and with a surprising price. And even if it does not function as a real GMT, its primary function remains. When you see all that you get for €509.5 excluding tax (about €611 including tax), it’s still a good proposition. And if you register now on the official websiteyou can benefit from 25% off at launch April 28. And there, the price will be literally unbeatable!
CHARACTERISTICS – 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
- water resistance 30 ATM (300 meters)
Dial:
- matte navy blue background
- applied markings
- gray minute scale with white markings
- date window at 6 o’clock
- SuperLumiNova on hands and indexes
Movement :
- automatic
- Seiko Instruments caliber NH34
- 41-hour power reserve
- 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz)
- 24 jewels – shockproof Diasjock
- stop-seconds 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 the official Spinnaker website
- 2-year warranty
- €509.95 excl.
