The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Now that I have your attention, I am near pulling the trigger on a Sinn U2 EMZ, have read some reviews, heard a few bad experiences, mostly very good.

Have any of you experience with Sinn generally or the U2 specifically??

Thanks.

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SHARKMAN

No experience, though I think that's a sweet-looking watch.

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[Witty signature here]

I had a Sinn UX for a while. That's the oil filled quartz model that is water resistant to "all reachable depths". It was a pretty cool watch although a couple of things bugged me. Firstly the while the case is super-hardened, the bracelet isn't and as it's a beadblasted finish it's very prone to scratches that you then can't remove yourself. And secondly I was put off by the idea of having to send ot to Germany whenever it needed a battery change. I also thought that if Sinn went out of business no-one would be able to do amything with the oil filled case. Obviously most of that is not applicable to you if you are looking at a U2 as it's an auto, but the case finish is the same. Lastly in terms of look, then they are very "tool" compared to most Breitlings. I liked the look but a lot of people don't.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks for the info Driver. I was toying with the oil filled but it seemed like an add on I would never need and who knows what that would do for service costs. Also I was going to get the rubber/deployment but thought about getting the bracelet too - that's out now.

It's really hard to find much info out there on these guys though most have at least "heard off" them. But I really like the simple lines of this tool watch, the dial, the flaming lume, UTC, and the moisture saturation tube.

On the down side, there is NO competition in the US - watchbuys.com is it.

Not looking for a pure dressy or a tweener - got plenty. But a pure jeans and T-shirt watch. I like that the steel is tegmented.

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SHARKMAN

I have an afinity with the brand due to the Breitling connection, but they have never really done it for me. There is a high end (and I mean high end) watch dealer in Toronto that has Sinn tucked in among the luxury, but they just look 'flat' to me. I could find better things to spend the money on.

What connection do they have with Breitling?

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[Witty signature here]

What Breitling connection.

I would agree that Sinn doesn't fit a high end mold. Having reviewed the entire lineup, I find most dull and unispired. But they seem to be very interested in new addition, most notably the quest for an oil-less movement.

There is something I like a lot about the U2. It is cetainly a limited use watch. It would never pass muster with a suit like a Steelfish would.

And there are a few online grumblers on the watch forums who have had some issues, but it is a pretty small sample from which to draw valid conclusions.

One thing that also concerns me is the relativley simple design is easily replicated and the Chinese have good fakes out already. That affects my used market interest - there aren't many "Sinn Enthusiasts" who can find the tells like on major brands.

And the complete monopoly of watchbuys.com in the US p**sed me off some.


We will see by Friday or so if I regret clicking "submit payment."

Thanks to all for your input.

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SHARKMAN

Sinn bought some of the Breitling old stock/equipment/rights during Breitlings financial troubles in the 80's. They still make their own Navitimer model that is very, very similar to the Breitling Navitimer.

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-RJ

Ive never owned or handled a Sinn, but ive read a lot about them. I cant recall every reading anything but praise for the brand and their watches. I wouldnt hesitate to get one if I found one that I liked.

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-RJ

Clearly I am becoming redundant now

Thanks for that RJ.

I had a Sinn 103 for a couple of years which I sold a few months ago. No problems with it. Well made and reliable.

I like the simplicity of Sinn designs and I think they are good watches for the money.

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For more information on identifying Breitling replicas, please visit my web site
http://f4buz.com/watches/breitling/fakes/fakes.html

I picked up a Sinn U1 recently--- nice watch, great workmanship, but the hands are not quite my thing. Which is odd as I used to drool over it for so many years. I've got it listed now.

Yes they are not something I'm used to but so emminently readable and all lume - I do like them. The contrast of large white hand against the matte black dial is cool. And the black GMT hand hides nicely unless you need to see it.

All in all a good value, but not exactly what I'd call an inexpensive watch - about the same as a SOH after a Breitling AD discount.

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SHARKMAN

I had to join in on this discussion. In addition to the Breitling 1461/52 which I just bought, I have 2 Sinn's: a 144 GMT and a 203 Titanium. The later is one of the Argon gas filled watches. I am also in the process of aquiring a third Sinn a U1000. I am an avid SCUBA diver and to me the U1000 is the ultimate diving chrono since it is the only chrono that can be operated underwater. All the other diving chronos have specific warnings not to use the chrono functions underwater.

Several things about the Sinn's. They are very utilitarian in their appearance. The dials are extremely easy to read even under less than ideal conditions. In fact, they are the most readable watches in my collection, I have found the build quality to be excellent. The 144 GMT was my first Sinn and I have had it for almost 6 years. I use it as my travel watch because of the dual time capability. I also love the red chrono hands on this watch which make it very easy to use and read the chrono under all conditions.

In appearance, the Sinn's do not have the class that a Breitling does, and the workmanship on the cases is not to Breitling standards. However, inside the quality is definitely there. If you need to get them serviced, there is a US service center for the non-Argon filled watches. You can also have the non-argon filled watches serviced by a competent watchmaker since most use standard movements - the chronos are generally 7750s. However, as noted above the Argon filled watches need to be sent back to Frankfort.

The only model I think I like after I looked quickly was the SUnn 1746 Klassik with white dial..What do you guys think? So classic IMHO

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