by Tyler Frederick
Dive deep (like really deep…)
This review won’t be as long as my usual for two reasons: this is a watch I’ve personally been obsessed with for a long time and might carry a slight bias, and two, it’s so unnecessary, but I’m so happy a watch like this exists. Brands have been pushing the limits of case sizing and water resistance for decades, and every now and then, something comes along that’s so large and unique that, regardless of its size, is so cool and loved by many.
On my wrist today is the Spinnaker Piccard—a watch that pays homage and a nod to “bubble-domed” dive watches like the Rolex Deepsea Special No.01, but at an extremely reasonable price point. Let’s dive into the Spinnaker Piccard in Volcano Black.
Check out the Sheffield Allsport 1A 38 Pink Steel
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Check out the Q Timex Continental Chronograph
Happy it exists
This is a watch I would never need in my day-to-day life. I’m not much of a diver or a person who needs this much water resistance or a helium escape valve; to be honest, I don’t think many divers do, especially from a recreational perspective. While this isn’t technically a necessity, I can’t put into words how much I adore this watch.
My tastes lean more towards thinner cases around 36-38 mm, but something like this hits a bit differently. I mean this in the best way, but it’s almost absurd to the point that I need it and want to wear it daily. The Piccard just makes me smile because it’s so much, but so much that it makes me think, “This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.”
Key Features of the Sheffield Allsport 1A 38 Pink Steel
Daunting yet comfortable
Let’s talk about the case dimensions, shall we? While I’m typing this, I have the dumbest grin on my face. I repeat, as someone who’s accustomed to thinner case profiles and a diameter of around 36-38 mm, this one is an absolute unit in comparison. Measuring 45 mm in diameter with a 52.5 mm lug-to-lug and a thickness of 21 mm, this is a hefty watch.
I know those measurements are daunting to read, but hear me out for a second; it’s actually really comfortable. I laughed maniacally when I pulled it out of the box; the laughing continued as I sized up the bracelet. I put it on, and the laughing ceased immediately. It’s very, very comfortable. Now, I have flat wrists, so I can wear a lot of different watch sizes with ease, but I was far from prepared for this one.
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The Volvo of watches
The watch is big; there’s no other way to say it, but it’s proportioned so well that while it’s big, it’s insanely balanced. It doesn’t feel top-heavy; the 22mm stainless steel bracelet makes things feel structured, and there’s plenty of curvature in the lugs to make it hug the wrist, making it feel less clumsy and more planted.
I’m wearing it right now as I type, and it’s still mind-blowing how comfortable it is. I never thought I’d say this about a watch, but I genuinely love it at this size, and while it initially felt more like a novelty or gimmick from a sizing perspective, I would actually wear this very often. “Go anywhere, do anything” is a bit of an understatement considering not only the stature, but the 550 m of water resistance and helium escape valve on top of everything. It’s a tank. The Volvo of watches. Not proud of how hard I laughed typing that, but it’s true, this thing could be used for self-defence.
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Under the dome
I’m not going to go around the fact that you’re here to read about that glorious domed crystal over the dial. I was beyond shocked to learn that it is, in fact, a sapphire domed crystal, which adds even more to the coolness factor. I was totally expecting a mineral crystal, but sapphire brings me even more joy, and for something this robust to already have a pretty stacked spec list, why not make it sapphire, right?
The matte black bezel insert is the perfect pairing for the Volcano Black dial. Under the dome is a very legible dial featuring applied markers, a set of sword hands, and a contrasting light blue seconds hand, with some light blue accent text indicating the absurd 1800 ft/550 m of water resistance.
As you’d expect, you can only read the watch face head-on, as the crystal creates so much distortion, like a fishbowl. It’s so cool to see, but it’s not that convenient, and this is the most difficult time I’ve ever had photographing a watch. Ideal to wear and love, not ideal to photograph or conveniently tell the time.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 45mm Diameter 52mm Lug to Lug 21mm Thick 22mm Lug Width 550m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Volcano Black |
| Movement | Seiko NH35 24-jewel 21,600vph/3hz 41-hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Steel Bracelet |
Spinnaker Piccard in Volcano Black
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Quibbles
This genuinely feels redundant to talk about the “quibbles.” It’s a giant watch that’s more meant for leisure and to have fun with. Is it a serious diver? Absolutely. Will it withstand the test of time and many lifetimes? If taken care of correctly, hell yeah. It’s a tank. Again, the Volvo of watches; this article isn’t sponsored by Volvo, I just thought it would get the point across.
A watch like this technically doesn’t need to exist, but neither do watches, period. I’m not going to sit here and tell you if you should or shouldn’t buy this watch. It’s different, it’s big, and it’s very unapologetic regarding its partially intimidating stature.
It’s hard to photograph, and it can be difficult to tell the time, but with a piece like this, just have fun. Experience it in the metal if you can; you’ll be pleasantly surprised, and it makes my heart happy knowing Spinnaker is making the Piccard and it’s actually doing well for them. It’s even more fun than I was expecting.
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Final Thoughts
I don’t think there’s much left to say at this point. The Spinnaker Piccard was such a treat to experience, and I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to check it out. It’s a watch like nothing I’ve ever experienced, and it surprised me in every way. It’s a physical example as to why we shouldn’t always trust the spec list and to go outside our comfort zone and go have fun in this hobby. It’s big, chunky, but wears so well, almost to a hilarious degree. Something this large shouldn’t wear this well, and here we are.
As I said, it’s not for everyone, but if you see Spinnaker at any trade shows, see if this is available to check out and get one on your wrist. Experience some deep sea goodness in the Spinnaker Piccard. At the time of writing this, the Piccard is currently on sale for $289 ($400 CAD). For more information, check out Spinnaker.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts and opinion on another watch! Have a fantastic morning, afternoon or evening, wherever you’re reading from, and I’ll see you in the next one!
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About the author
Born into a family obsessed with motorsport, Tyler Frederick became enamoured with speed and beautiful cars at a young age. His love of Formula 1–and all things mechanical–eventually lead him to horology. You can follow him on Instagram.
Check out these other articles from Tyler:
Tone & Time – The Misha Mansoor Interview
Pulsar P2 2900 vs Hamilton PRS
30th Anniversary Casio G-SHOCK DW-6900TR
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.