Round #3: The OEM Rubber Straps (U1 >> MM)

[vbuskirk]

The Seiko Prospex 300 meter Marine Master professional diver includes a rubber strap as part of the original packaging. The Sinn U1, however, comes on either braclet or strap (i.e. you choose). I think most U1 owners would advise to buy the watch on bracelet, then pick the rubber up separately later. Purchasing the rubber strap for the Sinn will cost you about $120 plus shipping in today's dollars (see the North American Sinn AD at http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/viewC ... ategory=16).

This is where the advantages for Seiko end. Basically, you get a free strap when going the Seiko route. The Seiko version is adequate (barely) to be called a "strap". It has holes for springbars, a keeper, holes for adjusting the length to the size of your wrist, a functioning tang buckle. The basics. It works to hold the watch on your arm.

The Sinn, however, is a work of art. Comparing these two against each other is like pitting a small junior college football team against last season's Superbowl winning New Orleans Saints (i.e. a professional entity of the highest caliber). Considering the rubber straps that I have personally handled, the Sinn may be compared with the likes of Breitling and Panerai, but even then I think it wins those battles handily.

After scoring a couple of knockdowns in this round, the Sinn makes up some much needed ground in the points battle.


Pictures coming ...

[giosdad]

I have to agree with you 100%. The MM strap sits unworn in the box and I have a 20mm and 22mm Sinn strap which bounce between many watches and I do not own a U-series any more.

[vbuskirk]

[Seth]

You are a weird guy.

S. (but I love the passion and the pics looks great!)

[moishlashen]

Sinn rubber is about as good as it gets I totally agree. Love the deployment too. Ima Seiko Z20 hater too but then again I've never given it a chance either.

[vbuskirk]

You are a weird guy.

Seth!

[deepcdvr]

The MM strap looks very thin and cheap...

[moishlashen]

The MM strap looks very thin and cheap...

I wouldn't call it thin or cheap. Its hard feeling so its one of those types of straps that over time sort of molds to your wrist. I think its kinda uncomfortable at first and like I said I haven't given it the chance to break in. Derek has and he loves it. Its not soft and cushy like the U rubber and of course not nearly as thick either.

[vbuskirk]

FYI, the curve you see in the Seiko strap above is from sleeping in the watch for one night. So, it is already starting to conform to my wrist a little. (Still doesn't feel good yet though.)

[ezcheese]

It's one of those straps that a lot of people won't/don't like just because it's so hard. It looks thin beside the super thick Sinn strap, but it's really not very thin. I have gotten used to mine, but It's not for everybody. Plus, I like that the wave pattern on the strap near the case is there for a technical purpose and not just some superfluous design. (It allows the strap to stretch at depth.)

[Seth]

You are a weird guy.

Seth!

What??
These are VERY strange comparisons... they're weird... but I like em!

[jimyritz]

Sinn strap...

[matt.wu]

100% with you on this on, Chris.