Watch Review – Spinnaker Hull Automatic

Hands on Review of the Spinnaker Hull Automatic.

Who is up for a summer time fun appearing wristwatch? If you are looking for something perfect for the lake or any sort of boating activities the Hull Automatic from Spinnaker Watches may be the perfect summer time accessory. Spinnaker Watches produces quite a few models but all are sailing/boating themed. In this specific instance the model name Hull makes reference to the body of a boat. The brand name Spinnaker also sticks with the boating/sailing theme, as a “spinnaker” is a problem related to loss of steering boats crews may face when attempting to rescue a man overboard. You can read more about the Spinnaker Watches HERE. The Hull Automatic retails for right around $500 USD. The basic specifications of the model include:

• MODEL: SP-5020-01
• MOVEMENT: Automatic
• CASE: 316L Stainless Steel
• CASE DIAMETER (mm): 42
• CASE THICKNESS (mm): 16
• BAND: Silicon Strap
• WATER RESISTANCE: 10ATM
• WARRANTY: 2 Years International

I normally like to talk a little about packaging, but I’m really am not going to waste much time in this instance. Just take a look at the photographs if packaging is of interest. I will just say the packaging is no nonsense and is adequate for protecting the watch during shipping. My guess is it will wind up in the bottom of the closet where all of us toss non-functional packaging.

My assumption is there are many watch guys like myself that are suckers for cushion case watches. The cushion shaped case on the Hull Automatic is constructed of 316L stainless steel with both brushed and high polished finishes. The watch case measures 42mm and 45mm when factoring in the crown. The model is right around 16mm in overall thickness, with a lug tip to lug tip measurement at a rather modest 48mm. The watch weighs a meager 100 grams so taking into account all of the specifications noted above, this model will still provide a substantial wrist presence without feeling overly cumbersome on the wrist. The lug tip to lug tip measurement I believe will please many as the watch rests nicely on top of the wrist with absolutely no overhang. The signed crown measures right around 6.5mm in diameter, and at around 3.5mm, which also sits well up on the case so, it will not dig into the wrist at all. I really like how Spinnaker kept the sailing/boating theme alive with the sail logo on the side of the crown. The screw down crown is quite firm with no play or wiggle when engaged to set the time, however, on this particular example the crown does not screw down as smooth as I would like. On this particular example, extreme caution is needed to make sure not to cross thread while screwing down. Overall the case is extremely clean and is not over-branded like so many watches flooding the market. The only upgrade I would like to see would be drilled lugs for easier strap changes to keep under lug scratches to a minimum.