Spinnaker Croft Watch Review
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.
Blair Witkowski is an avid watch nut, loves pocket knives and flashlights, and when he is not trying to be a good dad to his nine kids, you will find him running or posting pics on Instagram. Besides writing articles for Tech Writer EDC he is also the founder of Lowcountry Style & Living. In addition to writing, he is focused on improving his client’s websites for his other passion, Search Engine Optimization. His wife Jennifer and he live in coastal South Carolina.
