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 replica 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 replica watch guys like myself that are suckers for cushion case replica watches. The cushion shaped case on the Hull Automatic is constructed of 316L stainless steel with both brushed and high polished finishes. The replica 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 replica 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 replica 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 replica 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.
The replica watch is fitted with a large domed mineral crystal measuring a robust 35mm in overall diameter. The crystal does sit slightly above the fixed bezel so that could concern some that the crystal could be a bit more susceptible to impacts so just use a little extra caution. As you will see in the photos and the video, the domed crystal, even though it is a mineral crystal without anti-reflective coating, glare and distortion is not as big of a problem as one might expect. This might be the most disappointing feature of the replica watch as many replica watches in this price range come with sapphire crystals. Beneath the mineral crystal is a clean and uncluttered white and blue sandwich style dial with orange accented company branding above and below center dial. A large white date window is positioned between the 4 and 5 markers on the dial. The high polished handset is the rather typical sword shaped design that corresponds perfectly with the high polished portions of the case. As an extra bit of added flair, Spinnaker coated the majority of the sweep second hand in orange, which corresponds with the other orange accents around the dial. I believe C1 Superluminova is the compound utilized on the handset but the application is at most fair and doesn’t have any sort of significant longevity. I wasn’t able to obtain the best lume photograph on this particular model but did want to mention that once your eyes adjust to a darkened room the blue portion of the sandwich dial almost appears to have a slight glow as well. Overall, just based on color options alone one of the best looking sandwich style dials I have seen.
Moving on to the case back, once again you will see that Spinnaker continued with the sailing/boating theme as the display crystal has a black sail design placed on the interior. Due to the design, a perfectly clear view of the entire Seiko NH-35 movement is not possible. The NH-35 has become a rather popular movement with many new replica watch productions for a wide range of companies recently and seems to be rather robust and dependable. The movement has been highly accurate for an unadjusted movement at around +15 seconds per day since delivery. The case back itself is screwed down to the upper portion of the case and has the various typical specifications etched around the perimeter. In my opinion the NH-35 movement makes the $500 retail price of this model a bit more reasonable.
Finally let’s take a look at the strap included with Hull Automatic. The replica watch comes with a silicon rubber strap that measures 22/22mm and is a legitimate 4mm thick. As with most silicon the strap is quite soft and comfortable on the wrist. The white color with blue stripe adds quite a bit of flair to the replica watch as it corresponds perfectly with the dial details of the replica watch. The white strap also gives the replica watch that summer time appearance. The strap is finished off with a high polished, standard, signed buckle. Overall, I am pleased with the strap even though I am not a huge fan of silicon due to the fact silicon attracts quite a bit of lint and is hard to keep clean. In this instance with the strap being white, I do not believe lint will be a problem. However, I will be curious to see how the white color holds up over time or if it will discolor.
If you are looking for a great cushion cased sports replica watch with some quality specifications that is practical for everyday use, then check out what the Spinnaker Hull Automatic has to offer. The Hull automatic will not disappoint with the rather popular case design, screw down crown, striking appearance and quality Seiko NH-35 automatic movement. The replica watch should be suitable for a wide variety of outdoor activities such as sailing, hiking, and possibly some light swimming. I would not personally feel comfortable using this model with any light diving or snorkeling, as it is only 10ATM water resistant. The only real upgrade that I believe this model should have due to its price point is that a sapphire crystal should be a standard feature. I would like to thank Spinnaker for working with WatchReport.com on arranging the review. I would also like to thank each of you for reading and look forward to your thoughts and comments. Don’t forget to check out the brief YouTube video presentation as well.
