Spinnaker, a brand with deep roots in the world of nautical design and diving heritage, has introduced a new and compelling addition to its lineup: the Croft 39 GMT. This timepiece is a thoughtfully proportioned and functionally robust watch designed for those with an affinity for both travel and aquatic adventure. It shrinks the brand's popular Croft silhouette into a more universally wearable size while incorporating the highly practical GMT complication, all presented in a quartet of striking, summer-ready colorways.
The name "Croft" is not a random selection; it is a direct tribute to Robert Croft, a pioneering US Navy diving instructor who, in 1967, became the first person to free-dive past the 200-foot barrier. This spirit of pushing boundaries and exploring the depths is a core part of Spinnaker's identity. The watches in the Croft collection aim to embody this sense of adventure, offering rugged construction and reliable performance that would be right at home on the wrist of a modern explorer, whether they are navigating urban landscapes or coastal waters.
Courtesy of Spinnaker
The foundation of the Croft 39 GMT is its expertly crafted 316L stainless steel case. The key number here is 39mm, a diameter that strikes a perfect balance between modern presence and vintage-inspired comfort. This "goldilocks" size ensures the watch is suitable for a vast array of wrist sizes, avoiding the overwhelming bulk of larger dive watches while still maintaining a confident and sporty stance. The case is finished with a fine satin brushing across its top surfaces, a practical choice that minimizes the appearance of minor scratches and reinforces its tool-watch aesthetic.
Further enhancing its wearability are the other critical dimensions. The case measures 13mm in thickness, a relatively slim profile for an automatic GMT with 150 meters of water resistance, allowing it to slip under a cuff with reasonable ease. The lug-to-lug measurement comes in at a compact 47mm, featuring downturned lugs that help the watch hug the wrist securely and comfortably. This attention to ergonomic detail is crucial, making the Croft 39 GMT a watch that can be worn all day without fatigue.
A prominent feature of the case is its 24-hour bezel. Machined from stainless steel with engraved and filled black markings, this bezel is the key to the watch's third time zone tracking capability. The engraved numerals are clean and legible, with a prominent inverted triangle at the 24-hour mark for quick orientation. This unidirectional bezel provides a satisfying tactile experience and serves as a constant reminder of the watch's purpose as a true traveler's instrument. Completing the case's robust specifications is a screw-down crown, which is essential for ensuring the watch's stated 150-meter water resistance.
The true personality of the Croft 39 GMT collection shines through its vibrant and expressive dials. Spinnaker has moved away from traditional, conservative colors to offer a palette that feels energetic and contemporary. Each of the four variants offers a unique character, tied together by a consistent and highly legible layout. The applied indices are a mix of circular markers and rectangular batons at the cardinal points, with a large triangle at 12 o'clock, all generously filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova for outstanding low-light visibility.
Courtesy of Spinnaker
The "Flame Red" model is arguably the most striking, with a dial that isn't a simple primary red but rather a rich, saturated coral-orange. It's a color that evokes sunsets and tropical energy, making it a standout piece on the wrist. This model pairs its warm dial with a contrasting light green rubber strap, a bold combination that underscores the watch's playful and adventurous spirit.
For a cooler, more aquatic feel, the "Pacific Pulse" version features a deep teal blue dial. This color has a dynamic quality, shifting between shades of blue and green depending on the ambient light, reminiscent of the ocean's depths. It’s paired with a vibrant orange rubber strap, creating a classic and complementary color scheme that is popular in the world of dive watches.
The "Solar Burst" option presents a warm, yellow-orange dial that is pure sunshine. This cheerful and highly legible color is perfect for summer and adds a dose of optimism to the wearer's wrist. In a daring and stylish move, this version is accompanied by a deep purple rubber strap, a pairing that is unexpected yet works exceptionally well, showcasing a keen eye for color theory.
Finally, the "Mint Moment" offers a more subtle, almost pastel aesthetic. Its light green dial is soft and refreshing, providing a unique alternative to the more common dial colors on the market. This model comes with a classic dark blue rubber strap, providing a more versatile and understated combination that still retains a unique charm.
Courtesy of Spinnaker
Powering the Croft 39 GMT is the Seiko NH34 automatic movement. In recent years, this movement has become the go-to choice for microbrands and established watchmakers alike looking to offer a reliable and accessible GMT complication. As a "caller" or "office" GMT, the user can independently set the 24-hour GMT hand to track a second time zone while the main hour hand continues to display local time. By rotating the bezel, a third time zone can also be referenced.
The NH34 is a true workhorse, known for its robustness and reliability. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 beats per hour (6 ticks per second), which gives the seconds hand a relatively smooth sweep. The movement features 24 jewels, hacking (the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out, for precise time-setting), and the ability to be hand-wound. It is a proven and dependable engine that provides the owner with the convenience of an automatic movement, powered by the motion of their own wrist.
The choice of the Seiko NH34 is a strategic one. It allows Spinnaker to deliver the coveted GMT functionality, a complication once reserved for much more expensive timepieces, at a highly competitive price point. This decision democratizes the traveler's watch, making it accessible to a wider audience of enthusiasts and adventurers who can appreciate its practical utility without a prohibitive cost.
Protecting the beautifully colored dials is a flat sapphire lens. Sapphire is the industry standard for high-quality watches due to its exceptional hardness, second only to diamond on the Mohs scale. This makes it incredibly resistant to scratches, ensuring that the watch face remains clear and unblemished through the rigors of daily wear and adventurous pursuits.
Courtesy of Spinnaker
Furthermore, Spinnaker has applied an anti-reflective coating to the lens. This coating minimizes glare and reflections, dramatically improving legibility, especially in bright, direct sunlight. When looking at the watch, the AR coating creates an effect of almost looking directly at the dial itself, with the crystal seemingly disappearing. This is a premium feature that enhances the user experience and demonstrates a commitment to quality that goes beyond the basic specifications.
The Croft 39 GMT is equipped with a solid stainless steel bracelet that complements the case's robust, tool-watch design. The 20mm bracelet features a classic three-link, oyster-style construction with a brushed finish that matches the case perfectly. It fastens with a milled fold-over clasp that includes a safety lock and a push-button release system, providing a secure and confident fit on the wrist.
Recognizing that versatility is key, Spinnaker includes an additional high-quality rubber strap with every watch. This isn't just an afterthought; it's a core part of the product's value. The rubber straps are designed in a "tropic" style, with perforations that enhance breathability and comfort, especially in warm weather or during water activities. The color of each strap is specifically chosen to either complement or boldly contrast with the dial, allowing the owner to completely change the watch's character in minutes.
This two-strap package transforms the Croft 39 GMT from a single watch into a versatile system. The steel bracelet offers a more classic, durable look suitable for any occasion, while the vibrant rubber strap provides a casual, sporty, and comfortable alternative that is perfect for the beach, pool, or any summer adventure. This thoughtful inclusion significantly enhances the overall value and appeal of the timepiece.
Courtesy of Spinnaker
True to its dive-watch DNA, the Croft 39 GMT is designed for legibility in all lighting conditions. The hands and applied hour markers are treated with generous amounts of Swiss Super-LumiNova. This high-performance photoluminescent material absorbs light and then glows brightly in the dark, ensuring that the time can be read at a glance, whether deep underwater or in the middle of the night. The result is a brilliant and lasting glow that is not only functional but also visually impressive, reinforcing the watch's adventurous credentials.
The Spinnaker Croft 39 GMT collection represents a remarkable value proposition in the current watch market. By combining a durable stainless steel construction, a sapphire crystal, a reliable automatic GMT movement from Seiko, and a package that includes both a steel bracelet and a rubber strap, Spinnaker is offering a feature-set that is hard to beat. Each of the four colorways—Mint Moment, Flame Red, Pacific Pulse, and Solar Burst—is available for a retail price of $445.00 USD. This accessible price point places a highly capable and stylish traveler's watch within reach of a broad audience, making it an excellent choice for seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.
Case: 316L Stainless Steel, 39mm diameter, 13mm thickness, 47mm lug-to-lug. Features an anti-reflection coated sapphire lens, screw-down crown, and 15 ATM (150m) water resistance.
Movement: Seiko NH34 Japanese Automatic GMT. Features 24 jewels, 21,600 BPH, dual time, and a date function.
Dial: Available in Green, Red, Blue, or Yellow. Features applied indices with Swiss Super-LumiNova for low-light visibility.
Strap: 20mm solid stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over buckle, safety lock, and push-button release. An additional color-matched rubber strap is included.
Price: $445.00 USD
Reference Number: SP-5157-44 (Mint Moment), SP-5157-33 (Flame Red), SP-5157-55 (Pacific Pulse), SP-5157-22 (Solar Burst)
Notes: The watch is named after Robert Croft, the first person to free-dive beyond 200 feet. The combination of the independent GMT hand and the rotating 24-hour bezel allows for tracking up to three time zones.