There dozens of watches that are similar to the Sinn, the Alpinist is unique and far more beautiful. At half the price it's a no brainer and I love the cyclops!!!
i actually find sinn look bigger than seiko due its plain design Also funny how two matt, black dials can be so diffrent. Seiko almost looks like glossy next to sinn's :) Anyway - great review, made my afternoon coffee :) all the best from Poland.
Looking forward to the review as I have the same Sinn 556A and just ordered the same black alpinist SBDC087 from Sakura. I also have a Tudor BB 58 which will hopefully make this my ultimate three watch collection! Although if a new blue Alpinist with the new movement and cyclops came out it would have to be had.
Right off the bat I will say the Seiko. The Sinn probably has the edge in durability but the Alpinist just looks like a fabulous watch and it definitely has a longer power reserve. This particular Sinn is pretty spare. I'm interested in what you think when you them in person side by side. After seeing the video the Sinn's dial is so spare. The case back is great andthe bracelet looks very nice, a quality bracelet. The dial lets it down for me.
The Alpinist is a great versitle watch, dress up, dress down and great if you are looking for a small 3 watch collection. Love the Sinn however the Alpinist scratches the Explorer itch until I can get an Explorer👌
The Sinn 556 is barebones at 1300usd. I would pick an Archimede Outdoor Antimag over it - any day. Would also pick the new Alpanist over the 556. The "antimagnetisch" capability that is engraved on the back of the 556 is just for marketing. At 4800 a/m it's just standard. The Alpanist (its 6Rxx movement) is also rated at 4800 a/m...
@@otobotrecords well for one, the steel is a far higher quality, and the assembly of the crown and stem is rock solid with literally 0 wobble. The winding is also flawless vs kind of gritty feeling on the seiko. The threading on the crown is also much better on the sinn
@@matttheoneonly6617 If I'd want that kind of stability and robustness, I'd skip Sinn completely and go directly to Damasko. On the other hand, if robustness is all that you want, why don't you just go the G-Shock route? lol🤣 Apples to apples... and IMHO Sinn loses out everytime in a toe-to-toe contest with Damasko in your criterias.
I can find the Sinn on chrono24 new for 1100 on bracelet. It's the one I have my eyes on and I hope it can line up with a milestone in my life as well. Something about the extreme contrast and the brand Sinn speaks to me. I also already have a SARB017 to scratch the Alpinist itch!
Really cool and interesting comparison! I've would have never thought of comparing these two but you're right. They're both the ideal sub-40mm, 200 water resistant everyday watch. Seriously what else do you need?
I just prefer the satin finish and far superior legibility of the Sinn, but no question there is a price premium that is starting to creep up a bit too high.
Hey. Just caught the tail end of this live chat. I have to say I would choose the Sinn all day everyday. I had a 017 Alpinist and was not impressed at all with the movement. Accuracy was all over the place. Ended up selling it. As an aside, I recently received my Cincinnati P40M blue dial. I preordered based on your review. Beautiful piece. Thanks for showing it.
Steve Tackett had the 017 as well, not as much problem with accuracy but the compass ring just looked like a cheap piece of plastic compared with the really nice looking sunray brushing on the dial and basically every other surface of the watch.
I've got both of these and have to say the Seiko tops the Sinn. I love my Sinn but the Alpinist is just better and more enjoyable. Now I'd take my Sinn over an 017 all day long.
Could you do a video on how pricing on "affordable" watches have increased, off the top of my head I can think of Seiko, Sinn, Nomos, Oris compared to 5-10 years back. For me the Hamilton Khaki field mechanical and automatic lines are the value props.
I think out of the two, I would enjoy the alpinist more, its just such a "do it all" piece, these new alpinist models really took it to the next level if you ask me, I was never interested in one before now
Another classic Vs video 👍 Would love to see the Alpinist vs Monta Triumph. It should make and interesting comparison, at a slightly different price point.
I want to like the Alpinist, but the dual crown just doesn't work for me at all. I think Sinn is far more readable and much better as an everyday watch. Also it's bracelet seems way better.
can't wait to get this seiko on my channel! but im having trouble deciding white or black one. this video has me back to leaning towards black one. dam. i was about to decide white lol.
Would take the Sinn, while its nice to see the top ETA movement I feel anyone that has owned a Sinn didn't buy it to see the movement and would prefer a solid caseback while it probably wouldn't save much on the price feel it's a tool watch and shouldn't have a display caseback! Seiko is nice but the model just never did anything for my taste, really don't like the handset or dial and while its movement is better than the Seiko NH35A movement in the Nodus Sector, I would compare the Nodus contrail ( fixed smooth bezel) with the miyota 9015 & Sector field watches to the Sinn, I like the H-link bracelet and feel the oyster has been played out unless it has ROLEX on the dial;) Another great comparison, keep up the great work!!
The Sinn is an Explorer for the masses. A solid case back would make a lot of sense given the tool feel of the watch and would lower the price - an ETA movement doesn't really need an exhibition caseback in my opinion. The Seiko is a little too thick for me and the dial is too busy. I don't dislike it but between the two I would buy the Sinn. I don't have a large wrist and would be happier if there was a greater choice of 36mm watches of this type and price.
Mark has talked about the "baby Alpinist," and has pictures up in his community tab. That one will be 38mm, with no compass, and a simpler dial...that's the one I'm waiting for. I have been thinking about pulling the trigger on a 556, but I believe I will wait on these. Look, size, price; should be everything I'm looking for in a field watch.
the alpinist has polish on the inside and it looks like theres a gap. but hold in your hand and magnify it and its not a gap its just over polish on the connecting points of the bracelet. grand seiko has this issue as well.
I have both albeit the green dial Alpinist...two totally different watches in my opinion. The Sinn is a total everyday tool watch that will take a knock or three...the Seiko is much dressier. I'd never compare them in direct competition.
Sinn prices have gotten ridiculous and they're using movements you can find in $400-$500 watches. Both are great watches, but they should be around $600-$800.
The recent price adjustments made by Sinn are a little annoying, but in all honesty, even the current prices are entirely reasonable, if not flat out good. Short of extremely used or damaged examples, you are simply not going to find another watch in the $400-600 range with the same specs or grade of movement as the 556. All of Sinn's watches house top grade movements that are adjusted by them, including the 556. Regardless of whether it's ETA or Sellita, there is a disparity between the different grades of movements that shouldn't be ignored. A top grade movement is what is sent to COSC to become chronometer certified , so aside from the certification, there is no apparent difference between a top grade and chronometer grade movement in terms of tolerances. However, when comparing a standard grade or even elaborè grade movement to a top grade, there is are substantial differences and that is why $400-600 watches are able to house ETA or Sellita movements. They are the same movements, but are basically worlds apart in terms of quality as the top grade is decorated, built to better tolerances, and is just a much better movement plain and simple. Even at the $600-800 range finding a watch that houses a top grade movement is incredibly rare and honestly only happens on the used market. At that price, you are more likely to find an elaborè or in some cases a standard grade, so I really don't think that price tag would be warranted for the 556. Obviously $1000-1500 is a lot of money, let alone for a watch, but when looking at the price per spec of the 556, it is honestly a better deal, even at its current price, than a lot of other popular models from more mainstream brands. The now discontinued Tudor Heritage Ranger houses a top grade ETA 2824-2, the same as the Sinn 556 (which now uses the top grade Sellita SW200, but they are literally the same for all intents and purposes) and yet the MSRP of the Ranger was a little over $2000 and currently cannot be had for less than ≈$2500. This doesn't necessarily mean that the Tudor isn't outrageously overpriced, but given that people are perfectly content handing over that much for a similarly spec'd watch leads me to believe that Sinn's prices aren't really ridiculous at all, and are in fact, relatively decent.
I don't really care about background, history or origin of the watches or their brands. It would be very sad if I have to look into all these when I buy a watch. Somehow, the side by side comparison makes Sinn looks like a toy watch.
Going off your first sentence, you might as well save yourself a packet and get an Invicta 1953. If you find it 'very sad' to do the research, maybe a different hobby would be better: basketweaving or something.
Im a little on the fence with the internal compass bezel on the alpinist. I would mostly use it as a timer, as i rarely ever need to know my directional bearing. But its nice to have that option on a more dress style watch.
Great comparison. There are a few things I don't like about the Alpinist : 1. The gimmicky compass (that is the worst) 2. The date window 3.The date window magnifier 4. I would prefer more brushed than mirror polished surfaces. I'm not a huge fan of that Sinn either(I think the 556 I version looks better) but I would rather have it than the tacky Alpinist.
I had a Sarb017 and now have the white dial Prospex Alpinist. There’s hardly any difference. Case is exactly the same. Slight difference in dial text, I prefer the new model as didn’t like the ‘23 Jewels’ on the old one, cheapens it. New one has a cyclops, some people like it some don’t - but the magnification is strong. New one has a display caseback, I preferred the old caseback with the Alpinist logo. The compass action on the new one is much tighter - and better, was very loose on the Sarb. New one comes with much better strap. The upgraded movement on the new one has a 70hr power reserve, mine is running at +7 seconds per day. The way it wears is identical. Lume identical. I much prefer the cream and silver colourway of my new one compared to the green and gold of my old Sarb, which wasn’t very versatile. Hope that helps.
I bought the seiko got a black nato strap for it though... not a fan of the sinn dial personally....and i like the fish eye on this watch good video compare and contrasting the watches
The Sinn 556A is a poor value proposition for me. They should've just gotten rid of the date window like the other variants. At that price point it should've been updated to have a tegimented case. If I were to buy a 556 I would buy the dark MOP dial, at least that's a unique piece. Now, if they would only play around with meteorite dials....
The Alpinist is more versatile than the Sinn as it might be worn as a dress watch, those Arabic numbers on the Sinn dial are just too big for formal occasion wear but it's not designed to do so.
I struggle with the black Alpinist. I want to like it, but I really don't like the reflections on the indices. And the cyclops is a huge eyesore. It looked much better with the date outlined with a box instead.
At first sight I thought the Sinn was a Citizen Promaster like the Ray Mears or the MontBell. Ecodrive and titanium for a third or less of the price...
Sinn is absolute bore, never understood the fuzz about it. Seiko from the other side is a stunner! However I don't get this Seiko craziness with putting date magnifiers on latest models, that's nonsens, without this, alpinist would be the perfect watch.
Sinn is clearly the better watch here, but i feel like its not 2x better like the price suggests. It wins the movement, bracelet, finishing and legibility department.
@@mcscotty325 go to WUS forum that particular model is an entry level you should be able to get one in good condition with visible wear at 40-50% off retail price.. mint like new condition probably around 30% off retail
Never happen. It would have to be no box, no papers, leather strap, with visible dents and dings to drop below $850. The Sinn 556(a or i) regularly fetch between $1000 and $1200 for a full kit in good condition. Sinn watches tend to hold their value very well.
@@squarestanley 556 on bracelet is $1500 retail. Take 40% off that is $900 yes you can find it at that price but not on *bay or *hrono24 where they charge the seller commission fee. You can find them in personal listings on watch forums like WUS.
I'd like to see a comparison between the Sinn and the Archimede Outdoor. The Archimede is more about readability and ruggedness than the Seiko; more comparable to the Sinn.
just got the archimede 41 a month or so ago. great styling and fit and finish; yet it looks like nothing else in my collection. very balanced glad i purchesed one.
I kind of feel like if you're trying to hide the date window, probably just don't have a date then. Any element that looks like an afterthought is probably a design faux pas.
The Seiko Alpinist is unique in that it is contrary to traditional Japanese culture. I think of Japanese culture as being “simplistic”, “minimalist” and “purists”. Therefore, to make something contrary is a unique item... it’s somewhat original. To me the Alpinist is cluttered and busy, however, it did not stop me from owning one. Although I like the looks of the Sinn it is a homage watch... not very unique nor original in design. Despite that I would still like to own one.
The German watch is more precisely manufactured. And the eta 2824 is capable of award winning chronometric performance. The seiko is good, but not in same class. The sinn is worth twice the price.
The Alpanist in dark seemed like the time was 11.30 and not 10.30. Sinn is better because of its nummers. Sinn is Topgrade and has better accurecy in the long run. Sinne makes there own oil and gives it to ETA and Selitta so they can use it. However I do like Seikos 70 hours powerreserve. When you pass 50 years old, many also likes the cyplos.
Seiko accuracy is ka ka and visually is not helped by that clunky cave man lower beat sweep of the second hand. I had the Seiko Sarb017 and sold it to buy the Sinn 556. Here you have smooth German quality, built like a tank, high beat Swiss movement with excellent accuracy and a nice smooth second hand sweep. The Seiko fan boys are just a delusional lot to think the Alpinist is really any good for the money.
The Sinn is just plain boring. I had the 556 and the matt black dial is just too flat. The Alpinist is fairly nice but the cyclops is hideous and the indices make it look difficult to read. I prefer the look of of old Sarb17. The date on the Sinn is too small to actually read. Both would be better without any date complication.
SINN is the best in all way, look precision ... 6R15 6R35 sucks oh yes 6R35 is 72 hours when 50 before bu .... and Price was before 499euros in 2012 for a SARB033 and now 700euros for same lol, my SINN is +2 my SEIKO 6R15 is -10 lol, if you want good SEIKO it s GRAND SEIKO but price is crazy ;;;; i liked this kind of SEIKO when price was normal not over price 700euros NO WAY
I own them both. The 556 is 3x the watch. The finishing, design and build quality embarrass the Seiko. I love my alpinist too, but this is an unfair comparison.
![Average Bros [Mark Alamares]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/AMTyfBoS_HGUS5NeMIdml3FQHYPLCvE10yYPfvjGSZRfNEkgmgSJlVqPFEQ4yky_fTnRrnqQ=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
Both are beautiful. Both are collector watches. If forced to choose though, there is no contest. Sinn.
There dozens of watches that are similar to the Sinn, the Alpinist is unique and far more beautiful. At half the price it's a no brainer and I love the cyclops!!!
The Seiko looks awesome I think il go for this over the Sinn
i actually find sinn look bigger than seiko due its plain design
Also funny how two matt, black dials can be so diffrent. Seiko almost looks like glossy next to sinn's :)
Anyway - great review, made my afternoon coffee :)
all the best from Poland.
Looking forward to the review as I have the same Sinn 556A and just ordered the same black alpinist SBDC087 from Sakura. I also have a Tudor BB 58 which will hopefully make this my ultimate three watch collection! Although if a new blue Alpinist with the new movement and cyclops came out it would have to be had.
Sounds like my kind of collection Andy, thanks for sharing!
thank you , i’m receiving some time this week. alpinist black
Been eyeing that Sinn for a every day watch for a while now, thanks...enjoying the channel!
You won’t regret it. I went from 12 watches to 6 so that I could get a Sinn 556i red seconds and it was the best trade-up I’ve ever made.
Great comparison, I very much like videos like this one, please continue this format!
Thanks, the Alpinist is superior to me.
556 a & i. luv my sinn watches. simple, well built. practical for everyday. casual, work, play.
Right off the bat I will say the Seiko. The Sinn probably has the edge in durability but the Alpinist just looks like a fabulous watch and it definitely has a longer power reserve. This particular Sinn is pretty spare. I'm interested in what you think when you them in person side by side. After seeing the video the Sinn's dial is so spare. The case back is great andthe bracelet looks very nice, a quality bracelet. The dial lets it down for me.
I’d go for the 556i but I understand your view. But that’s kind of the charm of the Sinn imo, that it’s simple, well done, and extremely legible.
The Alpinist is a great versitle watch, dress up, dress down and great if you are looking for a small 3 watch collection.
Love the Sinn however the Alpinist scratches the Explorer itch until I can get an Explorer👌
I have the 556i and the blue alpinist. I love the 556i way more than the alpinist. 556i is a keeper.
Agreed. These two honestly aren't really in the same league.
The Sinn 556 is barebones at 1300usd. I would pick an Archimede Outdoor Antimag over it - any day. Would also pick the new Alpanist over the 556. The "antimagnetisch" capability that is engraved on the back of the 556 is just for marketing. At 4800 a/m it's just standard. The Alpanist (its 6Rxx movement) is also rated at 4800 a/m...
I own both. Sinn wins for me all day everyday. Build quality is far far higher
In which way?
@@otobotrecords well for one, the steel is a far higher quality, and the assembly of the crown and stem is rock solid with literally 0 wobble. The winding is also flawless vs kind of gritty feeling on the seiko. The threading on the crown is also much better on the sinn
@@matttheoneonly6617 If I'd want that kind of stability and robustness, I'd skip Sinn completely and go directly to Damasko. On the other hand, if robustness is all that you want, why don't you just go the G-Shock route? lol🤣
Apples to apples... and IMHO Sinn loses out everytime in a toe-to-toe contest with Damasko in your criterias.
@@otobotrecords lol alright kid
@@matttheoneonly6617 Pretty sure sign, that you yourself are the kid.
I can find the Sinn on chrono24 new for 1100 on bracelet. It's the one I have my eyes on and I hope it can line up with a milestone in my life as well. Something about the extreme contrast and the brand Sinn speaks to me. I also already have a SARB017 to scratch the Alpinist itch!
Aesthetically, I think the Sinn has a more nerdy science-project looks to it whereas the Alpinist has a more rocker/Harley biker feel to it.
Really cool and interesting comparison! I've would have never thought of comparing these two but you're right. They're both the ideal sub-40mm, 200 water resistant everyday watch. Seriously what else do you need?
I just prefer the satin finish and far superior legibility of the Sinn, but no question there is a price premium that is starting to creep up a bit too high.
Hey. Just caught the tail end of this live chat. I have to say I would choose the Sinn all day everyday. I had a 017 Alpinist and was not impressed at all with the movement. Accuracy was all over the place. Ended up selling it. As an aside, I recently received my Cincinnati P40M blue dial. I preordered based on your review. Beautiful piece. Thanks for showing it.
Steve Tackett had the 017 as well, not as much problem with accuracy but the compass ring just looked like a cheap piece of plastic compared with the really nice looking sunray brushing on the dial and basically every other surface of the watch.
I've got both of these and have to say the Seiko tops the Sinn.
I love my Sinn but the Alpinist is just better and more enjoyable.
Now I'd take my Sinn over an 017 all day long.
Could you do a video on how pricing on "affordable" watches have increased, off the top of my head I can think of Seiko, Sinn, Nomos, Oris compared to 5-10 years back. For me the Hamilton Khaki field mechanical and automatic lines are the value props.
Iconic or not isn't the main factor I would consider before a purchase. The quality, details and designs are way more important.
I have an OP39, Nodus Contrail 39, Spb117 and have a Sinn 556i on the way. Obviously, I love this channel😆
I like the Alpinist better.
Have 2 Alpinests and prefer them both over the Sinn.
I think out of the two, I would enjoy the alpinist more, its just such a "do it all" piece, these new alpinist models really took it to the next level if you ask me, I was never interested in one before now
Good job. Thoughts on how Monta Triumph lines up against these two?
Another classic Vs video 👍 Would love to see the Alpinist vs Monta Triumph. It should make and interesting comparison, at a slightly different price point.
Agreed.
Very much looking forward to this one, the sinn 556a is on my radar it reminds me of my grandfathers old waltham cockpit clock👍🇬🇧
Great review. I wish Sinn would put the AR coating only beneath the crystal, frustrating that they apply on top and it can get scratched.
I want to like the Alpinist, but the dual crown just doesn't work for me at all.
I think Sinn is far more readable and much better as an everyday watch. Also it's bracelet seems way better.
can't wait to get this seiko on my channel! but im having trouble deciding white or black one. this video has me back to leaning towards black one. dam. i was about to decide white lol.
I went with the black and it looks perfect my new favourite watch
@@Tom-vy3cb I got my white one and did the review it's a stunner. The black is amazing as well wish I could have both
@@EscapementWatch I shall check out your review (:
@@Tom-vy3cb sure thanks
Would take the Sinn, while its nice to see the top ETA movement I feel anyone that has owned a Sinn didn't buy it to see the movement and would prefer a solid caseback while it probably wouldn't save much on the price feel it's a tool watch and shouldn't have a display caseback! Seiko is nice but the model just never did anything for my taste, really don't like the handset or dial and while its movement is better than the Seiko NH35A movement in the Nodus Sector, I would compare the Nodus contrail ( fixed smooth bezel) with the miyota 9015 & Sector field watches to the Sinn, I like the H-link bracelet and feel the oyster has been played out unless it has ROLEX on the dial;) Another great comparison, keep up the great work!!
The Sinn is an Explorer for the masses. A solid case back would make a lot of sense given the tool feel of the watch and would lower the price - an ETA movement doesn't really need an exhibition caseback in my opinion. The Seiko is a little too thick for me and the dial is too busy. I don't dislike it but between the two I would buy the Sinn. I don't have a large wrist and would be happier if there was a greater choice of 36mm watches of this type and price.
Mark has talked about the "baby Alpinist," and has pictures up in his community tab. That one will be 38mm, with no compass, and a simpler dial...that's the one I'm waiting for. I have been thinking about pulling the trigger on a 556, but I believe I will wait on these. Look, size, price; should be everything I'm looking for in a field watch.
Yeah, it’s the Sinn for me.
I own this Alpinist, it’s awesome. I’m gonna get the green one next. I’m sure this Sinn is a nice watch but it looks like a $200 Seiko 5 or Citizen.
lol you have not seen a sinn in person
Constantinos Yerasimou lol I can’t believe you said lol
@@tezzanewton what can I say, it stuck with me for over 13 years if I m not mistaken.
Great video. Love both watches. Cheers.
The Sinn just looks like a better watch aesthetically
That Sinn is uneventful. Seiko kills it on the looks department. All subjective though.
You can see gaps on the Seiko bracelet were it connect to the case.
the alpinist has polish on the inside and it looks like theres a gap. but hold in your hand and magnify it and its not a gap its just over polish on the connecting points of the bracelet. grand seiko has this issue as well.
The next tier to compare with these 2 watches would probably be the black iwc ingenieur.. but the alpinist would really save us lots of money
I have both albeit the green dial Alpinist...two totally different watches in my opinion. The Sinn is a total everyday tool watch that will take a knock or three...the Seiko is much dressier. I'd never compare them in direct competition.
The Alpinist has become expensive, plus there are a lot of 556s in the used market
Sinn prices have gotten ridiculous and they're using movements you can find in $400-$500 watches. Both are great watches, but they should be around $600-$800.
Except Sinn use top grade movements. You won't find a top grade movement in that price range. Elabore, yes Top, no
The recent price adjustments made by Sinn are a little annoying, but in all honesty, even the current prices are entirely reasonable, if not flat out good. Short of extremely used or damaged examples, you are simply not going to find another watch in the $400-600 range with the same specs or grade of movement as the 556. All of Sinn's watches house top grade movements that are adjusted by them, including the 556. Regardless of whether it's ETA or Sellita, there is a disparity between the different grades of movements that shouldn't be ignored. A top grade movement is what is sent to COSC to become chronometer certified , so aside from the certification, there is no apparent difference between a top grade and chronometer grade movement in terms of tolerances. However, when comparing a standard grade or even elaborè grade movement to a top grade, there is are substantial differences and that is why $400-600 watches are able to house ETA or Sellita movements. They are the same movements, but are basically worlds apart in terms of quality as the top grade is decorated, built to better tolerances, and is just a much better movement plain and simple. Even at the $600-800 range finding a watch that houses a top grade movement is incredibly rare and honestly only happens on the used market. At that price, you are more likely to find an elaborè or in some cases a standard grade, so I really don't think that price tag would be warranted for the 556. Obviously $1000-1500 is a lot of money, let alone for a watch, but when looking at the price per spec of the 556, it is honestly a better deal, even at its current price, than a lot of other popular models from more mainstream brands. The now discontinued Tudor Heritage Ranger houses a top grade ETA 2824-2, the same as the Sinn 556 (which now uses the top grade Sellita SW200, but they are literally the same for all intents and purposes) and yet the MSRP of the Ranger was a little over $2000 and currently cannot be had for less than ≈$2500. This doesn't necessarily mean that the Tudor isn't outrageously overpriced, but given that people are perfectly content handing over that much for a similarly spec'd watch leads me to believe that Sinn's prices aren't really ridiculous at all, and are in fact, relatively decent.
I don't really care about background, history or origin of the watches or their brands. It would be very sad if I have to look into all these when I buy a watch. Somehow, the side by side comparison makes Sinn looks like a toy watch.
Going off your first sentence, you might as well save yourself a packet and get an Invicta 1953.
If you find it 'very sad' to do the research, maybe a different hobby would be better: basketweaving or something.
Beautiful watches. I can see myself purchasing both....
Im a little on the fence with the internal compass bezel on the alpinist. I would mostly use it as a timer, as i rarely ever need to know my directional bearing. But its nice to have that option on a more dress style watch.
Great comparison.
There are a few things I don't like about the Alpinist :
1. The gimmicky compass (that is the worst)
2. The date window
3.The date window magnifier
4. I would prefer more brushed than mirror polished surfaces.
I'm not a huge fan of that Sinn either(I think the 556 I version looks better) but I would rather have it than the tacky Alpinist.
Please compare the new vs old Alpinist!
That comparison is next on the list and will also show the Blue Alpinist as well, thanks.
I had a Sarb017 and now have the white dial Prospex Alpinist. There’s hardly any difference. Case is exactly the same. Slight difference in dial text, I prefer the new model as didn’t like the ‘23 Jewels’ on the old one, cheapens it. New one has a cyclops, some people like it some don’t - but the magnification is strong. New one has a display caseback, I preferred the old caseback with the Alpinist logo. The compass action on the new one is much tighter - and better, was very loose on the Sarb. New one comes with much better strap. The upgraded movement on the new one has a 70hr power reserve, mine is running at +7 seconds per day. The way it wears is identical. Lume identical. I much prefer the cream and silver colourway of my new one compared to the green and gold of my old Sarb, which wasn’t very versatile. Hope that helps.
I bought the seiko got a black nato strap for it though... not a fan of the sinn dial personally....and i like the fish eye on this watch good video compare and contrasting the watches
The Sinn 556A is a poor value proposition for me. They should've just gotten rid of the date window like the other variants. At that price point it should've been updated to have a tegimented case. If I were to buy a 556 I would buy the dark MOP dial, at least that's a unique piece. Now, if they would only play around with meteorite dials....
I really like the new alpinist!! I don't like this sinn 556 or sinn watches in general.
I own the blue alpinist - wish I had a sinn instead.
Did I spy a divers extension on that Sinn bracelet? I also heard that the Sinn bracelet fits the Alpinist, can you confirm that?
Diver's extension is a YES.
Alpinist SARB017 for me. Because im from Asean. Price $480 for Japan Domestic Market. Sinn $1100.
Great video. Subscribed!
The Alpinist is more versatile than the Sinn as it might be worn as a dress watch, those Arabic numbers on the Sinn dial are just too big for formal occasion wear but it's not designed to do so.
There are versions of the 556 without numbers on the dial.
What time Is It? The quicker answer Is with sinn
I struggle with the black Alpinist. I want to like it, but I really don't like the reflections on the indices. And the cyclops is a huge eyesore. It looked much better with the date outlined with a box instead.
The Seiko looks way better. The Sinn is a very good watch but not my cup of tea.
At first sight I thought the Sinn was a Citizen Promaster like the Ray Mears or the MontBell. Ecodrive and titanium for a third or less of the price...
Watching with my sarb017
Sinn is absolute bore, never understood the fuzz about it. Seiko from the other side is a stunner! However I don't get this Seiko craziness with putting date magnifiers on latest models, that's nonsens, without this, alpinist would be the perfect watch.
Visually the Sinn does nothing for me, specially for that price point.
Sinn is clearly the better watch here, but i feel like its not 2x better like the price suggests. It wins the movement, bracelet, finishing and legibility department.
Seiko s in house movement carries a weight over the Sinn s ETA .
Alpinist feels and looks a bit plasticy. The compass spins around on it's own lol. I hate it and sold mine. Sinn 556 is my favorite watch.
Sinn all day! Unless you’re talking a MM300.
I like them both. I think Seiko is trying too hard with this one. I wish they would make a watch with these specs without the compass.
Funny you mention that because they are releasing a version like that later this year ;)
I think since it’s heritage is from alpinism the compass is a great homeage to that!
SINN 100%
Sinn loses 40-50%% of its value the time you buy it new. Seiko Alpinist hold its value better if this was important to you.
I wish I could find a used 556 in decent condition for 50% off.
@@mcscotty325 go to WUS forum that particular model is an entry level you should be able to get one in good condition with visible wear at 40-50% off retail price.. mint like new condition probably around 30% off retail
Good luck finding a new Sinn 556 at $750 !
Never happen. It would have to be no box, no papers, leather strap, with visible dents and dings to drop below $850. The Sinn 556(a or i) regularly fetch between $1000 and $1200 for a full kit in good condition. Sinn watches tend to hold their value very well.
@@squarestanley 556 on bracelet is $1500 retail. Take 40% off that is $900 yes you can find it at that price but not on *bay or *hrono24 where they charge the seller commission fee. You can find them in personal listings on watch forums like WUS.
I'd like to see a comparison between the Sinn and the Archimede Outdoor.
The Archimede is more about readability and ruggedness than the Seiko; more comparable to the Sinn.
just got the archimede 41 a month or so ago. great styling and fit and finish; yet it looks like nothing else in my collection. very balanced glad i purchesed one.
I kind of feel like if you're trying to hide the date window, probably just don't have a date then. Any element that looks like an afterthought is probably a design faux pas.
The Seiko Alpinist is unique in that it is contrary to traditional Japanese culture. I think of Japanese culture as being “simplistic”, “minimalist” and “purists”. Therefore, to make something contrary is a unique item... it’s somewhat original. To me the Alpinist is cluttered and busy, however, it did not stop me from owning one. Although I like the looks of the Sinn it is a homage watch... not very unique nor original in design. Despite that I would still like to own one.
Sinn hands down.
Not a fan of that cyclops on the Alpinist crystal. Two nice watches though!
Sinn wins based on legibility alone. Get one used for less than $1k
The 13mm thickness of the Seiko is just dumb. They need to fix that.
The German watch is more precisely manufactured. And the eta 2824 is capable of award winning chronometric performance. The seiko is good, but not in same class. The sinn is worth twice the price.
Compare Sinn 556 and Orient Star RE-AU0203B00B.
Alpinist ⛰️ SEIKO ❤️
If you are a real Matthew LeTissier then you are my most favourite English player of all time.
In my opinion Seiko is pretty flimsy compared to Sinn's piece, not to say that it's even more apparent in the bracelet.
The Alpanist in dark seemed like the time was 11.30 and not 10.30. Sinn is better because of its nummers. Sinn is Topgrade and has better accurecy in the long run. Sinne makes there own oil and gives it to ETA and Selitta so they can use it. However I do like Seikos 70 hours powerreserve. When you pass 50 years old, many also likes the cyplos.
I think Seiko made a mistake putting that date magnifier on there... and the Prospex `X` logo for that matter.
Ugh,Ii want to see this one now. Sigh.
Sinn got now SW200-1, not ETA!
This is correct per Sinn website.
Sinn
The Alpinist all day long.
The date on that Zinn looks utterly ridiculous.
I'm a Sinn guy. But comparing these two very different watches just doesn't make sense, like apples and oranges
Seiko fanboys gonna fanboy…
Drink every time he says whatnot
It is ridiculous that the Sinn is 1300. I wouldn't pay 200 because with 200 I could buy the Atlas Momentum.
The Seiko does nothing for me. Legibility and simplicity of the Sinn every time.
Seiko accuracy is ka ka and visually is not helped by that clunky cave man lower beat sweep of the second hand. I had the Seiko Sarb017 and sold it to buy the Sinn 556. Here you have smooth German quality, built like a tank, high beat Swiss movement with excellent accuracy and a nice smooth second hand sweep. The Seiko fan boys are just a delusional lot to think the Alpinist is really any good for the money.
The Sinn is just plain boring. I had the 556 and the matt black dial is just too flat. The Alpinist is fairly nice but the cyclops is hideous and the indices make it look difficult to read. I prefer the look of of old Sarb17. The date on the Sinn is too small to actually read. Both would be better without any date complication.
The Sinn looks good, but the date is make the dial getting strange... the rectangular and location are weird.
SINN is the best in all way, look precision ... 6R15 6R35 sucks oh yes 6R35 is 72 hours when 50 before bu .... and Price was before 499euros in 2012 for a SARB033 and now 700euros for same lol, my SINN is +2 my SEIKO 6R15 is -10 lol, if you want good SEIKO it s GRAND SEIKO but price is crazy ;;;; i liked this kind of SEIKO when price was normal not over price 700euros NO WAY
I own them both. The 556 is 3x the watch. The finishing, design and build quality embarrass the Seiko. I love my alpinist too, but this is an unfair comparison.
countdown
ngl, the Sinn looks like an overspec MVMT.