Spinnaker Hydrofoil Chronograph SP-5086-11
Inspiration
Spinnaker has put out a lot of excellent watches, and the Hydrofoil Chronograph SP-5086-11 is another good looking watch. The Rolex Daytona has inspired this watch, and like all Spinnaker watches, they have put their stamp on the timepiece not to make a direct copy.
Case
A brushed stainless steel case with black with dimensions of 43 mm in diameter, 14mm thickness and 50.5 lug to lug. The well-constructed case and sloped lugs make the watch feel smaller than it actually is.
Two unsigned screw-down chronograph pushers are at two and four o’clock. Sandwiched between them is the signed crown and guards. A Lazer etched Spnniaker crown logo on the case-back with the usual information. i.e. Reference SP-5086-11, WR 200m and All Stainless Steel.
Dial
Construction of the dial is of a common standard set by Spinnaker. The Spinnaker Hydrofoil Chronograph is no different in the fact it receives a stunning black textured wave dial. Beautifully applied stainless steel indices start at the 5-minute maker and are intermittent until the 55th minute. Three silver-coloured subdials are present with guilloche circle decoration giving the watch some depth.
Sword-shaped hour hands infilled with lume are used on the watch in the main and the subdials. And a red chronograph hand with lume pip which obstructs the date window at 12 o’clock a common problem with this type of spinnaker watch. Below the date window is the Spinnaker logo in white and the depth rating in red 660ft / 200m. A white chapter ring surrounds the dial, and it raised to the sapphire crystal, this has a red Tachymeter running around its edge. An anti-reflective coating has been applied to the sapphire crystal.
Movement
Underneath the Spinnaker Hydrofoil Chronograph dial lies the hybrid, high beat Meca-Quartz Chronograph movement which is very satisfying to watch once you’ve unscrewed the chronograph pushers, which are fiddly. Some may ask what a Meca-Quartz movement is, well in simple terms its a marriage between Quartz and an automatic movement. The Quartz part manages the watch like and other Quartz controlled movement and the chronograph in managed a mechanical module with both powered by the same battery.
Bracelet / Straps
Keeping in mind that this is a tool watch the Hydrofoil chronograph has a solid stainless steel bracelet. Furthermore, Spinnaker has used the same clasp used on the Boettgger LE, a signed divers pushbutton clasp with a secure safety lock. A divers extension finishes the bracelet off nicely. However, two flat head screwdrivers will be required to remove this bracelet from the lugs. Also, note a custom watch strap will be needed if you do this.
Watch Gallery
Specification
Japanese VK73 – TMI Meca-Quartz Chronograph with date
Material: Stainless Steel
Diameter: 43mm
Thickness: 14mm
Lug to Lug: 50.5mm
Shape: Round
Color: Stainless Steel
Bezel: Unidirectional with Aluminum Plate Bezel
Colour: Black
Type: Noninterchangable Solid Stainless Steel Bracelet
Color: Stainless Steel
Buckle: Fold Over Buckle with Safety Lock and Push Button
Width: 22mm
Water Resistance: 20 ATM /200M
Watch Weight (g): 190
Warranty : 2 Years International
Final Thoughts
- Highly legible in any lighting conditions
- This is a good looking watch.
- Fantastic quality for the price.
- It satisfied with its 120 click bezel action.
- Chronograph pushers are fiddly to open.
- Date pip is a common problem, and it’s yet to be fixed, it still inpeds the date window.
- You will need a custom made strap if you remove the bracelet. However, this would take away from the style of the watch.
Spinnaker always makes good watches but this is a great one that hugs the wrist thanks to those curved lugs. It also makes the watch feel smaller than the 43mm diameter suggests allowing for those with smaller wrists the ability to wear this piece. At £250 there is not much to dislike about this watch. given our discount, the price is even better at £200!
If you’d like to purchase this or any other Spinnaker watch use code: JUNKY20 for 20% off!
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