Posted: 5/15/2026 9:40:26 PM EDT
| They appeal to em for some reason |
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They are legit and have a long established history in aviation and the military. They cost more than they should like all European products. I have owned several, and I have been to the factory in Frankfurt. Like many things, if you like the style and can afford them, go for it. Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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@TimeOnTarget - what's the one on the gray strap. Fire! I have a U1 SDR and a UX. Very cool, extremely legible dials/hands. I don't wear mine often, but I should. |
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Currently, they are about the only brand that I am seriously interested in buying, although some of them seem seriously overbuilt for my needs. I’ve had a Sinn 556i (index markers only, no Arabic numerals on the dial) with the Sinn H-bracelet, since 2019. I love it. In my opinion, it’s an instrument, not jewelry; very simple, understated dial- hours, minutes, seconds and the date- that’s it. It runs about +/- 2 seconds per day. It has an ETA 2824-2 movement, and Sinn has since switched to the Selitta SW-200 movement, if I recall the number correctly; my recollection is that it’s supposed to be a clone of the ETA 2824-2. I’m looking at picking up a 556iB with the blue dial on the occasion of a recent milestone birthday. It has applied index markers instead of the painted markers on the 556i, and the blue dial is supposed to be gorgeous. No date display, though, although I think the movement does have a date function, but I’m not certain about that. |
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I have worn a Sinn U2 nearly every day for over 10 years. It has been a great watch - very durable, very accurate and very easy to read. I get frequent compliments on it. I mostly "desk dive" mine, but also wear it working in the garage or on home improvement projects. The tegimented finish does appear to protect the watch from scratches. The lume is pretty good. In the dark, I can see the light from the lume from across the room. I get the best accuracy out of it when I wear it during the day and put it down at night with the crown up. Typically, it will gain 2-3 seconds a day. |
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Originally Posted By WWolfe: @TimeOnTarget - what's the one on the gray strap. Fire! I have a U1 SDR and a UX. Very cool, extremely legible dials/hands. I don't wear mine often, but I should. https://www.thewatchsteward.com/ |
"I will leave when I have your wounded." MAJ Kelly
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Originally Posted By safes2small: I like Sinn have one in my short list under a Damasko. Traded off a DS30 a while back and miss it. Likely to replace it with a DK30 (like the ds30 but in house movement and no date). I have owned two Damaskos. I like them a lot too as they have a special hardened steel case process similar to SINN. Attached File Attached File Attached File I really liked this one, but it developed a bubble in the oil which seemed to be common... Attached File |
"I will leave when I have your wounded." MAJ Kelly
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If you like something from Sinn, you definitely can't go wrong. Solid brand and tech. Just sucks you can only buy from Watchbuys and they control all the pricing. I love my U50. Feels great and runs great. Feels like a quality tool watch and wears really well. Attached File |
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| I am an Omega guy but have been giving a Sinn some serious thought. I think I saw a character on TV wearing one and googled them. I don’t think I was aware of the brand prior to that. |
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Originally Posted By Curmudgeon762: I am an Omega guy but have been giving a Sinn some serious thought. I think I saw a character on TV wearing one and googled them. I don’t think I was aware of the brand prior to that. SINN was founded by a German Pilot named Helmut Sinn. They have a long history of making military/aviation watches, but much of their line has evolved to attract a wider market. This is not a criticism as their is little demand for mechanical watches in the military anymore. I first learned of these types of watches from magazine adds back in the late 80's and early 90's. Bell & Ross contracted with Sinn to make their watches. The watch that Maverick wore in Top Gun was a civilian version, which was black PVD, of a Porsche Orfina military watch. Here is a real one that is in my collection. Most of these chronographs used the work horse Lemania 5100 movement which is no longer made. Attached File Attached File Attached File |
"I will leave when I have your wounded." MAJ Kelly
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I have four U1 Blue U1 DS - listed for sale EZM3 203 Jubilum - 45th anniversary watch, only 450 made Great watches |
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Originally Posted By TimeOnTarget: SINN was founded by a German Pilot named Helmut Sinn. They have a long history of making military/aviation watches, but much of their line has evolved to attract a wider market. This is not a criticism as their is little demand for mechanical watches in the military anymore. I first learned of these types of watches from magazine adds back in the late 80's and early 90's. Bell & Ross contracted with Sinn to make their watches. The watch that Maverick wore in Top Gun was a civilian version, which was black PVD, of a Porsche Orfina military watch. Here is a real one that is in my collection. Most of these chronographs used the work horse Lemania 5100 movement which is no longer made. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/432675/orfinapdbund-jpeg_15598779_jpeg-3763845.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/432675/IMG_2333_jpeg-3763846.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/432675/pdcaseback-jpg_15598783_jpeg-3763851.JPG Maybe it was Top Gun where I saw one. Could have seen one on one of you guys as well. I wish I could remember other than “cool watch”. Anyway, thanks for the detailed reply. |
“That’s not how it works. You buy more tools and power than you need and as you fuck everything up you gain the knowledge to become a better carpenter.”
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Originally Posted By FlockaCGulz: Mine's the most basic 556, not tegimented, etc. My favorite part is the matte black dial. It isn't vanta black but it absolutely absorbs light. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/450356/IMG_1842-2886969.jpg |
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I really like the Tegimented U50 I have. Attached File I like the looks of this Flieger too. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By TigerForce: I'm looking at picking up a 556iB with the blue dial on the occasion of a recent milestone birthday. It has applied index markers instead of the painted markers on the 556i, and the blue dial is supposed to be gorgeous. No date display, though, although I think the movement does have a date function, but I'm not certain about that. |
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Had a U2 and loved it, just sat too high for my liking. Would like to pick up a T50 or an Arktis at some point. They make a great watch, and agree with others that buying new they are priced too high from watchbuys..... Their divers truly meet the definition of "tool" watches. I dove with my U2 when I had it. It always performed well, and it is one of the most legible dials/hand setups I've ever used. The other poster who mentioned the deep black dial is correct. It makes a huge difference in person. Absolutely amazing watch to look into/stare at. |
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Originally Posted By BrianC: I have worn a Sinn U2 nearly every day for over 10 years. It has been a great watch - very durable, very accurate and very easy to read. I get frequent compliments on it. I mostly "desk dive" mine, but also wear it working in the garage or on home improvement projects. The tegimented finish does appear to protect the watch from scratches. The lume is pretty good. In the dark, I can see the light from the lume from across the room. I get the best accuracy out of it when I wear it during the day and put it down at night with the crown up. Typically, it will gain 2-3 seconds a day. I have a U2 that I don't wear, just too dang heavy. Of course I have a dozen others (mostly quartz) so not that motivated to wear it. But it IS a very solid, durable and legible watch. |
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Originally Posted By TimeOnTarget: They are legit and have a long established history in aviation and the military. They cost more than they should like all European products. I have owned several, and I have been to the factory in Frankfurt. Like many things, if you like the style and can afford them, go for  
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On the ground:
Iraq: 2004, 2008, 2021
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On the ground:
Iraq: 2004, 2008, 2021
Afghanistan: 2006, 2008, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Horn of Africa: 2012-2013
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I like Sinn - especially their industrial design; innovations like Tegimented cases and bracelets, dehumidifier capsules, etc. appeal to me. But I'll be honest their pricing makes my teeth itch - they're pushing what I consider the limit for mostly rack-grade movements dropped into their (albeit excellent) cases. And the monopoly that Watchbuys has on Sinn in the US pisses me off even more. I've purchased two watches from Watchbuys (an early, smaller-cased 656 I still have) and a U1 (recently sold). Before-sale communication and post-sale support were disappointing for both. After I had to send the 656 back to them for a warranty claim, and when I got the watch back it looked like the case was opened with vice grips, I swore them off. I have my eye on an 856 UTC on bracelet, but I'd rather wait until I'm in Germany later this year to purchase than to give WB any more business. |