If this watch looks familiar, it’s because we have reviewed it before. Does the new Spinnaker Dumas fix the problems with the previous model?
Spinnaker Dumas Review
My previous Spinnaker Dumas Review could be summarised as “a great watch with a couple of problems”. I really wanted to love the watch, but the flappy mesh bracelet drove me to distraction, and it was a touch on the expensive side, given the need to replace the strap if you were going to actually wear it. Here’s the original review if you need a refresher:
Spinnaker Dumas SP-5081 Review
I jumped at the chance to be sent (and allowed to keep, so bear that in mind for any reviews you read that don’t mention this!) the updated Spinnaker Dumas in a new orange colour. My first impressions were good: Spinnaker has upgraded its cheap-feeling boxes to a much higher quality affair that feels like woven nylon – in a good way. The watch is secured to a rubber cushion rather than rolled up corrugated card, and, overall, this watch feels much more like it should at the price.
Case and Movement
The case and movement are much the same as the previous model: 44mm case size and a hefty 16mm thick from the top of the flat sapphire crystal to the display case back. It’s as bulky as ever, and I think this watch carries its weight well. Big watches can be unbalanced and uncomfortable, but this watch looked fine on my 7.5-inch wrist, and it wears really well. It’s the usual Seiko NH35 movement with Spinnaker’s signature black rotor – which I don’t really care for, but I wouldn’t mark the watch down for it.
From the brushing on the faceted case sides to the crisp knurling on the crown, the finishing is good. Spinnaker watch cases are always well made, and this one is no exception. The part I enjoyed least is the bezel. It’s a little stiff at points, which made it hard to use – and the luminous paint on the markers looked a little blurry to me compared to the crispness elsewhere on the watch. It’s the same as that of the previous watch, so the different feel must be down to build tolerances.
Dial and Hands
The dial is the star of the show here, finished in a luscious orange colour that looked superb as I photographed the Spinnaker Dumas on the hottest day of the year so far. The multi-layered construction looks great, and everything lined up (at least after I put the bezel back to 12 O’clock after taking the wrist shot!)
I am a real fan of Spinnaker’s dials – they have taken the place of Seiko as my recommended affordable dive watch manufacturer after the Japanese brand’s well-publicised QA nosedive of late. I’ve heard horror stories about Spinnaker watches too, but they’ve yet to send me a dud, so I can only comment on my experience, which has been overwhelmingly positive. The hands are more of an acquired taste. I don’t think the light blue minute hand offers enough contrast and would have preferred a black outline or something a little bolder.
Bracelet and Clasp
The big change in this new Spinnaker Dumas – apart from the dial colours – moves away from a mesh bracelet to a proper jubilee-style offering. I much preferred this bracelet to the mesh. It looks better and is a lot more comfortable to wear. It’s solid link, with solid end-links and an excellent milled clasp with a double-lock mechanism.
The negatives? It feels a bit stiffer and “scratchier” than other Spinnaker bracelets. It felt like it needed a bath in baby oil, whereas others have felt silky smooth out of the box. I always point out that Spinnaker’s stock clasp could do with more than three micro-adjustments, but in this case, I did manage to find the perfect fit after removing three links.
Video Review
What I Liked
- The Spinnaker Dumas still looks absolutely fantastic, especially in orange
- The build quality and finishing on the case is excellent
- With this new strap, I now think the watch is well worth the asking price, especially with your 20% WRUK discount 😉
What I Didn’t Like
- The lumed bezel markings look a little blurry to my eyes
- I’m not convinced by the light blue hand on this colourway
- The bracelet was initially less smooth than I expected, compared to previous offerings from the brand
Spinnaker Dumas – the WRUK Verdict
Overall, the new Spinnaker Dumas takes a good watch with some flaws and makes it a great watch. I love how it looks and the way it wears and although I still have some criticisms – I always do – they are much less significant than before. It has been a while since I said this about a watch from this brand, but I can wholeheartedly recommend the Spinnaker Dumas.
Buy a Spinnaker Dumas
You can buy Spinnaker watches at their website – and don’t forget to use our 20% off discount code MICHAELRICHMOND20 at the checkout when you buy a Spinnaker watch.
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