The Spinnaker watch brand offers watches ranging from fairly traditional to wild (for example, a collaboration with SpongeBob SquarePants). Many consider it a microbrand, though it is owned by a large conglomerate that produces several popular brands, with Spinnaker mostly focusing on dive watches. The Fleuss Automatic's name comes from Henry Albert Fleuss, who is known for his advancements in diving technology. The Severn edition is a nod to the Severn Tunnel construction project, where Fleuss's apparatus was first used under operational conditions in November 1880. I have never reviewed a Spinnaker, so when the opportunity came up (thanks to Random Rob), I thought that I would check one out and introduce the brand to StrapHabit's followers.
Spinnaker Fleuss Severn Edition First Impressions
The Severn collection is available in four different colors, all with translucent dials. Despite how much it has going on, this Brilliant White variant is the most subtle, as it is mostly one color. The frosty dial and white accents give it a cool, icy appearance.
Spinnaker Fleuss Severn Edition Details
The aforementioned translucent dial reveals parts of the movement, including the date setting mechanism and the date disc itself.
Wearing the Spinnaker Fleuss Severn Edition
The Fleuss was slightly larger than I expected from the photos, but if I had checked, I would have seen that it is 43mm wide. The broad lugs and 51mm height also add to its visual weight. It's not too big for my wrist, but I would prefer it to be 40-41mm.
Luckily, it is only 12.3mm thick. It's fairly slim for an automatic diver with a Seiko movement, but then again, the water resistance is 150m rather than the 200 you'll find in other divers. The 120-click bezel has crisp clicks, but is a little hard to grip.
Spinnaker Fleuss Severn Edition Bracelet and Replacement Straps
The Fleuss includes a H-link stainless steel bracelet. It is brushed with polished facets in between the links. The clasp features a dive extension, safety latch, and 3 sets of micro-adjust holes. Split pins are used to secure the links.
A black strap made of genuine leather is also included. It features a two-stitch design.
The 22mm lug width accommodates many straps. A white standard Ridge Rubber or Extra Long version looks great on it. Here is a list of some more straps that would look great with this watch. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of my favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Deployant Rubber
-Deployant Sailcloth
-Tropical Rubber
-Hook and Loop Elastic
-Divecore
-Horween Leather
-Premium Sailcloth
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Elastic
Spinnaker Fleuss Severn Edition Movement
The only movement information that Spinnaker provides for the Fleuss is that it uses Seiko Automatic with date. Based on the watch's price, I have assumed it's an NH35. This gives it a power reserve of 41 hours at a beat rate of 21,600 vph. The accuracy is rated at +40/-20 seconds per day. For a watch under $400, it's the perfect choice for reliability and value.
Spinnaker Fleuss Severn Edition Conclusion
While there is no shortage of affordable dive watches, Spinnaker has been around a while and is here to stay. Thanks to its parent company's resources, the brand can offer a lot of value and experiment with more distinctive styles. The Fleuss series offers fun and distinctive style without being over-the-top.
Spinnaker Fleuss Severn Edition Specifications
Name: Spinnaker Fleuss Automatic - Severn Edition Brilliant White
Reference Number: SP-5118-33
MSRP: $370
Diameter: 43mm
Height: 51mm
Thickness: 12.3mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Weight: 190g
Movement: Seiko Automatic with Date
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Water Resistance: 150m
Crystal: Sapphire with AR coating
Crown: Screw-down
Bezel: Unidirectional, 120 clicks
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet and Leather Strap