Sinn U1 Full-Blown Review

[vbuskirk]

It has been a few days now so my opinion of this watch is starting to solidify. Here is the pre-review.


This watch is 'perfect' for the needs I was trying fill.
(a) grey-ish, Titanium-like look, on a
(b) super-depth rated diver (1000m), with a
(c) traditional, rotating diver's bezel (I'm timing Bratwurst as I type)

Overall Score: A+


I especially like the the chunky feel to this watch. I'm glad I didn't have to go Titanium to get this look (thanks to the sandblasted finish). I'm also glad I saved $7K as compared to the IWC.


PROS:
- The dial is super, super readable. The lume is not overwhelming in initial, low-light conditions, but it isn't necessary either (note: lume does last aaallllll night!!!) . The watch hands just pop in low-light. Sure, the hands look comical from the other side of your web browser, but now I'm beginning to understand. They are functional!
- The ultimate 'small' yet 'enormous' watch. Others have tried to describe it before. Hopefully, the included pictures might hint at it a little. But, really, I think you probably have to experience this for yourself. It is amazing how ultimately wearable a watch with this large a presence can be (except for issue w/ next bullet item).

CONS:
- I havent't gotten the band adjusted to my satisfaction yet. I've been wearing it too tight to keep the heavy watch head from moving around on the wrist. Makes my fingers tingle sometimes. It is definitely tight. Next level up on the micro-adjustment is too loose (I think).
- The date window is difficult to read. Bordering on useless, but at least it blends in well.


Here are some pics I snapped this evening.

[polaco23]

Great review M8! your such a stud in that vee neck cashmere!

Watch aint bad either, i think theres one or two other jerks here with similar watch tastes....

[SCM64]

Word.

[vbuskirk]

Sweater by Brooks : http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProd ... ctionsize=

[aikiman44]

Great review.
You can get a package of Pachmayr grip material on fleabay. I cut our small pieces that adhere to the case back. It adds a bit of tackiness so you can wear it on the larger side and limit sliding. It's good in situations like this where your fit is in the middle.

[matt.wu]

Sexy.

[vbuskirk]

Great review.
You can get a package of Pachmayr grip material on fleabay. I cut our small pieces that adhere to the case back. It adds a bit of tackiness so you can wear it on the larger side and limit sliding. It's good in situations like this where your fit is in the middle.

Excellent. " Check"

Pachmayr Pac-Skin #00716 grip LEO Rifle Archery Tools
360237513800 - Price: US $11.50
Quantity:1

[aikiman44]

You can also re-grip your Mauser.

[Pasquale]

Sexy.

The watch or chris????

Chris really isnt that attractive.. .

Sorry budy nice U1..

[mattcantwin]

Sounds like you are more than pleased...


the U1 is an outstanding diver!

[vbuskirk]

I meant to say something about the AR. As with all outer-AR watches, it is a little frustrating if you try to fight the battle to keep it clean. I'm used to this, however. Some of my favorite watches have double AR (e.g. Fortis & Debaufre Sub). This one is definitely worth it. The perfectly flat crystal typically just disappears. At all angles. Gone. Disappeared. Tada. It's magic.

As you can see in this shot, there is a blemish on the outer AR (at 2 o'clock). I read the recent 'Doxa repair/service options' thread with great interest, as a I am trying to decide whether to send this to Jack (or similar) or all the way back to the factory for its next service. I still need to get the loupe out and make sure there is no pitting in the crystal itself, but if not then is Jack's AR just as good as Sinn's OEM AR???

Also, I haven't taken any strictly controlled measurements yet, but the watch appears to be about 30 seconds slow per day. I knew about the AR imperfection, but the watch was -9 before shipping from the last owner to me. Anyway, this is #105, so it is conceivable that it has never been serviced in its 5 year lifetime, and is thus now time for some spa time. I will test the power reserve shortly ...

[matt.wu]

Sexy.

The watch or chris????

Chris really isnt that attractive.. .

Sorry budy nice U1..

Hater.

[deepcdvr]

A+

Damn skippy!

Congrats on a great addition to your superior collection..

[vbuskirk]

Alright, I'm gonna make you work for it. Bits and pieces, ...


BEZEL:
pro - nice, satisfying, precise action
con - doesn't line up perfectly at 12 o'clock (though 45mins is perfect)

[SCM64]

Get to the bracelet already.


Outer AR ROCKS.

[Chief Big Watch]

Very nice.
I have been waiting for mine for a while now...
Agree about the outer AR, when clean it is perfect, but keeping it clean is beyond accomplishment.
As to the accuracy, try to wind and unwind it fully few times, -9 and +30 is a big difference. You never know how the box was handled during shipping.

[vbuskirk]

Get to the bracelet already.

Okay, okay. But first. Check this out. This Fortis is still under warranty. The original run Sinn is all but pristine.












* compare [lack of] scratches

[vbuskirk]

Aaahhhh. The bracelet. Nary a hair pulled. It is the 2nd Best bracelet that I own. Taking nothing away from Sinn (it is an excellent bracelet), but Omega still rules the roost, I think.











EDIT: It is certainly the bracelet that makes this watch. I'm not even sure I want the rubber anymore.

[SCM64]

If it has to be second place, the Omega is not a bad standard to follow.

[matt.wu]

I certainly agree that the bracelet makes the watch. In fact, I've never found the Sinn rubber to be comfortable on any watch I've put it on. The big clasp is too sharp.

And that AR - never could both love and hate something quite so much as with Sinn.

[vbuskirk]

Here are some basic specs :

Code: Select all

-o- 205 grams (with 3 links removed !!! )

-o- 44.0mm -- 9-to-3 o-clock measurement (crown is at 4)
-o- 50.7mm -- lug-2-lug measurement
-o- 14.5mm -- height
-o- 21.9mm -- lugs
-o- 21.8mm -- clasp

As you can probably tell from the amount of time I've spent fiddling with this watch and telling other people about it this evening, I really like this one. This beauty is a keeper. In fact, if I had to sell all but 2, I'm thinking this would be the 'sporty' keeper. Thanks to DWC for introducing us (esp. to you Paul. ).

[vbuskirk]

Now where is my Sinn "membership card" ...

[SCM64]

Now where is my Sinn "membership card" ...

Your wearing it.

[ezcheese]

Agree about the outer AR, when clean it is perfect, but keeping it clean is beyond accomplishment.

OMG I am totally dealing with the outer AR issue on the Damasko! It looks amazing when it's clean, but I can go a few minutes after wiping the crystal down, look at my watch and see a huge smear that somehow has appeared. It's driving me crazy!

What's worse is I can't just wipe the crystal with my shirt, it just smears it and makes it worse! I always have to go back and use one of my super special polishing cloths.

I wonder if it has to do with flat vs domed crystal to some extent. My Zenith had outer AR but it was a snap to keep clean.

[el presidente]

Thanks for a great review Chris,very informative