Spinnaker And Scottish Watches Team Up For The Nessie Pearl Diver

There is something about a watch tied to a good story. Whether it is a mythical creature, a historical figure, or a place that sparks the imagination, the right narrative can elevate a watch beyond being just another diver in the lineup. Spinnaker has leaned into this idea more than once, but its latest release might be one of the most playful yet. The brand has joined forces with the team at the Scottish Watches podcast to create the Fleuss Automatic Nessie Pearl Diver Limited Edition.

This collaboration is limited to 650 pieces and takes its cues from the dark waters of Loch Ness. As the name suggests, it celebrates Scotland’s famous legendary monster.

Where Loch Ness meets the wrist

The star of the show is the dial. Spinnaker has opted for blue mother-of-pearl, which is a bold choice for a diver. Still, it feels perfectly suited to the theme and even nicely references the Scottish flag. Its shifting colors are supposed to recall how light plays across water, especially the murky surface of the loch. The dial is also home to a small but clever party trick. A rotating disc acts as the running seconds, revealing and then hiding a luminous depiction of Nessie herself. It is a neat touch that captures the legend of the creature appearing and disappearing into the depths. You have to be there at the right time to catch a glimpse of the elusive beast!

I always like it when brands add a bit of whimsy without compromising practicality. In this case, the disc acts as a functioning operation indicator, but you get the bonus of a fun design element that gives the watch its identity. Nice!

Saltires, silhouettes, and subtle nods

While Nessie grabs attention, the smaller details help anchor the watch to its Scottish roots. The bezel’s domed insert carries a luminous pattern inspired by the Saltire, Scotland’s national flag. Flip the watch over, and you’ll find another surprise — a luminous custom rotor shaped like Nessie’s silhouette. It’s visible through the exhibition case back, and, like the seconds disc on the front, it appears and disappears with each turn.

These flourishes might sound like gimmicks on paper, but in practice, they show a bit of care and collaboration. Scottish Watches is a podcast that has built a following through a mix of humor, passion, and genuine enthusiasm for the hobby. This watch feels like a natural extension of that personality.

Diving specs with a playful twist

Beyond the story, the watch is built with the expected specs for a modern diver in this price range. The 43mm × 51mm stainless steel case is matched with a sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, and a 150m depth rating. Inside ticks the Miyota 8245, a dependable automatic caliber with small seconds. This choice of movement, while unspectacular by itself, allows the watch to be priced very attractively. The handset and applied indexes feature Swiss luminous treatment, with a two-layer construction that adds depth to the dial.

The strap of choice is blue genuine leather, which fits the theme even if some might swap it for a 22mm NATO or rubber strap for actual water use. Spinnaker has always offered good value, and that continues here. The retail price sits at US$425 / £390, which is in line with the brand’s wider Fleuss range but gives you a lot of design for the money.

Why Nessie made me smile

I have always enjoyed it when brands lean into a theme without going too far. The Nessie Pearl Diver could have been overly cartoonish if handled badly, yet it manages to stay on the right side of playful. The mother-of-pearl dial is a particularly strong choice. It brings just enough shimmer to set it apart from the endless sea of matte-dial divers, but it doesn’t feel flashy or over the top.

The rotating Nessie disc will split opinions, but that’s not a bad thing. Watches should make you feel something, and this one certainly does. I can easily imagine collectors picking this up as a fun weekend piece or even as a gift for someone with a connection to Scotland.

Nessie is a collaboration done the right way

Part of what makes this collaboration interesting is that it ties together a watch brand and a media outlet. Spinnaker has a track record for limited editions with character, and Scottish Watches has the audience to bring them to life. Together, they have created a watch that feels rooted in a place and story yet also connected to the community that will enjoy it.

Not every release has to be deadly serious. Sometimes it is good to have a watch that simply makes you smile when you glance at it. The Fleuss Automatic Nessie Pearl Diver Limited Edition does precisely that. In today’s watch market, that is a rare quality worth celebrating.

The watch is available starting today, September 26th. Priced at US$425 / £390 and limited to 650 numbered pieces, it is likely to find its way onto the wrists of both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers who just love the idea of wearing Nessie on their wrist. What do you think of it? Let me know in the comments!