The Spinnaker Piccard Automatic Meteorite Limited Edition stands out in the world of dive watches for its use of a meteorite dial, an unusual choice for this category of timepieces. Limited to 50 pieces worldwide, this model incorporates a fragment of the Muonionalusta meteorite, making it an intriguing option for collectors who seek a balance between functional dive watch capabilities and the rarity of space-derived materials.
An Uncommon Use of Meteorite in Dive Watches
While meteorite dials are sometimes found in high-end watches, their inclusion in a dive watch—specifically one designed for extreme underwater conditions—remains uncommon. The Muonionalusta meteorite used in this model was discovered in Sweden in 1906 and is believed to have landed on Earth around one million years ago. Its origins, however, trace back to 4.6 billion years ago, offering a connection to the earliest formations of the universe.
Each dial is marked by the distinctive Widmanstätten pattern, a natural crystalline structure unique to iron meteorites. This pattern varies with each cut, meaning no two dials are the same, making each piece of the limited-edition run distinct. The use of such a material in a dive watch—typically valued for ruggedness rather than ornamental elements—presents a juxtaposition that is rare within the dive watch category.
Durability Meets Aesthetic Rarity
The 42mm case of this model is constructed from marine-grade 316L stainless steel, a material commonly selected for its strength and resistance to corrosion. This ensures the watch’s durability in demanding environments, including underwater conditions. Despite its aesthetic focus with the meteorite dial, the watch is built to perform.
The watch features a super domed sapphire crystal lens, known for its scratch resistance, and a ceramic insert unidirectional bezel, designed to withstand the wear and tear expected from a professional-grade dive watch. These elements, alongside the use of meteorite, create a timepiece that balances performance with rarity in design.
Performance Built for Depth
Although the dial material is unusual, the Piccard Automatic Meteorite Limited Edition is still very much a functional dive watch. It offers 550 meters of water resistance, allowing it to perform well beyond recreational diving limits. The NH35 automatic movement powers the watch, providing reliable timekeeping, while eliminating the need for manual winding under normal conditions.
The incorporation of meteorite in a watch built to withstand such depths remains an unusual choice in watch design, setting this model apart in terms of material usage while maintaining the technical requirements of a high-performance dive watch.
Conclusion
The Spinnaker Piccard Automatic Meteorite Limited Edition presents an uncommon combination of a meteorite dial in a professional-grade dive watch. While meteorite dials are typically found in more ornamental or luxury-oriented watches, their use in a model with 550-meter water resistance makes this piece stand out in the dive watch category. Limited to only 50 pieces, it offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a functional yet distinctive timepiece.
To learn more about this limited edition release, visit the official Spinnaker website.
