Created as a tribute to diving pioneer Henry Fleuss (1851–1933), Spinnaker Fleuss is a popular dive watch collection. Now, the brand has expanded this series by adding a new model named after Marlborough, the birth place of Fleuss.
Henry Albert Fleuss
Henry Albert Fleuss was born in Marlborough, in the county of Wiltshire in the United Kingdom. Passionate about seafaring, he became a marine officer with the British shipping and logistics company P&O.
While performing his duties in P&O cargo ships, he found that the divers had to use heavy and cumbersome apparatus for recovering lost cargo. He wanted to simplify this system for making the diver independent of the surface, dispensing the heavy pump and the large crew needed to operate the apparatus.
Finally, Fleuss discovered a reliable method to incorporate a source of compressed oxygen and for absorption of carbon dioxide. This enhanced system was extremely useful for divers as it would minimize the need of any external support while diving.
Eventually, as engineer and Master Diver for Siebe, Gorman & Co., he developed the self-contained diving apparatus further. The Davis Submarine Escape Apparatus developed with Robert Davis was a neat and compact derivative of the Fleuss apparatus, recognized as the first practical closed-circuit breathing apparatus.
This crucial piece of equipment would pave the way for the Frogmen and Human Torpedo riders of World War II. The Fleuss Marlborough by Spinnaker pays tribute to this legendary diving engineer.
Spinnaker Fleuss Automatic Marlborough Limited Edition
Limited to just 500 pieces in total, this new Spinnaker diving watch takes inspiration from the aesthetic and design language of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The cathedral style hour and minute hands are cohesively matched with a set of index hour markers lathered in Swiss Super-LumiNova for optimal visibility in low light conditions. A semi see-through dial delivers a clear and legible view of the time, with a date window positioned at 6 o’clock.
The Spinnaker Fleuss Marlborough model features a “pumpkin” style crown inspired by the designs of the early 19th-century watches.
A purpose built diving instrument, this automatic timepiece features a solid marine grade stainless steel case measuring 43mm in diameter and topped with scratch resistant sapphire crystal front glass. Also made of stainless steel, the case-back is screw-down type.
Water resistant to 15 ATM (150M), the Spinnaker Fleuss Marlborough watch is powered by the TMI NH35 automatic movement made in Japan. It displays the hour, minute, seconds and date. This 24 jewel self-winding movement comes with bi-directional rotor, hand-winding feature, Diashock shock proof system, 21,600 bph, hacking seconds function, and 41 hour power reserve.
The Spinnaker Fleuss Automatic Marlborough features an updated custom built 7-link solid stainless steel bracelet with fold over diver clasp. In addition, this limited edition features an extra genuine leather water-resistant strap for added versatility.
Available in two colours – Strom Black and Teal – each watch is limited to 250 pieces. Its retail price is USD $370.
More details at Spinnaker watches online store.
Technical details
Model: Spinnaker SP-5116 Fleuss Automatic Marlborough Limited Edition
Versions
SP-5116-11: STORM BLACK
SP-5116-22: TEAL
Case
316L Stainless Steel Case
Pumpkin style screw lock crown
Unidirectional bezel with hardened glass
Scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating
Case diameter: 43mm
Thickness: 13mm
Lug width: 22mm
Water resistance: 15 ATM/ 150 meters
Movement
Japanese made automatic NH35 Calibre
Reference M-SII-NH35-D6BKW
Jewels: 24
Functions
Hour, minutes and seconds
Date at 6 o’clock
Dial
Semi transparent dial
2 Options: Black, Blue
Cathedral style hands with Swiss Super-LumiNova
Swiss Super-LumiNova Indexes
Strap
7-Link stainless steel bracelet
Fold over buckle with safety lock and push button
Extra strap: Genuine Leather Strap
Warranty
2 Years
Recommended retail price
$370/ £380/ €400
Please visit Spinnaker watch website for more information.