The Spinnaker Piccard Automatic SP-5098-33 pairs a 45 mm diver-style case with a design nod to a bubble-lensed timepiece associated with bathyscaphe testing. Spinnaker lists 55 ATM water resistance, a helium release valve and a screw-lock crown, but its product page does not establish independent dive testing for this watch. The Trieste link is historical inspiration—not a claim that the Piccard joined the 1960 descent.
What is the Spinnaker Piccard Automatic?
The SP-5098-33 Volcano Black is the configuration on Spinnaker’s official US product listing. Its specifications below are manufacturer-listed, not independently verified. Spinnaker’s product page describes a Japanese automatic three-hand movement with date, and identifies it as a TMI NH35 with 24 jewels, a frequency of 21,600 beats per hour and a power reserve of 41 hours or more.
| Specification | Spinnaker-listed detail |
|---|---|
| Case | Stainless steel; 45.0 mm diameter, 21.0 mm thick and 52.0 mm lug-to-lug |
| Dial and display | Black dial, applied luminous indices, three hands and date |
| Crystal | Sapphire lens with anti-reflective coating |
| Movement | TMI NH35 automatic; 24 jewels; 21,600 beats per hour; 41+ hours of stated power reserve |
| Crown and valve | Screw-lock crown and helium release valve |
| Band | 22 mm stainless-steel band with folding safety buckle |
| Water resistance | 55 ATM, as listed by Spinnaker |
| Weight | 250 g, as listed by Spinnaker |
These are the manufacturer’s claims for the named configuration; the listing does not provide evidence of an independent test to a specific dive-watch standard.
How deep can the Piccard go?
Spinnaker rates the Piccard at 55 ATM. That is the rating on the product listing, not a documented depth at which this specific watch has been independently tested or used. The page does not provide a test report or identify a dive standard, so the rating alone should not be treated as proof of real-world suitability for a particular dive.
#1 Best Overall
- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
- Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
- Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
The screw-lock crown and helium release valve are also listed features. They do not, by themselves, establish a tested depth or certify the watch for a defined diving use. For any underwater use, follow the manufacturer’s current guidance and ensure the crown is secured as instructed.
What does the Piccard have to do with the Bathyscaphe Trieste?
Spinnaker says the Piccard’s case “nods in the direction of a famous ‘bubble’ lensed diver timepiece that was tested aboard the Bathyscaphe.” That is the manufacturer’s description of the design inspiration; it is not a claim that this Spinnaker watch went on the Trieste.
Rank #2
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable 43.8mm stainless steel watch case and bracelet.
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
In a separate historical account, Rolex says an experimental Deep Sea Special was attached to the outside of the bathyscaphe Trieste during its descent to the bottom of the Mariana Trench on 23 January 1960. Rolex reports the depth as 10,916 metres (35,814 feet). The Piccard connection is therefore a design reference to this broader history of watches and bathyscaphe testing, not participation in the expedition. Rolex’s account of the Deep Sea Special and Trieste is brand-authored historical material.
Will a 45 mm watch fit your wrist?
Diameter is only one part of fit. The Piccard’s 52 mm lug-to-lug span and 21 mm thickness are also substantial dimensions to consider, and its listed weight is 250 g. A wrist may accommodate the diameter yet still find the watch tall, heavy or long across the top.
Rank #3
- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14.1mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands.Band Length: 205mm
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight 155 grams
- Includes gift box, instructions and 3 year limited manufacturer warranty; Invicta Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-327-7682 for questions (re: Additional links, band replacement, band adjustment, warranty questions, etc.)
- Compare the 52 mm lug-to-lug measurement with the flat portion of your wrist; if the lugs extend beyond it, the watch may feel oversized.
- Consider the 21 mm thickness if you wear fitted cuffs or prefer a watch that sits close to the wrist.
- Account for the listed 250 g weight, especially if you are used to lighter watches.
- If possible, try on a watch with similar dimensions and weight before deciding. Fit depends on wrist shape and personal preference, not diameter alone.
What should you know about the band and price?
The official listing specifies a 22 mm band. That nominal width is a useful starting point when looking for another strap, but it does not prove that a particular third-party strap will fit the Piccard’s lugs or work with its end links and clasp. Check the exact watch’s attachment and clearance before buying a replacement.
Spinnaker’s US page displayed a price of $359 USD alongside a crossed-out $550 USD price and a 35% savings claim when the listing was surfaced. These are volatile listing figures, not a guarantee of the current price, discount or availability. Confirm the live listing for your region before purchase.
Rank #4
- Iconic Promaster watches with advanced functions designed to venture to the deepest depths.
- 3 Hand, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Luminous Hands and Markers and Mineral Crystal
- Sustainably powered by any light, with our Eco-Drive technology this watch never needs a battery. ISO Certified, 200M Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Who is the Piccard Automatic for?
The Piccard is worth considering if you want a large, heavy steel automatic with a date, sapphire crystal, a stated 55 ATM rating and design cues linked by its maker to bathyscaphe-era watch history. Its dimensions make it less suited to someone seeking a compact or unobtrusive everyday watch. The most useful comparison points are lug-to-lug length, thickness and weight—not just the headline water-resistance figure.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stainless steel case 43mm diameter x 12mm thick; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- Japanese quartz movement, PC32 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR626SW battery included; Watch weight: 170 grams
- Stainless steel band, 185mm L x 22mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Flame Fusion crystal; Screw down crown; Uni-directional stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 100 meter water resistant: Suitable for recreational surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing and water sports. Not suitable for diving
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute
