Since the early days of recreational and professional SCUBA diving, watches have coexisted within a shared space formed by a desire to explore. The otherworldly allure of the ocean is tough to deny, and in a generation where watches are no longer a necessity to explore the depths, the rapture remains. With the proliferation of dive computers, the obsolescence of watches as equipment made way for an aesthetic appreciation of the durable diver design. One company making stylish timepieces that can handle any aqueous adventure is Spinnaker. Their newest model, the Cahill 300, takes a familiar form and bulks it up for even more rugged adventures.
In film, the sequel rarely eclipses the original. In the case of the Cahill, however, it just might. The design cues from the original Cahill diver are all present – just supersized to fit the nature of this new breed. While the flagship model was rated to 150m of water resistance and measured a perfectly agreeable 39mm in diameter, the Cahill 300 is robust enough to handle 1,000ft (or 300 meters) of depth. Along with doubling down on the water resistance, the case diameter has been increased to 43mm. At 13.8mm thick and with 22mm lugs, the focus of the Cahill 300 is to enhance the legibility and functionality of the model while simultaneously maintaining the vintage design cues and general aesthetics of the original. Spinnaker took this mission seriously, and the end result is as time-honored in appearance as it is capable in any situation.
Accommodating the larger case size is a broader lug width at 22mm. There are two different options available for straps, one marketed by Spinnaker as a water-resistant, leather band. The other option, likely more apropos for the adventures in mind during the creation of the Cahill 300, is a solid 316L stainless bracelet with a deployant clasp. To match the durability of the timepiece, Spinnaker made the decision to utilize an equally reliable and time-proven movement. The NH35 is a Japanese automatic caliber with a hacking function, date complication, and 40+ hour power reserve. Winding is managed through a substantial 3 o’clock crown, complete with heavy knurling for increased grip.
The dial of the Cahill 300 remains true to past iterations with generous amounts of Swiss Super-LumiNova applied throughout. Dot and dash indices encircle the familiar Mercedes handset. In terms of available dial colors, there is a plethora to choose from. The standard black, within this lineup, is perhaps the most buttoned-up and understated. For a bit more flash, there are red, blue, and green dials. Some of these are even available in a fumé style, with a gradual shift in color intensity radiating from the center of the dial. Regardless of the hue, each dial features an application of multiple layers which translates to a rich texture and depth. Adding to the dimensionality is a small cutout in the chapter ring at 3, 6, 9, and 12. This subtle detail adds to the overall aesthetic while concurrently validating the amount of forethought put into the Cahill 300.
The utilization of a 12-hour stainless steel bezel in place of the standard dive configuration is a conscious decision that allows the Cahill 300 to track a second time zone. This added feature is sure to be welcomed by many who are in search of the ever-elusive “one watch” collection. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal complete with anti-reflective coating. All of these components blended together make for a modern-day tool watch that is sure to be right at home in any environment.
The Spinnaker Cahill 300 is priced competitively at $325 USD on the previously mentioned leather strap and $370 on the stainless bracelet. If this piece piqued your interest and you find yourself wanting to experience the Cahill first-hand, this is your lucky day. Using the code “ABTW20” will save you 20% on the purchase price, making this a solid value proposition within the microbrand market. The vast lineup of models can be viewed on Spinnaker’s site, and there is sure to be a model that appeals to everyone.
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