Spinnaker Croft Watch Review

ByBlair Witkowski

I find it ironic that a guy who never liked dive watches has become so fascinated with them. Early on in my watch collecting, I never even considered buying a watch with a metal bracelet. If a watch I wanted only came on a bracelet, the first thing I did was swap out the band to a nato strap…and toss the bracelet! (by toss, I mean throw out!)  I do wish I had some of them back today, now that I’m a convert….

When Spinnaker asked me if I wanted to check out their new Croft on a bracelet, I wasn’t sure if I would be interested, but what better way to investigate something than on their dime!

I like Spinnaker watches for several reasons, but I really like the effort they put in designing and naming their watches and the story behind each watch. Really, it’s something almost out of the J. Peterman Catalog…..am I aging myself here? The Croft is no exception, named for Robert Croft, a US Navy Diving Instructor who became the first person to free-dive to a depth of 200 ft. So, if you’re into diving, or things with a purpose, then you should at least like the history behind the watch.

I have to say, I was more than pleasantly surprised. I was a downright fanboy after opening the box! My first experience with Spinnaker was when I purchased a Fleuss Diver over two years ago. I was in love from the first minute. Let me just add here, that I am not a watch snob – I wear what I like. I have definitely learned a lot over the years, but I don’t think I have a watch costing over $1,000 in my collection. Again, I am all about value in a watch, along with some good looks. Once I sized up the bracelet, I couldn’t believe how good the Croft looked on-wrist.

The Croft comes in at 43mm wide with 22mm lugs and a Miyota 8218 movement. Honestly, I am not the biggest fan of the Miyota movements. There’s a weird feel they have when setting the time, but, obviously, that’s a subjective opinion. I also think that if a watch with a Miyota movement isn’t worn enough, it never comes close to the 40 hour power reserve. I understand it needs to be worn for many hours to fully wind it, and I’m typically wearing it only once in awhile.

All in all, the Croft is a beast. I have a 6 and 7/8ths wrist and it actually looks decent on me. So much so, that it has become one of my go-to watches and I love wearing it. This leads me to my only other complaint and, again, it’s a personal one. I don’t like a watch cyclops…you know, that little glass magnifier over the date…I can’t stand them! But in the case of the Croft, I tolerate it because the watch checks so many other boxes.

The Spinnaker Croft comes with a stainless steel case, stainless steel bracelet, sapphire crystal, super LumiNova lume, 120 click bezel, Miyota 8218 Automatic Movement, and 150 meter water resistance. I know a few purists out there will complain on the water resistance, but send me your diving cards and then I might agree with you!

All in all, the Croft is a beast. I have a 6 and 7/8ths wrist and it actually looks decent on me. So much so, that it has become one of my go-to watches and I love wearing it. This leads me to my only other complaint and, again, it’s a personal one. I don’t like a watch cyclops…you know, that little glass magnifier over the date…I can’t stand them! But in the case of the Croft, I tolerate it because the watch checks so many other boxes.

Getting back to the whole bracelet thing, the Spinnaker Croft was a game changer for me and opened my eyes to what I was missing! I think one of my big hold-outs was the impression left by a watch on a bracelet. They just look a little more fancy or upscale…not as much as an alligator, I know. However,  I’m in sales in the real world and you never want to come off as “too successful” to potential clients because they might think you don’t “need” the deal. I could also just be crazy with that thought process, but I believe it.

Like a lot of watch reviews today, there are probably 8-10 really good ones out there (just like anything else you want to buy, including the Spinnaker Croft.) If you want a sales pitch, you’re on the wrong website. If you want my opinion, you’re on the right page. This is a watch you should buy! If you’re looking for a solid, diver-style watch, with a lot of look, at a fair price, then this is your guy. The Croft is available on a bracelet in this version with a black dial and also one with a blue dial. If the whole bracelet thing isn’t for you, you can find it in several dial colors and bezel combinations on the Spinnaker website.