The Breitling Watch Source Forums

What's the general opinion on the watches from Sinn? I received their catalogue yesterday. Very nice indeed and tempting.

Anybody owns one of their watches?

_________________
Groetjes Mike

Breitling Windrider Blackbird

Not owned one myself, but I have heard the build if not quite up there with the likes of Breitling.... but then neither is the price!

Personally I think the "U" range (the U1, U2 U1000 and the UX) made of super-hardened submarine steel are superb.

The UX in particular is awesome with it's oil filled case meaning it's water resistant to virtually any depth.

Check out - http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/Sinn%20Cu ... 0Stock.htm

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

I've owned a U1 and U2 and really like the look and build quality of the watches. What I didn't like were the proprietary extras that Sinn uses that seem like pluses when researching the watches but may turn out to be minuses when it comes time to service the watch.

I'm talking about the argon filled cases, oil filled cases, special lubricants and Viton seals - none of these things can be serviced by a "regular" watch shop and Sinn does not have an established service network in the U.S. I'm not sure what the situation is now, but when I owned Sinns a year or so ago, there was not even one U.S. service center. Meaning that if you needed the battery changed in your UX, the watch would have to go to Sinn in Germany, probably take 3 - 4 months and a relatively large cost when all the shipping is factored in.

Bottom line (IMHO), nice watches, very tough, good value but you have to factor in your level of concern about how you will get the watch serviced if/when it needs it.

_________________
NRA Life Member
NJKCA Honorary Member
-----------------------
Chrono Avenger, Grey Dial, Pro II
Steelfish, Black Dial, Ocean Racer
Super Avenger, White Dial, Pro II
Casio GWG-1000-1A3 Mudmaster
Sinn UX

Hmmm, that's a very good point about spares and servicing the unusual construction parts of Sinn's. I hadn't really considered it myself.....

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Yeah, that's why I got out of "boutique" watches a little while back and decided to stick with Breitling. I've had Sinn, Damasko, UTS... it was cool to have them when I first got them, but when I started to think about service, I had second thoughts about owning small production watches. I'd still love to have a non-UTC Sinn 757, if one is ever made, but there are some Breitlings and Omegas I have to get first.

_________________
NRA Life Member
NJKCA Honorary Member
-----------------------
Chrono Avenger, Grey Dial, Pro II
Steelfish, Black Dial, Ocean Racer
Super Avenger, White Dial, Pro II
Casio GWG-1000-1A3 Mudmaster
Sinn UX

I think Damasko used to make the ice-hardened steel cases that Sinn used to use before they started making them themselves didn't they? How was the Damasko you owned Ross? I've always liked the look of them, but they are even harder to find than Sinn.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Here's my Sinn 103 St Sa Ar



Superb pilot's watch, especially with a UTC hand. By far the easiest dial to read of any watch I have.

The countdown bezel is like that on the B-1. IMHO, much more useful than a diver style.

41mm. Display back. ETA 7750. 200m. Argon filled.

Build quality and accuracy seem OK to me.

Pricing was very good a couple of years ago when the pound was strong against the Euro. Not such a bargain now.

I would agree with the point about servicing. You certainly couldn't ask your local watchsmith to deal with an argon filled case. No big deal here in England to ship it off to Germany but you may not want to send it so far if you're further afield.

I think the main problem Sinn (and most other German watch makers) have is that due to a lack of distribution outside of Europe, they are relatively unknown and this leads to a perceived lack of quality. If they were bought by Richemont and marketed the way they have done with Panerai and IWC, their reputation (and prices!) would soar.

I briefly had a DA36, I got caught up in the rarity of the watch and that little touch of color on the second hand. The watch seemed to be well built, but it was just too small and too plain for me - it just didn't speak to me beyond the yellow second hand. IIRC, I ended up selling it back to the previous owner who had a bout of seller's regret.

I held on to my Sinn U1 much longer, that watch has a little more style to it without being over the top.

_________________
NRA Life Member
NJKCA Honorary Member
-----------------------
Chrono Avenger, Grey Dial, Pro II
Steelfish, Black Dial, Ocean Racer
Super Avenger, White Dial, Pro II
Casio GWG-1000-1A3 Mudmaster
Sinn UX

I like Sinns, good value watches back when the Euro was not spanking the dollar. Now they are kind of a not here or there brand. Many Omega and Breitlings can be had for their prices which are of better quality IMO.

They do have a VERY nice regulator that is still very much valid, makes for a very nice dress watch with its awesome display back and Regulator layout.

_________________
Certified watch nut.