The Military Diver you’ve been looking for.
If you’re anything like me, you probably love watches that combine great elements from other watches to make something new and unique. Without breaking the bank, the Spinnaker combines features you’d have to pay tens of thousands of dollars for on the used marker. However, the Spinnaker offers those features in a new package with 300 meters water resistance and a movement you won’t have to take out a second mortgage to service and/or replace.
If you’ve been searching for a watch that gives homage to military watches used in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, this watch is worth giving a serious look. From its design, build quality, and fit to its price for performance, here’s everything you need to know about this budget-friendly beast of a dive watch.
First Impressions: The Look That Hooks You
Let’s be real here—the first thing you notice about any watch is how it looks. You can have the most accurate movement in the world, but if the watch looks like a dud, it’s probably not making it onto your wrist. Fortunately, the Spinnaker Spence 300 makes a killer first impression. Its sleek, minimalist design speaks to that classic dive watch aesthetic we all know and love, but with some unique touches that make it distinctly Spinnaker.
The Spence 300 comes in a range of colors, from traditional blacks and blues to some fun pops of color like teal and even burnt orange. This versatility makes it easy to pick a version that fits your style—whether you’re in the office or at the beach.
The dial is clean and easy to read, with applied indices that give it a subtle three-dimensional effect. Spinnaker opted for a matte finish on the dial, which, combined with the lume on the hands and markers, makes this watch incredibly easy to read in low-light situations. It’s classic, functional, and just a little bit edgy.
This watch has so many loveable features: an arrow handset, a dive bezel akin to the Rolex 5517, a the touch of red on the dial text and seconds hands like the 1680, and a big crown like the Rolex Submariner 6538. I’ve scoured the internet looking for great MilSub homages that bring new stock reliability combined with a refined and improved design. Without being a 1 for 1 copy of the Rolex MilSub 5517, I think it does enough to improve on the past to make a more refined time piece.
The Build: A Watch That Feels as Good as It Looks
Now, looks are important, but if a watch feels like it’s going to fall apart after a couple of wears, that’s a major turn-off. Spinnaker clearly understands this, because the Spence 300 feels solid and substantial without crossing over into clunky territory. This watch is built for adventure.
At 41mm in diameter and 13mm thick, the Spence 300 is a solidly mid-sized watch. It’s not going to feel like a weight on your wrist, but it’s also not so delicate that you’ll be worried about every little bump and scrape. The case is made from 316L stainless steel, the gold standard in the watch world for its corrosion resistance, durability, and comfort. And for the divers out there, the watch is rated to a 300-meter water resistance, which means it can handle way more than just splashes from the sink.
The bezel is another highlight, with a 120-click unidirectional mechanism that feels tight and precise. It’s engraved with minute markers, making it both functional and easy on the eyes. And unlike some bezels that look amazing but spin too freely (not what you want on a dive watch), this one stays put once it’s set.
Under the Hood: Reliable Performance with the NH35 Movement
If you’re familiar with automatic watches in the affordable dive watch category, then you might already know the NH35. It’s a Seiko-made movement, known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. You’re not going to find the level of intricacy or prestige that you would in a high-end Swiss movement, but that’s part of the appeal. The NH35 is like the Toyota of watch movements—it just works. And when you’re 50 meters underwater, that’s exactly what you want.
With a 41-hour power reserve and a smooth, satisfying 21,600 vibrations per hour, the Spinnaker Spence 300 doesn’t disappoint in the performance department. It’s hackable, which means the second hand stops when you pull the crown out, making it easier to set the time precisely. It’s also hand-windable, so if you want to keep your watch running without shaking it around, you can just give the crown a few spins. These may sound like small things, but for a watch in this price range, they’re solid bonuses.
Wearing It Out and About: Everyday Comfort Meets Adventure
One of the best things about the Spence 300 is how versatile it is. You can take it to the beach or the bar and not feel out of place in either setting. The watch comes with a choice of either a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap, which adds some serious flexibility to the look and feel. The steel bracelet is robust and well-made, with a brushed finish that matches the case beautifully. If you’re more into leather, the straps are sturdy and comfortable right out of the box, with a nice break-in period that adds character over time.
Thanks to its relatively thin profile for a dive watch, the Spence 300 doesn’t feel like it’s going to snag on every shirt cuff or jacket sleeve. It slides comfortably under most cuffs, which is a win for those of us who like our watches to transition from office to outdoors without a hitch.
The lugs have a slight curve, hugging the wrist in a way that keeps the watch from feeling bulky, even on smaller wrists. Add in the slight domed crystal, and you get a watch that has a classic, almost vintage feel but with all the modern touches you want in an everyday wear.
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A Dive Watch for Every Occasion—and Every Budget
So here’s the thing: high-quality dive watches often come with a price tag that’s, well, a little hard to justify for the average person. Spinnaker, however, keeps the Spence 300 at a very accessible price point. For the level of design, build quality, and performance you’re getting, this watch is a fantastic value.
Sure, you could spend hundreds (or thousands) more on a high-end Swiss model, but the Spence 300 proves that you don’t need to empty your bank account to get a great timepiece. This is a watch that’s made for everyday wear but still durable and functional enough to handle serious water activities. It’s not just affordable—it’s a smart buy.
The Verdict: Should You Buy the Spinnaker Spence 300 Automatic?
The Spinnaker Spence 300 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality dive watch that doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s well-built, powered by a reliable movement, and has a style that feels both classic and fresh. It’s tough enough to be an adventure watch but refined enough to wear every day, making it a solid addition to any collection.
Whether you’re an experienced watch enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of automatic watches, the Spence 300 is a watch you’ll be proud to own. It’s fun, stylish, and just rugged enough to handle whatever life throws your way. In a world where it’s easy to get carried away by over-the-top price tags and brand names, the Spence 300 brings us back to the basics: quality, functionality, and a little bit of flair.
In short, if you want a watch that does it all—and looks good doing it—the Spinnaker Spence 300 Automatic is more than worth your time. Dive in, explore, and enjoy the adventure.
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