Spinnaker Dumas GMT Automatic Inkdial Limited Edition Turns Art Into Time

Created with British Chinese artist Ben Li, known as Inkdial, the new Spinnaker Dumas GMT transforms the appearance of hand-drawn watch illustrations into two limited-edition designs.

The Spinnaker Dumas GMT Automatic Inkdial Limited Edition brings together mechanical watchmaking and the distinctive illustration style of artist Ben Li, better known as Inkdial. Rather than simply adding an artist’s signature to an existing model, the collaboration reinterprets the watch’s dial through the language of ink drawings, using cross-hatching, fine outlines and carefully layered details to create the impression of a sketch beneath the crystal.

The result is offered in two versions, Ink Blue and Ink White. Each takes a different approach to the same concept, drawing inspiration from the marks left by a ballpoint pen on paper. Both are based on Spinnaker’s Dumas GMT, retaining its faceted stainless-steel case and practical second-time-zone functionality while giving the dial a more illustrative character.

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From Sketchbook To Watch Dial

Ben Li’s work combines realism with a touch of fantasy, using ink and marker pens to produce highly detailed watch illustrations. The Inkdial project began as a personal undertaking in 2020 and has since grown into a portfolio of more than 800 drawings, earning recognition within the watch community and leading to collaborations with established brands.

For this edition, Li takes inspiration from his preferred drafting medium, the ballpoint pen. The dial is designed to look hand-drawn rather than conventionally printed, with cross-hatching and outlined elements giving it the appearance of a watch illustration brought to life. The signature “Ink-made” appears at six o’clock, reinforcing the connection between the finished watch and the artist’s sketchbook.

The collaboration extends beyond the dial. The rubber strap features a cross-hatched texture that echoes the shading used throughout Li’s illustrations, while the automatic movement’s rotor is engraved with “Paper Casing and Inkdial” — a phrase that frequently appears in his work. These details help give the project a consistent visual identity without losing the recognisable character of the Dumas collection.

Two Interpretations: Ink Blue And Ink White

The Ink Blue, reference SP-5188-01, adopts a deep blue dial and matching blue rubber strap. Blue hands continue the colour scheme, while a silver GMT hand provides contrast for the second-time-zone display. The overall effect is dense and layered, recalling the marks made when a ballpoint pen is pressed firmly against paper.

The Ink White, reference SP-5188-02, offers a lighter interpretation. Its pale, paper-toned dial is paired with silver hands and a gold GMT hand, while a grey rubber strap completes the design. Where the blue version emphasises depth and intensity, the white edition evokes the first stroke on a fresh sheet of paper.

Both versions feature a bidirectional 24-hour bezel and a GMT display powered by the Japanese TMI NH34 automatic movement. This allows the wearer to track a second time zone, adding a practical function to a collaboration whose most immediate appeal lies in its artistic execution.

A Robust Dumas GMT Foundation

The watch is housed in a 43 mm faceted stainless-steel case, measuring 14.9 mm thick. A screw-down crown and water resistance rated to 30 ATM provide a substantial specification for everyday wear and aquatic activities. A flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the illustrated dial, while the exhibition caseback reveals the movement and its specially inscribed rotor.

After dark, the applied indexes, hands and bezel are treated with Swiss Super-LumiNova, glowing in green and blue. This adds a further layer of visual interest while preserving the watch’s functional character.

Each model is fitted with a 22 mm rubber strap whose textured surface complements the artwork. The packaging continues the theme through illustrated “Paper Casing and Inkdial” presentation, making the overall experience an extension of the collaboration rather than an afterthought.

Limited To 450 Pieces Per Version

The Spinnaker Dumas GMT Automatic Inkdial Limited Edition will be produced in two individually numbered runs of 450 pieces each. To mark the sixth anniversary of Inkdial, six special cards — personally produced, hand-signed and hand-numbered by Ben Li at his London studio — have been randomly placed inside six watch boxes across the production run. Buyers will only discover whether they have received one of these cards when opening their box.

Unveiled on 30 October 2026, the collection will be available from 6 November 2026, with a recommended retail price of US$495 for each version.

With its combination of a familiar GMT platform and a dial concept rooted in the artist’s own process, the Dumas GMT Inkdial Limited Edition offers a different take on the watch collaboration. Ink Blue and Ink White interpret the same idea in contrasting ways, turning the marks of a pen into a defining part of the watch’s identity.

Technical Specifications

If you’re considering adding this piece to your collection, purchasing through this Link, helps support WatchOverviews, at no additional cost to you.

For more information, please visit the official Spinnaker website.

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