If you’re a consistent reader of Wound For Life, you already know we have a lot of love for Sinn. Their vision as a brand fits our style to a T. A couple of their new releases really struck us yesterday, enough that we wanted to do a separate article just for them. Without further ado, here are our Sinn Baselworld 2016 Favorites.
Shane’s Picks
6200 Meisterbund I
If Sinn is known for anything, it’s sure as hell not gold watches. However, like Lamborghini making an SUV, Sinn killed it with the 6200 Meisterbund I. If you head to Sinn’s site, you might be a bit underwhelmed by the look, but in person, it’s absolutely stunning. Sinn clearly translated their attention to detail with their sports watches into this dress watch. The first thing that you’ll notice is the intricately finished guilloche dial (something that does not translate to their website photos). Contrasting the cream dial are rose gold applied markers and sleek leaf-shaped hands (reminiscent of a Laurent Ferrier handset).
Next up is the case, which, at 40mm, sounds like it might be too big. However, since it’s a thin manual wind watch, it wears more like a 38mm or 39mm — in other words, it wears perfectly. Then there’s the coup de grâce, the movement. Utilizing a partnership with upstart movement manufacture Uhren-Werke-Dresden (UWD), they’ve created a fantastic manual wind caliber. As you can see from the picture, they opted for a more industrial finishing, which I think complements the brand well, and looks great in person. Take note of the brushed bridges and how they contrast with the high-polish screws and unique regulation system (sort of a modified swan-neck regulator). At €12,900, this is an expensive Sinn (also, limited to 55 examples); nevertheless, when you see it in the flesh, you’ll truly get an appreciation for where the cost comes from.
910 Anniversary Split-Seconds Chronograph
Also an unconventional Sinn watch, I immediately fell in love with their new 910 Anniversary Split-Seconds Chronograph. While Rolex, Omega, and Patek had the major stars of the show, for me, the 910 was a total scene-stealer, not unlike that of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s performance in Along Came Polly. This watch deserves a lot of attention. For €5,500, where can you get split-seconds with a sweet vintage-esque dial and in a 41.5mm case? Nowhere!
For a modified Valjoux 7750, the case is very wearable, sitting on the wrist like a charm. At first I thought I liked the brown strap more, but once I had the bracelet on, I was sold. Obviously it’s much heavier with the bracelet, but not at all cumbersome. The rattrapante pusher location looks odd at first glance, but turns out to be ergonomically placed for real usage. Sinn is only making 300 of these, so if you want one, don’t hesitate too long.
Neil’s Picks
556 I M
Sinn released three new 556’s this year. One in anthracite, one in mother of pearl, and one with a brown sunburst dial. When I first saw the press release, I liked the anthracite the most and the brown sunburst dial the least. That all changed when I had them in front of me. I couldn’t put the sunburst-dialed one down. Pictures don’t do the beautiful dial justice. What’s more, that isn’t the only impressive feature of this watch. The case is a absolutely spot on at 38.5mm. It’s a classic watch that you can wear anywhere and with anything.
It may look spartan, but being a Sinn, it has the features that make so many of their watches tough as nails. The 556 I M features an antimagnetic case, 200 meter water resistance, anti reflective crystal, and shock resistance. On the wrist is where you truly appreciate the size and proportions. It sits perfectly, and the size is just right for anyone. The stainless steel is not too blingy, and the dial, while captivating, doesn’t overpower and distract from the rest of the watch. This watch has so much to offer in a simple and classic package. Save your money, pass on that Rolex Oyster Perpetual, and buy this for 1/5th of the price. You’ll thank me later.
B-Uhr Limited Edition
I immediately gravitated towards this watch when I saw it. Being a pilot watch enthusiast, especially of vintage and vintage inspired ones, this was a home run for me. It follows in the footsteps of classic German designed B-Uhr pilot’s watches with an inner ring for the hours, and larger more visible outer ring for the minutes. There is an arrow at 12:00 reminiscent of a classic broad arrow, but with Sinn’s unique take. These are all nice touches that take a basic 3 hand movement and turn it into something special.
The bund strap, although wide, isn’t too thick and it sits nicely on the wrist. Many bunds I’ve worn have a difficult time sitting correctly on the wrist and are too bulky, or they fall forwards or backwards. This one does not have that problem. For those of you that are more traditional this is also available on a bracelet. It’s almost a completely different watch in that configuration, which is a good thing. You can have one watch that you can wear in any number of situations, looking very different even from itself. The case is a perfect 40mm in diameter and only 11mm thick, which is fantastic. This helps it to sit nice and low on the wrist. Even on the bund strap, it will still fit under your sleeve. Of course, being a Sinn pilot watch, the case is fully TEGIMENT’ed, anti-magnetic, water resistant up to 200m, and by the way, it looks damn good. This is another great piece from Sinn, and yes, I immediately want it. If you’re like me you better hurry because they are only making 856 units.
by
Joe
Sinn has been making cases for Lange, under the moniker and caseback stamp SUG. Precious metal cases are definitely not out of their realm.
Neil Wood
Certainly not out of their realm, just not expected. They really did well will this watch, and it’s nice to see them give this kind of timepiece a chance. Of course, they’ll always be a go-to for tough tool watches though.
Myron
Great to see these cool pieces coming from Sinn! Thanks for sharing, W4L team.
Myron
Neil Wood
As always, thanks for reading, Myron.
Chris
Greatly appreciate the reporting on some really interesting watches. That 556 is quite nice. The little extra flash over the standard model goes a long way.
Difues
Very unusual BUND strap on Sinn Flieger. It is convenient?
Shane Griffin
I’m not sure Bund straps are ever convenient, they’re more for the look.