In a delightful collision of sub-aquatic animation and mechanical watchmaking, Spinnaker is once again venturing into the pineapple under the sea with a new limited edition collaboration. Following previous successful forays, the brand is now introducing the Spinnaker Bradner GMT SpongeBob SquarePants Bubbly Grins collection. This new series moves beyond a simple character watch, integrating a practical GMT complication into four distinct designs, each celebrating a core member of the Bikini Bottom cast with a focus on their most expressive, toothy smiles.
Spinnaker has carved a notable niche for itself in the world of accessible timepieces. With a strong focus on nautical themes, particularly dive watches, the brand consistently delivers robust build quality and thoughtful design at a price point that appeals to both new enthusiasts and seasoned collectors. They often draw inspiration from vintage dive watch aesthetics, reinterpreting classic styles with modern materials and movements. This approach makes them an ideal partner for a project like this, where the technical credibility of a dive watch platform must be maintained while embracing the overt fun and whimsy of the SpongeBob SquarePants universe.
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The foundation for this collaboration is the Spinnaker Bradner, a model that stands out in the brand's catalog due to its compressor-style case. This design, characterized by its dual crowns and internal rotating bezel, is a hallmark of a specific era of dive watch history. One crown handles the time and date setting, while the second crown manipulates the bidirectional inner bezel. For this "Bubbly Grins" edition, Spinnaker has elevated the Bradner platform by incorporating a true GMT movement, allowing the wearer to track a second time zone via a dedicated 24-hour hand and bezel.
The flagship of the quartet is, of course, the SpongeBob Yellow edition (SP-5162-11). The watch immediately channels its namesake with a striking black and yellow color scheme. The dial base is a textured matte black, providing a high-contrast backdrop for the bold, blocky hour markers filled with white luminous paint. The defining feature is the inner rotating bezel, split between a sunny yellow for the daytime hours and a deep black for the night. The GMT hand is the most playful element, perfectly shaped like one of SpongeBob’s iconic four-fingered gloves, rendered in a matching yellow that ensures it stands out against the dial for easy reading of the second time zone.
A deep dive into the SpongeBob Yellow model reveals further nuances. The character's presence is felt in subtle ways beyond the main colorway. The seconds hand is a thin yellow needle, providing a constant sweep of motion, while the date window at 3 o'clock is cleanly framed. The two crowns feature textured, knurled grips for easy operation, with the top crown accented by a yellow ring, a small detail that links it visually to its function of rotating the yellow portion of the bezel. The overall impression is one of fun without sacrificing legibility or the tool-watch DNA of the Bradner.
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The Squidward Green variant (SP-5162-33) perfectly captures the perpetually unimpressed demeanor of Bikini Bottom's resident clarinetist. The dial features a captivating green fumé effect, fading from a light, minty green at the center to a darker, moodier shade at the periphery. The inner bezel is a two-tone affair, combining this same green with a contrasting pop of orange, reminiscent of a sunset over the Krusty Krab. The handset is silver-toned, but the GMT hand is a deep purple, cleverly shaped like Squidward's cherished clarinet, adding a touch of artistic flair.
Examining the details of the Squidward model further emphasizes the thoughtful design. The large, applied numerals at 12, 6, and 9 are rendered in a slightly rounded, bubbly font that is shared across the collection, tying them together stylistically. The green rubber strap accompanying this model is a perfect match for the lighter shade on the dial, creating a cohesive and vibrant look. The choice of an orange accent on the bezel and the top crown provides a complementary color that prevents the watch from becoming monochromatic, reflecting the surprisingly complex character it represents.
For the penny-pinching crustacean, the Mr. Krabs Red edition (SP-5162-22) is fittingly bold and attention-grabbing. The dial is a rich, textured red, subtly embossed with a repeating pattern of Mr. Krabs’ silhouette, creating a sense of depth. The inner bezel adopts a classic "Pepsi" colorway, with a red half for daytime hours and a deep blue for nighttime, a nod to one of the most iconic looks in GMT watch history. The GMT hand is arguably the most on-the-nose of the collection, shaped like a bulging green bag of money, a perfect symbol of Eugene H. Krabs' primary motivation.
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The Mr. Krabs watch exudes a certain confidence. The combination of the red dial and the red-and-blue bezel is powerful and instantly recognizable. The watch comes with a blue rubber strap that matches the bezel's nighttime portion, offering a slightly more subdued alternative to the full steel bracelet. The green of the money bag GMT hand and the corresponding accent ring on the 2 o'clock crown provide a sharp, effective contrast that enhances readability and adds to the character-driven narrative of the timepiece.
Rounding out the collection is the Patrick Pink version (SP-5162-44), a tribute to SpongeBob's affable and simple-minded best friend. This model features a textured pink dial that leans towards a warm, reddish-pink hue. The inner bezel is a playful combination of this pink and a light, seafoam green, a direct reference to the colors of Patrick Star's signature shorts. The most whimsical touch is the GMT hand, which is shaped like a purple flower, another key element from his iconic attire. The smiley face printed on the dial adds an extra layer of charm, directly referencing the "Bubbly Grins" theme.
The Patrick Pink model is a delightful exercise in color theory. The pink and green "watermelon" combination is fun and summery, perfectly capturing the character's carefree nature. A matching purple rubber strap is included, tying in with the color of the GMT hand and the accent ring on the top crown. This variant feels the most lighthearted of the four, a wearable piece of happiness that is sure to draw comments and smiles from those who recognize the source of its unique design.
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All four watches in the Bubbly Grins collection are housed in a robustly engineered case. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the case measures 42mm in diameter with a thickness of 15mm. While not a small watch, its proportions are well-balanced for a modern dive-style timepiece. The case features primarily brushed finishing on its surfaces, which helps to hide minor scratches from daily wear, while polished chamfers along the lugs add a touch of refinement and visual interest.
The compressor-style design is central to the watch's identity. The two screw-down crowns are a critical feature for ensuring water resistance. Unscrewing the crown at 2 o'clock allows the user to rotate the inner 24-hour bezel in either direction to align with the GMT hand, either for tracking a third time zone or for adjusting to a new local time zone. The crown at 4 o'clock operates like a standard crown, with positions for winding the movement, setting the date, and setting the local time.
At the heart of each watch is a reliable Japan Automatic GMT movement. While Spinnaker doesn't specify the exact caliber, it is most likely the Seiko NH34. This movement has become the go-to choice for microbrands looking to offer an affordable and dependable "caller" GMT function. This means the 24-hour GMT hand is set independently, making it ideal for tracking a home time zone while traveling. The automatic winding means the watch is powered by the motion of the wearer's wrist, and it offers a power reserve of around 41 hours.
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A key feature contributing to the watch's durability and premium feel is the use of a sapphire crystal. Sapphire is one of the hardest materials on earth, making it exceptionally resistant to scratches. Spinnaker has also applied an anti-reflective coating to the crystal, which reduces glare and significantly improves the legibility of the dial, especially in bright sunlight. This is a practical feature that enhances the day-to-day usability of the watch.
Water resistance is rated at 18 ATM, which translates to 180 meters or approximately 600 feet. This level of resistance, supported by the screw-down crowns, makes the Bradner GMT more than capable of handling surface water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and recreational scuba diving. It solidifies the watch's credentials as a genuine tool watch, despite its playful exterior.
The watches are delivered on a stainless steel "Beads of Rice" bracelet. This style of bracelet, composed of small, polished center links and brushed outer links, is known for being extremely comfortable and conforming well to the wrist. It has a vintage charm that complements the compressor-style case. Each watch also includes a high-quality rubber strap, color-matched to its specific theme. This provides a versatile, sportier option that is perfect for water activities or casual wear. The 20mm lug width is a standard size, making it easy for owners to experiment with other aftermarket straps.
The entire package reinforces the limited-edition, collectible nature of the release. Each watch comes in a custom-designed box featuring SpongeBob SquarePants branding and artwork. Inside, the watch is presented alongside the extra rubber strap and a tool for changing it. The inclusion of a numbered limited edition warranty card and other themed materials elevates the unboxing experience, making it a special event for fans of the show and watch enthusiasts alike.
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The scarcity of these pieces is a major factor. Only 250 units of the SpongeBob Yellow will be produced, while the Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and Patrick editions are even more exclusive, with just 200 pieces of each being made available worldwide. This extremely limited run ensures that these watches will be a rare sight, highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the unique intersection of pop culture and horology.
The Spinnaker Bradner GMT SpongeBob SquarePants Bubbly Grins collection is set to launch on September 19, 2025. All four models are priced at $465.00 USD, representing significant value for a limited-edition automatic GMT watch with these specifications. Orders placed upon launch will begin shipping on October 10, 2025. This release offers a rare opportunity to acquire a mechanically sound and functionally useful timepiece that is also an unapologetically fun and expressive piece of wearable art.
Case: 42mm x 15mm stainless steel case. 18 ATM (180m) water resistance. Anti-reflection coated sapphire crystal. Screw-down crowns. Inner rotating 24-hour bezel. 20mm lug width. 160g weight.
Movement: Japan Automatic GMT.
Dial: Character-themed dial with luminous markers and smiles. Colors vary by model: SpongeBob (Black), Squidward (Green), Mr. Krabs (Red), Patrick (Pink).
Strap: 20mm stainless steel "Beads of Rice" bracelet. Includes an additional color-matched rubber strap.
Price: $465.00 USD
Reference Number: SP-5162-11 (SpongeBob), SP-5162-22 (Mr. Krabs), SP-5162-33 (Squidward), SP-5162-44 (Patrick)
Notes: Limited edition collaboration with SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob limited to 250 pieces; all others limited to 200 pieces. Each model features a unique character-themed GMT hand. Launching on September 19, 2025.