It's amazing how such a small difference in size makes a huge difference to the eye, the damasco looks a lot bigger. Must admit my fave is the sinn, it's the black dial. Great video, love the side by side comparison. All the best for the new year, can't wait for your 2024 content.
I'm a born Sinner. My 556i RS just arrived to join me & my 104 St Sa. I think the 556i (NOT the 556a, I despise the 556a, the numerals just look goofy) the best of both minus the DA30's hardened steel. It's got the Red Second hand for a pop of color that I like on the DS, but the superior (to me) clean, deep ultra black semigloss dial with no crosshairs. To non-watch ppl, they both prbly look exactly the same and very 'meh'. If ya know, ya know.
Fantastic comparison, James! They're so similar yet they each have a distinct personality. I went with the Sinn but if money wasn't an issue, I'd have both in the collection.
This comparison is very interesting and is proof that visually dial size is much more important than case size. I prefer the Sinn dial size and markers, but I also prefer the Damasko hands particularly the blue second hand and date wheel. I'm fussy aren't I? Happy New Year James, thanks for all the great content. Duncan
i understand why you chose the damasko. if the bracelet has that coating its well worth the price. this is a watch that you can keep for 20 years and probably will still look as good as new. im with you on this one, would deff get the damasko on a bracelet. cool video, thank you for sharing and have a happy new year buddy..
Another great video. I have a pre owned 556i and never looked at the Damasko before but might have definitely been swayed by some of the specs you have highlighted.
I made this same decision about a year ago and chose the Sinn 556i RS with the red seconds hand. Both are nice, but I find the dial of the Sinn a bit cleaner and better balanced, and I like the Sinn H-link bracelet a lot (though the clasp could definitely be improved).
Really it comes down to which one appeals to you the most, as they are very similar. i would choose the Sinn because the dial looks a little less 'busy' to my eye.As for see thru case back, that never factors in it for me, as really, i find i almost never look at it.
I owned the SINN 104 and currently own the Damasko DS30 and I can honestly say the Damasko feels and looks better. The case material (submarine steel ) is silky smooth to the touch and extremely scratch resistant. 😊
That was my take away too. It is a shame that both of these watches are not more easily available to get hands on with. It would make it easier for people to get an idea of which they prefer
Interesting comparison! I looked at these two watches for a daily driver but settled for an Archimede Flieger 200. I've always found that the inclusion of crystal size is definitely a helpful information to have a better perception of the dial size. BB58 has a 31mm crystal size (according to another youtuber) and I sort of used that as my benchmark after having it. Anyway, loking to pick up a 556i RS too lol cheers!
Scratch resistance is substantial consideration to me. Sinn seems to have slightly sharper legibility (for my age), but only their top models have scratch resistance. So your submarine-steel Damasko, especially with that captivating cobalt seconds hand, is a great choice at that price point!
Great review, the first I have seen of these in the same colourway. I actually heard of Damasko, back in a 2014, which reinvigorated my interest in watches, but I could not afford the DA44S which caught my eye at the time and settled for a Black steel Seiko diver instead.....that was the start of my watch collecting. I finally got up to 25watches and have finally got rid of most of them and am much more pragmatic with my choices. I have looked so often at the Sinn 556i and the DS in the last couple of years. I would go for the Damasko if I was buying one or the other, The Sinn is much more the GADA watch, you can dress it up or down, it can look more dressy than the Damasko, However, I have a 7.5 inch wrist and I think the Sinn is too small on my biggish wrist. The Damasko has more tech and is virtually scratchproof, plus the thinness appeals to me, too. I'm not bothered with bracelets and I think the build has the edge. The Sinn is the more handsome, but for me, the Damasko, with the white date and second hand suits more. A one watch collection and strap monster that it is, is all I need..
I finally took the plunge and bought the white second hand and date DS30, it arrived this afternoon, wow, love it. The vintage black leather for me didn’t suit it in the pictures, but it’s amazingly comfortable and soft. However, I’ll probably wear it on the sailcloth all black strap that I have purchased for it, because it’s gonna be my everyday choice and the whole watch needs to be water resistant. This is is my retirement present for myself and I intend to carry on wearing it in all activities, including sea, pool, river swimming, out on the mountain bike and working in the garden, diy and on the car. Great review of a fabulous watch.
One of the things that always won me over with the Sinn is the size of the minute markers compared to the hour markers. On the Sinn it's obvious which is which and on the DS30, they're similar enough in size that the hour markers don't jump out at me enough to tell the time quickly
I went to the local AD yesterday to look at 556i but the the ETA for this model is 6 months while I could get one of the Damasko with 10% off from Gnomon right now. Still undecided at this point but I like the 556i with the h-link bracelet even more.
I much prefer the Sinn line up amd bramd more than the Damasko, but not going to lie this the first Damasko watch video Ive watched and on close up I was very impressed by the Damasko.
The bracelet for the DS 30 is super expensive. And no fine adjustment other then taking out links as far as I can see. I am looking forward to watch your review about it. This may help me with my decision to buy it or not. 🕐⚙️🍸 P.S.: The bracket of the Sinn wears much better than it looks like.
I have the new bracelet now. It is very very nice. But not perfect. The quality is outstanding. But I’m not sure on a couple of things. I’ll be working on a full review soon and will include the bracelet
I know Damaskos are very highly rated watches. But for some reason I like the Sinn more. By the way, there was of of dust on some of the Sinn macro shots, a real eyesore! 🙈
I feel somehow more drawn towards the Sinn. I prefer its glossy black dial, to my eye it look more refined than the Damasko's matte dial. And details like the Sinn logo exude a certain casual elegance the Damasko simple doesn't reach.
IMO Damasko stands head and shoulders above Sinn: case and technology is superior. Sinn is nice but Damasko far better value and durability is the best.
damasko advertises thickness of 9.95, definitely more svelt, hands are longer including second/minute hands reaching all the way out to the edge of the case. Sinn charges an extra 500 for the bracelet, which is inferior quality and fit imo
Movements are different. Sinn has a top grade movement, which you can observe from the blue-heated screws. Damasko has only elaborate level which is one level down from top.
I purchased my DS30 in 2020. I was between the 556A and DS30. I still want a 556a but I would never go back on the Damasko. It is super accurate even after 4 years now. Plus 1-2 a day. The bezel is scratched/dinger from a skateboarding incident in Germany but I’m proud of it. The tech and features of Damasko blow the Sinn away. Especially when the DS30 was 971.00 USD on longisland watch.
Thanks for WATCHing
It's amazing how such a small difference in size makes a huge difference to the eye, the damasco looks a lot bigger. Must admit my fave is the sinn, it's the black dial. Great video, love the side by side comparison. All the best for the new year, can't wait for your 2024 content.
The black that Sinn has used is particularly nice. In person it looks incredible.
Happy new year
I'm a born Sinner. My 556i RS just arrived to join me & my 104 St Sa. I think the 556i (NOT the 556a, I despise the 556a, the numerals just look goofy) the best of both minus the DA30's hardened steel. It's got the Red Second hand for a pop of color that I like on the DS, but the superior (to me) clean, deep ultra black semigloss dial with no crosshairs. To non-watch ppl, they both prbly look exactly the same and very 'meh'. If ya know, ya know.
The size of the bezel and dial is what makes the Damasko so much larger
Fantastic comparison, James! They're so similar yet they each have a distinct personality. I went with the Sinn but if money wasn't an issue, I'd have both in the collection.
Both are fantastic. It was great to actually have them side by side.
This comparison is very interesting and is proof that visually dial size is much more important than case size. I prefer the Sinn dial size and markers, but I also prefer the Damasko hands particularly the blue second hand and date wheel. I'm fussy aren't I? Happy New Year James, thanks for all the great content. Duncan
Thanks Duncan. It was really interesting to have them side by side.
Happy new to you.
Your best video yet James. Awesome
Oh wow. Thank you.
i understand why you chose the damasko. if the bracelet has that coating its well worth the price. this is a watch that you can keep for 20 years and probably will still look as good as new. im with you on this one, would deff get the damasko on a bracelet. cool video, thank you for sharing and have a happy new year buddy..
I am really happy with the Damasko. It will be one watch that will be with me very long term.
@@WATCHingJames 😩
Another great video. I have a pre owned 556i and never looked at the Damasko before but might have definitely been swayed by some of the specs you have highlighted.
Both are fantastic watches. It was really nice to have them both in hand to see the differences
I made this same decision about a year ago and chose the Sinn 556i RS with the red seconds hand. Both are nice, but I find the dial of the Sinn a bit cleaner and better balanced, and I like the Sinn H-link bracelet a lot (though the clasp could definitely be improved).
I do particularly like how they have produced the black dial. It looks amazing.
Really it comes down to which one appeals to you the most, as they are very similar. i would choose the Sinn because the dial looks a little less 'busy' to my eye.As for see thru case back, that never factors in it for me, as really, i find i almost never look at it.
They are both great watches. You can’t go wrong with either really.
I owned the SINN 104 and currently own the Damasko DS30 and I can honestly say the Damasko feels and looks better. The case material (submarine steel ) is silky smooth to the touch and extremely scratch resistant. 😊
That was my take away too. It is a shame that both of these watches are not more easily available to get hands on with.
It would make it easier for people to get an idea of which they prefer
Interesting comparison! I looked at these two watches for a daily driver but settled for an Archimede Flieger 200. I've always found that the inclusion of crystal size is definitely a helpful information to have a better perception of the dial size. BB58 has a 31mm crystal size (according to another youtuber) and I sort of used that as my benchmark after having it. Anyway, loking to pick up a 556i RS too lol cheers!
They are both incredible watches. I am happy that I ended up with the Damasko but still like the idea of having a Sinn too.
Would like both of them, but the Damasko would be my winner 👌🏻 have a good new year 👍👍
That was the conclusion I came to as well. Happy new year
Scratch resistance is substantial consideration to me. Sinn seems to have slightly sharper legibility (for my age), but only their top models have scratch resistance. So your submarine-steel Damasko, especially with that captivating cobalt seconds hand, is a great choice at that price point!
I am really enjoying the Damasko. It is a wonderful watch.
Hreat head to head James. I wish and yours every success in 2024. Happy New Year 🎉
Thanks John. A happy new year to you.
Damasko. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Happy new year
I like the dial size on the Sinn and the finish on the Damasko. Would prefer a thinner case back on the Sinn instead of the display.
They both are really nice. I just prefer the Damasko overall
Great review, the first I have seen of these in the same colourway. I actually heard of Damasko, back in a 2014, which reinvigorated my interest in watches, but I could not afford the DA44S which caught my eye at the time and settled for a Black steel Seiko diver instead.....that was the start of my watch collecting. I finally got up to 25watches and have finally got rid of most of them and am much more pragmatic with my choices. I have looked so often at the Sinn 556i and the DS in the last couple of years. I would go for the Damasko if I was buying one or the other, The Sinn is much more the GADA watch, you can dress it up or down, it can look more dressy than the Damasko, However, I have a 7.5 inch wrist and I think the Sinn is too small on my biggish wrist. The Damasko has more tech and is virtually scratchproof, plus the thinness appeals to me, too. I'm not bothered with bracelets and I think the build has the edge. The Sinn is the more handsome, but for me, the Damasko, with the white date and second hand suits more. A one watch collection and strap monster that it is, is all I need..
They are both great watches but I am happy that I ended up with the Damasko.
Thanks for WATCHing
I finally took the plunge and bought the white second hand and date DS30, it arrived this afternoon, wow, love it. The vintage black leather for me didn’t suit it in the pictures, but it’s amazingly comfortable and soft. However, I’ll probably wear it on the sailcloth all black strap that I have purchased for it, because it’s gonna be my everyday choice and the whole watch needs to be water resistant. This is is my retirement present for myself and I intend to carry on wearing it in all activities, including sea, pool, river swimming, out on the mountain bike and working in the garden, diy and on the car. Great review of a fabulous watch.
So you have the older version without exhibition case back 🤔 and no in-house movement . Great video
It’s the one I actually wanted. It made it the cheaper purchase and likely easier to have serviced longer term.
Thanks for WATCHing
One of the things that always won me over with the Sinn is the size of the minute markers compared to the hour markers. On the Sinn it's obvious which is which and on the DS30, they're similar enough in size that the hour markers don't jump out at me enough to tell the time quickly
Thanks for WATCHing
As a fellow aussie which used market did you find the damasko?
Great video!
It is an incredible watch. Wearing it today.
Bought it through one of the market place watch groups
@@WATCHingJames its too nice no one wants to sell it :(
I went to the local AD yesterday to look at 556i but the the ETA for this model is 6 months while I could get one of the Damasko with 10% off from Gnomon right now. Still undecided at this point but I like the 556i with the h-link bracelet even more.
They are both amazing watches. You really can’t go too wrong with either.
I have both. DS30 Ocean with THAT blue dial and the 556i ltd edition Red. I prefer the DS30 to be honest. Both great quality watches though.
Both are fantastic. But I just prefer the Damasko.
I much prefer the Sinn line up amd bramd more than the Damasko, but not going to lie this the first Damasko watch video Ive watched and on close up I was very impressed by the Damasko.
I am a big fan of the Sinn watches. But this Damasko, for me, is something extra special
The bracelet for the DS 30 is super expensive. And no fine adjustment other then taking out links as far as I can see. I am looking forward to watch your review about it. This may help me with my decision to buy it or not. 🕐⚙️🍸 P.S.: The bracket of the Sinn wears much better than it looks like.
I have the new bracelet now. It is very very nice. But not perfect.
The quality is outstanding.
But I’m not sure on a couple of things.
I’ll be working on a full review soon and will include the bracelet
@@WATCHingJames Superb!
I’m a Sinn guy myself but the Damaskos were a serious consideration.
That make some amazing watches. I’ve just borrowed a 104 and it is very nice.
I prefer the fully lumed hands on the Damasco, and also the slightly larger size. I had a 556 and sold it for those reasons.
In my opinion it is a much nicer watch.
But I think my personal preference are a big part of that thought.
I know Damaskos are very highly rated watches. But for some reason I like the Sinn more. By the way, there was of of dust on some of the Sinn macro shots, a real eyesore! 🙈
I know. 😢😢😢 It was only visible under the macro shots but had given back the watch before I noticed.
I feel somehow more drawn towards the Sinn. I prefer its glossy black dial, to my eye it look more refined than the Damasko's matte dial. And details like the Sinn logo exude a certain casual elegance the Damasko simple doesn't reach.
They are both fantastic watches.
The only Damasko I own is the DSub3 because that doesn't have the (IMO) horrible crosshairs on the dial. Sinn for me every time.
Thanks for WATCHing
Selita sw 200 or eta 2824?
Selita based movements.
They are both really cool
Both are particularly nice.
The Sinn has my vote however, I also love Damasko.
I don’t think you could go wrong picking either.
IMO Damasko stands head and shoulders above Sinn: case and technology is superior. Sinn is nice but Damasko far better value and durability is the best.
I’m very happy that I ended up with the Damasko.
Both watches are really nice. But I agree that the Damasko stands out.
Damasko made cases for Sinn before Conrad Damasko set up on his own.
@@itsallrobbish yeah and tech Damasko now is superior to Sinn. Took great product to the next level.
damasko advertises thickness of 9.95, definitely more svelt, hands are longer including second/minute hands reaching all the way out to the edge of the case. Sinn charges an extra 500 for the bracelet, which is inferior quality and fit imo
I’m happy that I ended up with the Damasko.
👍
👍
Movements are different. Sinn has a top grade movement, which you can observe from the blue-heated screws. Damasko has only elaborate level which is one level down from top.
Thanks for WATCHing
I purchased my DS30 in 2020. I was between the 556A and DS30. I still want a 556a but I would never go back on the Damasko. It is super accurate even after 4 years now. Plus 1-2 a day. The bezel is scratched/dinger from a skateboarding incident in Germany but I’m proud of it. The tech and features of Damasko blow the Sinn away. Especially when the DS30 was 971.00 USD on longisland watch.
It is a brilliant watch. I am very happy that I bought mine.
The bracelet for it arrived last month and it has taken it to the next level