Spinnaker SP-5104 HASS x MCS Watch Review

Spinnaker’s diving watches, such as the Piccard (see our review here) are one of the best value propositions on the watch market, combining professional specs with reliable automatic movements and price tags that won’t break the bank. Now, in collaboration with the Marine Conservation Society they’ve launched a new, limited edition dive watch aimed at raising awareness of the crisis faced by ocean environments. The new piece is called the Spinnaker SP-5104 HASS x Marine Conservation Society (HASS x MCS) and picking up the one I have in front of me, I can safely say it’s the most striking Spinnaker to date.

There are two versions of the HASS x MCS, a grey and turquoise dialled model and the one we have here: the blue fade edition with a gradient dial that moves from light blue to almost black. Immediately I love the sense of depth that the dial gives, not only artistically, through the transition of the gradient, but also in the layered construction of the whole watch.

At the top, sitting high above the dial, are the unidirectional rotation bezel (with countdown and elapsed time scales) and scratch resistant sapphire glass. Then, below that and reaching down towards the dial is a sharply angled minute scale with cut-outs to accommodate for the raised SuperLumiNova-coated hour markers where it meets the hour scale. There’s then yet another layer as the dial steps down towards the centre with its mesmerising gradient, 24-hour scale and day-date window. It feels like a watch you have to look down into like a rock pool or aquarium, which perfectly suits its diving and conservation theme.

The HASS x MSC is a fairly large watch with a 43mm diameter, but then again it is a diving watch so what else were you expecting? The case itself is stainless steel, as are the bezel, crown and caseback, and provides 300m water resistance. To keep the watch firmly on your wrist at such depths it has a stainless steel bracelet with fold over clasp and safety lock, which is very satisfying to click into place when you put it on. Alternatively, there’s a NATO strap in either grey or blue depending on the colourway made from rPET recycled plastic.

Housed inside is the NH16 TMI calibre from Seiko, a Japanese automatic movement with an approximate 40-hour power reserve. It’s a proper work horse movement, contributing to the accessibility of the watch, which has a price of just £375. There are 1,000 pieces available, split 50-50 across the two colourways.

By purchasing the watch you’ll be supporting the Marine Conservation Society’s goals of education, advocacy and action in aid of the world’s oceans. MSC is a UK based charity who take a scientific approach to creating long term solutions to the issues facing marine environments. That’s why Spinnaker have named the collection HASS, after the Austrian marine biologist Hans Hass who shared similar goals to MSC.

Whether you want to raise awareness for ocean conservation, stare endlessly into an intriguing dial or you just happen to be looking for an accessible dive watch, the Spinnaker SP-5104 HASS x Marine Conservation Society is a great option. Although take it from me, you definitely want the blue fade version for that extra aquatic flair.