This one is my grail, together with a Yema. What I love about this Sinn is that aesthetically is like watching plane gauges, or air-cooled Porsche VDO gauges. Its functioning minimalism. This is just the engineering interpretation of Bauhaus, instead of the architect's interpretation that can be seen on vintage Brauns or Junghans
Yeah. Good point. The Sinn 103 is a grail of mine and I think I'll own a Yema one day too. At the moment I'm waiting to see how they address their customer service problems *and* how reliable the in-house mov't is... But yeah - either the Marine Nationale or the Air Force piece, I'm not sure which, will be in my watchbox one day hopefully.
Agree with you this Sinn it’s beautiful and very well made if I was you I didn’t go to Yeama sorry but Yema has the worst QC on watch’s better but a cheap at supermarket than a Yema
My wife bought me the 556I RS for Christmas ‘21. It was a watch I had wanted for some time and I love it. And since we live in Frankfurt, we got to buy it directly where they are made!
Jody has to be the most creative watch reviewer on the internet right now. Seriously, keep up the good work, man. You’re the first place I check for watch reviews.
Depending on what kind of pilot buys this watch, a diver's extension is actually useful. While I served with the air force, I had a 1985 Sicura quartz (which explains why the SNK809 always draws my attention) on a spring expandable steel band. This helped the watch fit over my flying gloves, which is required wear in flight. Fast forward to this day, because I don't have access as yet to watch straps or bands which can be adjusted on the fly (sorry), eg when marching out of the ops room to the flight line, I've cut my nomex flying gloves to fit just before the point where the watch band starts to obviate snagging hazards. A rose by any other name I suppose, remains useful. Grand review. Loved it as always.
Yeah. In WW2 the bomber crews got so cold they would often get frostbite, hence the big fleece jackets, gloves, and boots . Divers extension makes complete sense.
This was the first watch I bought myself that crosses the thousand dollar price mark about a year and a half ago. Got the red second hand version. I hear nothing but negative things about the bracelet so I decided to save a couple hundred and get it on the black leather Sinn strap with red contrast stitching. With the money I saved on the bracelet I splurged on a really nice satin finished Staib mesh bracelet with a milled folding clasp for around $130. Finish matches the case perfectly and to this day I still wear this watch sometimes for a whole week at a time and I usually switch watches daily. No problems with the AR coating on top of the sapphire so far with mine. I can't recommend this watch enough if you're looking at possibly buying one.
I bought my sinn 556 on leather as I didn't think I liked the end links of the bracelet...I was wrong. I ended up buying the bracelet directly from sinn 6 months later and I love it. Its fantastic. I also thought the price was acceptable at €230. The kit came with tools and thread lock as you mentioned and there was no issues at all removing the screws. So I think you're right. The previous owner must have gone a bit heavy on the thread lock after sizing....I have not used the thread lock yet..
Same as I did. I bought the watch on a leather strap because I wanted to save some money but was disappointed as it was cheap looking and poor quality, which is surprising for such a simple, though well built, unit. I ended up in giving myself a Christmas present in the form of the original metal bracelet and was extremely happy with it. It boosts quality from every link, so to say, as is to be expected from Sinn. No problems with the screwed links so far. They look solid and even better quality than the ones on my Grand Seiko bracelet.
You should use the thread lock, and don't screw in the links really tight. The previous owner most certainly over tightened the bolt. The thread locker will be a light type. It doesn't lock the link together, it is meant to keep it from rattling loose, coming unthreaded, and falling out on its own
I have a 556i and I absolutely love it. The screw shearing off was not an issue until recently when I decided to resize the bracelet. When I was tightening the screws using the included keys, I sheared one screw by applying too much torque. My guess is that we are supposed to use the the thread locker in place of torque. So I now use the thread locker and tighten until the screw stops threading in; And don't tighten any more from there. My only complaint is indeed the clasp. Feels like more could have been done. Also a half link or one more micro adjust would have been nice. On the fly micro adjust would be a dream. Great review and I wish you luck in removing the broken screw.
I have been on record many times for singing the praise of the Sinn 556. I have owned a 556 A for 3 years now. The size is perfect for small wrists, legibility is unbeatable (useful with aging eyes), the case is thin and well designed and depth rating equals this of many divers. Steel, rubber, leather, NATO, it’s an absolute strap monster, and the drilled lugs allow for easy swapping. Obviously not a dressy watch, but on a nice leather, works well in an office environment too. Only gripes : the Sellitta SW200 could be better adjusted, mine is 8-9 seconds fast a day and the « large » clasp option on the OEM rubber strap is positively huge to the point of dwarfing the watch head. Unless you have an 7.5+ inch wrist, stick with the « small » clasp. The exact opposite of a trendy watch (yes, Tiffany OP, I’m looking at you), the Sinn 556 is the only watch you need and will keep when you’re tired of the buying /flipping /losing money craziness of the horological hobby.
@@yusufbest4475 i guess you mean 10 seconds a day slow ? It is probably within tolerance, but it’s more annoying than 10 secs fast so yes, worth having a trained watchmaker properly regulate this little guy.
I picked this up as my "realistic grail" about a year ago. It's an awesome GADA/explorer alternative. I wear it while working on an ambulance, and am going to wear it on my wedding in October. How's that for a flex piece?
@@JustOneMoreWatch could not agree more. I skimmed down to a 3 watch collection. The 556i; Oris Divers 65 w/ bronze bezel; and a 40mm white CWard c60. Each of these watches made the case for me to not go any higher up that ladder - equally though I now struggle to go any lower!! I’d love to add a Hamilton intra chrono panda now and be done.
I own the 556i on H-link. I love this watch. Keep in mind I've owned Tudors GMT, Pelagos and Panda Chrono. Also Omega Seamster 300, Rolex Explorer 39 Mk2 and currently 16600 Seadweller and Longines BigEye also Sinn 104. Said all that not to brag at all but to state the fact that this watch quality, fit, feel and looks is amazing. I bough it used at great price form Japan the watch is like new. I may never get rid of this piece.
I just got my 556 A RS today. Although it’s smaller than I expected, part of me is feeling bad about not just having saved for a seamaster 300 professional, which is my current “grail” watch. Considering whether to keep it or return it and wait another year or two to save up for the omega… I’m conflicted
The 556 I was one of my first watch loves, so I'm delighted to see it getting the JOMW treatment. I have the version with the red seconds hand which I think just elevates it a touch. I bought it thinking it would be a be a strap monster (and I'm sure it probably is) but the bracelet is so great, I've never taken it off. Yes, the clasp isn't exactly luxurious, but the bracelet itself is so well-executed. I had no problems resizing mine and I was a novice at such things at the time!
If you like this design and want something abit more reasonable in price, check out the Dekla Turbulenz. Great design and customisation availability. Jody, you should review this one. 👌
To call Helmut Sinn a pilot is an understatement! He was an air reconnaissance pilot in WW2 and later became aerobatics instructor and aviation inspector! He always kept his watches at reasonable prices. And here is my problem with the brand. Sinn sold the company to Lothar Schmidt (formerly IWC) and planned to continue working for the company, but got kicked out by Schmidt. They constantly raised prices since then. I got my 103 ST SA in the late 90s for just under 1000 DM (500€). The same model now costs 2450€. It was a brand with good prices from a man with expertise and dignity transformed to a brand that joins the luxury game with overpriced watches.
I have this watch and absolutely love it. I resized my bracelet with no concerns. I think you are spot on regarding the original owner being heavy handed. He should've definitely informed the buyer if this owner-inflicted defect.
Great review Jody, as always. I came very close to picking up a 556 but ended uo going with an Oris ProPilot instead. The Oris is 41mm so a little bigger than I would have preferred but for me the Oris ticked the boxes a little better than the Sinn.
I own a 556, 356 and 856, all on their various H link bracelets. That sounds like the previous owner's self inflicted issue. I've resized the bracelets a couple times each just tinkering; no issues in 5+ years.
Love, mine, UK based and just picked up the 556a RS on a bracelet - I wanted the red second hand. Love the weight, and the build quality is German! Fab.
Like that you keep having fun with these reviews and having a laugh. Some people, who have done youtube watch reviews as long as you, are starting to show some kind of fatigue. Your videos still feel fresh. Thanks, Jody, still my favorite watch channel.
Diver extension - it’s actually great for some, like me. 7.25” wrist but my hands are so big, I can’t get bracelet over the hand without the added benefit of that diver extension. This is the first bracelet watch I’ve owned that is easy to get over my bear claws. Just one thing to help others here. 😉
I have a number of Sinn - including UX and U50. I’ve thought about this model by haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Great watches and fairly bullet proof. I haven’t had any issues with the AR coating but confess I’m not a fan of the bracelet and in particular the clasp. I don’t find them comfortable and had a clasp on one of their rubber straps that worryingly kept popping open. I have the UX on a Isofrane and U50 on NATO. Regulars in my rotation. Bottom line they’re not as cheap as they used to be but you can’t go wrong with a Sinn.
Was on my list on top position when I bought my Longines Conquest - the only reason why the Longines made the race was that there was no local Sinn AD, but a Longines one just around the corner… … but some day I will buy the Sinn too!
My 556 is so old, that the minute indices have lume on them, no idea when they stopped doing that. And back then it did cost less than 800€ (new). And there were no I and A models, back then it just looked like the I Version. There was a 656 that looked like the 556A now. (but it had an additional soft iron cage inside for further antimagnetic resistance) Can't say anything about the metal strap, i opted for the leather, and during summer always changed it for a rubber strap. I bought it after getting fed up by battery powered watches dying on me suddenly without warning. (i never had one with a batt low indication) I went for the 556 as it was not that expensive, from a manufacturer with decent reputation, and to me it is the best looking watch i have ever seen. (to this day.)
I narrowed it down between this and the newer longines hydroconquest, I bought the longines and regretted it almost instantly. I had the stainless and blue dialed version, it came in a lovely box however I just found the finishing wasn't the best, the case back machining was very rough and sharp as were the edges of the case. I was then put off spending that amount of money. I wish I bought the Sinn, I'm sure I would still have it today.
Great to see a used example to see how it wears, always something I'm interested in. Looks like a really solid watch, never quite pulled the trigger myself either. A minor niggle for me is the blacked out area on the hands isn't consistent, make them all the same length for that cost. Once I noticed it I can't unsee it. Thanks for the review!
Welcome back, Father Jody. I love the simplicity and elegance of the 556i, but its too small for me (& expensive). It also have the prefect dial-to-bezel ratio. They make in 43mm in the form of Sinn 836, but it looks weird without a crown guard.
I have two Sinn 556 watches: one with the Mocha dial and H-link bracelet and one with the black mother of pearl dial and 5-link bracelet. I have not had a single problem with the bracelets or the 556 models. I absolutely love the Sinn product.
Thanks for reviewing my watch again Jody, bang on as usual! Fingers crossed Sinn look after me and I can sort the screws out. I love the clean design and the gloss black dial but I really do think they need to improve the clasp at this price point though
Great review as always! I own a 556a-rs and love the fit, finish and reliability. As for the inclusion of the divers extension, I work in construction and my hands are thicker due to turning wrenches so the divers extension allows me to get the watch over my hands with ease. It may not be necessary for most but for those of us who have this issue it is a welcomed feature.
As a guy in his 50s with presbyopia, the date window is completely worthless to me. I don’t wanna have to put on my reading glasses just to read the date. My faculties are good enough to remember what the date is. I wish they would sell a version without the date.
Very nice and clean design. 😎 German reliable quality. 👌 It would have been a no-brainer if I didn’t have my CW Sealander Elite... and too many watches in my collection. 🙄 Might be pricy but looks perfect to me in a small collection. I might consider their 856 UTC so I would have an excuse to buy a Sinn. 😏😉
I purchased this watch as a christmas present for myself. I love the dial, the indices and the hands and the contrast between them. I love the drilled lugs and the fact that this watch really is a tooly GADA-watch. I wouldn't beat this one up, because for an average joe like me I consider this a more luxurious piece price-wise. But two things really bother me. 1. The lume is really poor. I mean super weak. The dial is sort of legible throughout the night and I am able to tell the time even in the middle of the night, but the lume fades so instantly that mostly I feel like there isn't any lume at all. 2. The bracelet. This has to be the noisiest bracelet I've owned. And I even have an SKX on the stock jubilee and three Vostoks on bracelets. The diver's extension is so noisy and rattly I cannot even tell how much it bothers me. At first I was so sold on the idea of a really solid and hefty feeling diver's extension, which turned out to be totally unnecessary. I'd trade it for a clasp with a few micro adjust holes more, because right now it is hard to get a good fit with only three holes. Plus it has female end links, but they still don't turn directly down. It isn't that big of a deal due to the short lug to lug, but after owning a few bracelets which turn down instantly from the lugs, I gotta say it really is a treat. In hindsight I would save a couple hundred and buy the option without the bracelet and spend that money to buy a bunch of different straps, because this watch really looks good on anything. Otherwise I really adore this piece and at the moment it is a keeper.
Always wondered whether you’d get round to reviewing one of these Jody, great vid! I had one for about 18 months and really put it through its paces but never had an issue with the outer AR scratching off. Never had that issue with the screws either. It was hands down the toughest, most legible and most accurate watch I’ve ever had (Sinn must regulate them), and of all the very many watches I’ve owned it’s the only one I genuinely regret selling - I can feel a buy back coming on!
I was reluctant to get a Sinn 556 after this review but took the plunge a few months back anyway. I've tried to wear any of my other other watches but find the Sinn keeps appearing back on my wrist within a few hours! Addressing the moans and niggles. The clasp is not amazing but it works fine, apparently the extension is there to go over gloves for pilots (it is a pilot's watch after all) and can be ignored or used as a nice fidget toy. The AR has not scratched on mine and helps make this watch so insanely legible that my other watches look blurry (e.g. SARB033) - I'm not young but can glance at this in half-light at arms length and can instantly read the time at a glance. I can only assume a Neanderthal went to work on the bracelet screws: I did mine hand tight with no locktite and they don't budge unless I want to unscrew them, also the hex screws are nicer than standard screws or push pins. My main niggle is the date window - it's not very legible and IMO would look better being much bigger at the 6 or even cleaner without it.
I bought a 556A RS on Jan 27th 2022. The case shows no wear but I already have 3 scratches (2 very large) on the Sapphire. Just the coating, not into the crystal. I had watched numerous reviews that did mention the outer AR and the possibility of a marking it up, but I was seriously surprised at how easily it was scratched.
For most of this review I thought that the look of this piece was rather uninteresting, then the wrist shot came up and completely boggled me. Sitting on a dresser top wouldn't give this a second look but on wrist it's a really quite stunning. 👌
I have the big brother 856 version and LOVE it! Dead-on accurate and extremely robust due to the tegimented steel case. It can honestly be a ‘one and done’ piece
Had the 556A for two years, used heavily indoor and outdoors. Basically my G-Shock, if I know I’m hiking or doing physical activities it is my go-to watch. Barely a scratch on the case or bezel, and upper anti reflective has never scratched. Do agree the clasp is bulkier than needed and scratches very easily. Other than that one of the best purchases I’ve made. Worth the price (2 years ago easy to find new for $1200 US).
I keep thinking about ‘Sinning’. Looking at a 836. Couple things: sinn changed from an eta to a cellita movement (or is it the other way around?) in the 556 models a few years ago. The display case back is cool and with the movement change the older movement just looks better to me. When comparing the gold rotor is ‘cut’ a little more on the shoulders. Second thing, i prefer the red dipped second hand. You would need to find a 556 with the ‘rs’ designation to get the red on the second hand. Final thing, it’s a personal preference the white on the hour, minute and second hands don’t all line up. It’s very OCD for sure, and there some videos on youtube pointing that out!! Thanks for ‘sinning’ Jordy!
Hey Jodi, great vid as always. Just wanted to chime in as an owner of the 556i RS (same watch but with a red second hands for a bit of colour). Never had one issue with the alum keys, nor the bracelet. As you suspected, i think the original owner got a bit carried away with that. Bracelet is fantastic. The same cannot be side about the clasp. Probably the biggest weakness of the watch, but its my daily and serves me well.
A distinct feature of the A model is the date window position. It’s out of the way of any of the numerals, and manages to show the date upright even though it’s at the 4:30 mark.
The design and execution of the watch - particularly the batons version - is impeccable. You’re particularly right about the branding/text. The extension is, of course, to fit over a flight suit. You can’t expect the rufty -tufty Sinn customer to release the collective with one hand to pull back their flight suit cuff, can you? H-links, though. Whose idea was that? A visually compelling watch, but not a compelling value proposition.
@@nusbacher I knew that name looked familiar. In hindsight I could have just googled it, but morning craziness and all of that lol. You wouldn't happen to have a preferred resource for a history of military watches that you'd be willing to recommend?
I have a 556i (daily wear) on H link and have never had the screw shear. Also I would never put lock tight, even blue which is supposed to be temporarily, on screws that small. You are sure to shear the screw from the lock tight. Also the shear could have been caused from trying to over tighten the screw. If you try to over tightened a female hex head screw the thread section will fail before the head becomes rounded out as the threaded part has the thinnest cross sectional area of material. Should mention my daily job is a mechanical engineer. Love Sinn and am eying a U50 on rubber!
Love the watch. I am a bracelet guy…but mine is on the five link(looks like a flat, all brushed, jubilee. Never a problem with that one. I will say I don’t like the AR coating on the outside… It scratches off relatively easily… I have several small scratches on that outer coating and it is quite noticeable in bright light. Thanks for the review Jody.
I like to think of the 556 as the german Explorer: fair price, reliable, robust, maybe a little over-engineered with the hex screws, but hey, that's how we are. Thanks for the great video, mate. Oh, btw, that Sinn screw lock looks a lot like Loctite 243 which might overdo the glue-job a little bit, again the german way of doing things. I use Loctite 222 on all my watches. It's a little "weaker", has a lower breaking point but it has never failed me. 👍
As a pilot flying at night, lights are off to see outside visual flight reference and a easy to see watch is preferable. Dark face watches are okay during the daylight hours but a white face is easier at night. Black hands on a white face is my preference. I do have both, Hamilton white face Aviator and an O-MAY-Gah black face Seamaster.
I also, nearly bought a Sinn 556i, but instead I ended up with a Damasko DS30. At the time, the DS30 cost less, while also having a thinner, hardened U-Boat steel case. I ended up blowing my cost savings out of the water by picking up a Damasko bracelet for my DS30... I was hoping a well made bracelet would help me like bracelets, as it turns out it didn't.
Great review, Jody 👍 *SINN - Everything you need, nothing you don't.* Got my 104 I St Sa A (grey on H-link) earlier this year and thought, "ok, got my german dream watch. No mas, I'm good". Itch = scratched. But of course, it's so nice that wearing the 104 has instead simply cracked open the door. Like... It needs this 556i RS as a companion piece. Right!? 💸 The RS version is next for me. And here I thought a SARB017 was my grail daily driver 😂 I could actually be totally content with a 556i RS and my 104i St Sa A. A complete and functional automatic collection at two pieces. Plus a Casio DW5610U and/or GW5000U, of course. No collection is above a G-shock solar/atomic square. And, yeah... The divers extension on pilot watches... I guess it'd fit over a flight jacket? But I'd much rather have a fully milled clasp with buttons and on the fly adjustment in that space where the divers extension is located. Only complaint, very minor, and not one that is even a thing once the watch is on wrist.
This is a lovely watch. I have been eyeing the 556 black mother of pearl dail with no date and applied markers. I love the simplicity, without it being boring.
Yup! Great watch have owned three of these, 556i, 556i RS and 556a RS. Sinn preowned watches hands down best value watch you can pick up in my opinion. I’ve never had issues with bracelets FYI. So think this is a ONE off
own the Sinn 857 tegimented on bracelet, & it's a forever watch. I've also owned U1 & U2 but settled on the 857. Sinn watches are unique in their features. They really are a tool watch maker. But at stellar quality. The 857 has a two wheel Valjoux 7750, so a unique design & great build. A pilots Chronograph that is dive secure
I’ve got one that I wear on the Sinn fine link bracelet and I love it. I’m a simple man and this is a simple watch, so it suits me perfectly. It also looks great on an Artem sailcloth strap and recently I’ve been wearing it in an Uncle Seiko President bracelet, which fits it perfectly and gives it a more toolish look over the Sinn fine link bracelet.
I didn't have any issue with my 556i bracelet, but I intentionally didn't use the thread lock, which comes with the package. I love this watch, it is so simple, yet so captivating and very versatile. I have to force myself not to wear it all the time, so that other watches in my collection receive some wrist time.
Jody Lad, I love this watch, I’ve been itching to pull the trigger many, many times over the years. My preference would be for the red second hand with batons for me. The numeral version would just be too close to my 36mm Rolex Explorer for comfort. Regards, Dazza. 🇬🇧
The movement is a tope grade that is regulated in house by Sinn which is why they are so accurate for a SW200, I have had mine for a year and use a tropical strap sometimes when going on holidays. An amazing watch with 200m water resistance and screw down crown. I had no issues with scratches on AR coating and issues with the screw. At the end of the day its a utilitarian tool watch which is made for a beating and its been a pleasure to wear.
I have the 556I and I had the same problem with one of the bolts/pins. It came from over-tightening the bolt the first time I resized it. So, yeah, it's an issue. Don't think it is related to the loc-tite (as I did not have any of it). At least in the US, the Sinn distributor, Watchbuys, will sell you an individual screw for $10. So, you don't have to spend a couple hundred or more replacing the bracelet. I love the watch. It is indeed a great GADA watch--a refined tool watch that can be dressed up a bit. Very accurate and build quality is excellent.
Jody, I've owned several Sinns with these screw pins: at least your buddy received his with two hex keys! I have never had the shearing problem shown here.
I have a small wrist but have loved the look of this watch for years. Build me a 36mm version please. Since I can’t wear this one, I just bought a manual wind 36mm Stowa Marine Classic with Roman numerals, no date. It’s very nice and I love it. I think it’s finished better than the Sinn and it’s roughly half the price.
I've been waiting for your review on this watch for sometime, having seen your comment about it in Bruce Williams' 556i review!! I've had my 556i for about a year, I think it's just about perfect, it has risen in price pretty steadily over the past few years though, which is a tad disappointing. I just wish for that increase they would've tegimented it, provided it with a bit more anti magnetism, and upgraded the lume, to make it super robust and tool-ish. One of my screws also sheared off, when I was sizing the bracelet. I just thought it was me using too much force on the allen keys. However the remaining bar and screw just fell out of the other side of the link, so maybe the previous owner has glued it??
Yes! It was Bruce Williams' review that got me into this one! Interesting to hear quite a few people have had issues with their screw links. I hope that Sinn look after Gary.
I owned a 556 mop h link. I think the previous owner was heavy handed with the thread lock. You only need a tiny spec on the bottom thread and not all around the thread from top to bottom otherwise you're either going g to shear the screw or chew the hex socket. The watch itself is OK. Regulated top spec and nicely machined with gold colour rotor. Mine was 1350 uk and slightly overpriced imo . I think 1k for the I, b, ib and r variants and 1100 for the mop but it is a sinn after all and still better value than an oris for what you get
In response to the bracelet hex head screws seem like a great idea until you realize people are ham fisted and torque them beyond capacity they should get lock tight and lightly tighten them lock tight holds them in
Exactly. Half the people who size their own bracelets probably can't get lefty loosey/righty tightly right and damage or break those tiny screws going the wrong way. Those are bracelet screws not automotive lug bolts.
If I'm seeing it right there are no threads on the outside of the long pin in the bracelet. If that is the case then its not stuck because of locktide. But you could try to heat the bracelet up with a hairdryer while trying to wiggle the screw loose with the Allen wrench. It does take a bit of heat to losen the locktide but if that is the problem a hairdryer should work.
If you want to find out if it was the thread locker or not, take the bracelet off, and heat up the links with a heat gun. A hair dryer on hot… may work. But a heat gun would be better. You may need to get it up to 300 F before it comes undone, but you can progressively try to remove the screw after apply periods of heat.
I've actually got a helson sharkdiver, fantastic little watch with the similar 2 screw system. They were screwed on so tightly that I needed to go to a watchmaker who essentially had to clamp the watch down to unscrew it. End result 2 ruined screw heads! Thank goodness I wont need those but good luck getting more links on
I have a Sinn U1 and have used it as my daily for 2 years. I work with my hands and I’m very hard on equipment. The anti reflective coating hasn’t scuffed or scratched.
Diver's extension on a pilot's watch? Maybe a pilot "in the drink" might want the watch outside the flight suit while awaiting rescue?! Good watch. Good vid. Keep at it!
I recently got mine, an older ETA variant and absolutely love it. I now hardly wear anything else in my collection. Thankfully my version has regular screws not hex, and with the included tool it was a breeze to adjust. The clasp is the weak point, feels cheap and the whole bracelet could really use a half link or on the fly adjustment.
Great video Jody ,I have always loved Sinn as a brand but like you I have probably the ultimate gada watch ..the Rolex explorer 39 mm 214270 it's been 3 years now and I'm still in love with my explorer ..it was love at first wear 😀
Have the 556a, great watch, very well made. I know people gasp at the price, got mine prior to the price increase sometime ago. Have it on bracelet. No problem with the hex screws outside of manipulating both at the same time. Do it a few time, and you get the coordination.
Damasko DS30 for me. Tougher case. ETA movemnet 👍 I found Sinn 556i the black face too glossy whereas 556A is matt along with the Damasko. You're really aware of the weight of Sinn on bracelet too. Super video 👏👏👏
Unfortunately the DS30 has been discontinued for Damasko's in-house DK30. I debated between the 556i and DS30 for like, a year. I ended up going 556i. The case is already scratched up though, lol.
For me also a much better choice. Even better specs and thinner which is very important if you consider it a daily. Not to mention the price. In fact all Sinn watches are overpriced
I highly reccomend that anyone looking into sinn check out NTH watches. I wanted a sinn and bought an NTH scorpene and it scratched the itch, and I love it!
Not a divers extension, it is an extension to allow you to wear the watch over your flight suit, immersion suit, cold weather jacket, etc. while it is still on the bracelet. Essentially the same mechanism for a similar purpose but flight suit rather than wetsuit.
I love Sinn watches and there are more every year. If you've ever held one in your hand, then you recognize the quality and the understatement that distinguishes Sinn. Good performance Jody and by the way Sinn means "sense" in german.
An awesome watch, a true gada. Never regretted buying it 2 years ago. The only problem is the clasp, that’s true. It’s ok and I would not say it is flimsy but it is an awful scratch magnet. No other clasp on my watches is so scratched up…
So clean and tidy, I'm normally not too bothered by a 3 o'clock date, but damn if this just begging for one at 6 o'clock. And no jab at budget watches or this channel, but I do enjoy these slightly up market reviews quite a bit.
Another great review Jody. I’ll admit you made me tempted for this one. Never paid much attention for this model, but you made quite a compelling case for it. The problem for me would be to justify it in a collection where I’ve already have an Explorer and a flieger. Watch collection is a kind of addiction…
I also bought my 556 i second hand. I had no problem with the bracelet other than a few scratches on the under side. Some of which is because of my clumbsyness. Though I wear it every day at work. Amazing watch and as always, amazing review
Lume is important for tool watches. I hope these companies understand that! So far, my Glashutte watches are the best I have. Rolex and Patek are tied for second. Omega and the rest....terrible. Thank you for doing an honest review showing the cons as well as the pros!!
An amazing watch in a world where the cheapest Explorer is five times as much, the bracelet extension is for gloves, it's cold up there Jody. A brief survay of my collection includes 5 or 6 "gada" watches......still want one😁
@@JustOneMoreWatch Well, it's what I would say if I worked at Sinn PR, I was thinking of the huge straps on original fliegers but Sinn was founded long after pressurisied flight, I learnt today. I thought they were much older, still for learner or cub pilots it would be useful
Sinn watches retain their value, though. I have four Sinns - the 656 being my oldest and closest to what's being reviewed here - and they're robust and accurate and a pleasure to wear - all of them. The Sinn bracelet conundrum has always been exactly that - because they have standardized on a limited set of case shapes, their bracelets are frequently catch-alls - that is, meant to serve many models. The dive extension is a great example. As bracelets go, though, they're very good. Marathon bracelets, for example, costs just as much and have half the quality of Sinn. It's a nice watch and I'm glad you showed it to us, today.
Is this the start of Jody's journey down the rabbit hole of German watches? I pity the wallets of everyone involved. Love your work Jody!
I guess, when it comes to high tier punchers, we can rely on Mr. X 💪🤗
Perfect match for a small collection. IMHO. 👌😎
First five seconds and I was laughing!! It’s a great looking watch and really not a bad price for what you get 👍
Yeah, now just imagine being 18 and being into German watches. Fml 😭
No need to worry about scratches on a tegimented U1 😉
This one is my grail, together with a Yema.
What I love about this Sinn is that aesthetically is like watching plane gauges, or air-cooled Porsche VDO gauges. Its functioning minimalism. This is just the engineering interpretation of Bauhaus, instead of the architect's interpretation that can be seen on vintage Brauns or Junghans
💯 agree
Yeah. Good point.
The Sinn 103 is a grail of mine and I think I'll own a Yema one day too. At the moment I'm waiting to see how they address their customer service problems *and* how reliable the in-house mov't is... But yeah - either the Marine Nationale or the Air Force piece, I'm not sure which, will be in my watchbox one day hopefully.
For me opposite, this is what I don't like about it. Too plain.
Yeah, the altimeter look was what hooked me too! Particularly the way the hands were painted.
Agree with you this Sinn it’s beautiful and very well made if I was you I didn’t go to Yeama sorry but Yema has the worst QC on watch’s better but a cheap at supermarket than a Yema
My wife bought me the 556I RS for Christmas ‘21. It was a watch I had wanted for some time and I love it. And since we live in Frankfurt, we got to buy it directly where they are made!
Jody has to be the most creative watch reviewer on the internet right now. Seriously, keep up the good work, man. You’re the first place I check for watch reviews.
Depending on what kind of pilot buys this watch, a diver's extension is actually useful. While I served with the air force, I had a 1985 Sicura quartz (which explains why the SNK809 always draws my attention) on a spring expandable steel band. This helped the watch fit over my flying gloves, which is required wear in flight. Fast forward to this day, because I don't have access as yet to watch straps or bands which can be adjusted on the fly (sorry), eg when marching out of the ops room to the flight line, I've cut my nomex flying gloves to fit just before the point where the watch band starts to obviate snagging hazards. A rose by any other name I suppose, remains useful.
Grand review. Loved it as always.
That's the point for the extensión!! First time I see someome saying it!
@@angelmoreno2541 and hence sir, what's good for the diver is good for the pilot!😊
Yeah. In WW2 the bomber crews got so cold they would often get frostbite, hence the big fleece jackets, gloves, and boots . Divers extension makes complete sense.
@@howard2501 right, even from the perspective of a took watch on áreas with cold winter.
@@angelmoreno2541 it's more about them being 20,000 feet up in a tin can with no insulation :)
This was the first watch I bought myself that crosses the thousand dollar price mark about a year and a half ago. Got the red second hand version. I hear nothing but negative things about the bracelet so I decided to save a couple hundred and get it on the black leather Sinn strap with red contrast stitching. With the money I saved on the bracelet I splurged on a really nice satin finished Staib mesh bracelet with a milled folding clasp for around $130. Finish matches the case perfectly and to this day I still wear this watch sometimes for a whole week at a time and I usually switch watches daily. No problems with the AR coating on top of the sapphire so far with mine. I can't recommend this watch enough if you're looking at possibly buying one.
I bought my sinn 556 on leather as I didn't think I liked the end links of the bracelet...I was wrong. I ended up buying the bracelet directly from sinn 6 months later and I love it. Its fantastic. I also thought the price was acceptable at €230. The kit came with tools and thread lock as you mentioned and there was no issues at all removing the screws. So I think you're right. The previous owner must have gone a bit heavy on the thread lock after sizing....I have not used the thread lock yet..
That's what I did. Bought the watch in leather then decided to buy the bracelet separately few months down the road.
Same as I did. I bought the watch on a leather strap because I wanted to save some money but was disappointed as it was cheap looking and poor quality, which is surprising for such a simple, though well built, unit. I ended up in giving myself a Christmas present in the form of the original metal bracelet and was extremely happy with it. It boosts quality from every link, so to say, as is to be expected from Sinn. No problems with the screwed links so far. They look solid and even better quality than the ones on my Grand Seiko bracelet.
You should use the thread lock, and don't screw in the links really tight. The previous owner most certainly over tightened the bolt. The thread locker will be a light type. It doesn't lock the link together, it is meant to keep it from rattling loose, coming unthreaded, and falling out on its own
I have a 556i and I absolutely love it. The screw shearing off was not an issue until recently when I decided to resize the bracelet.
When I was tightening the screws using the included keys, I sheared one screw by applying too much torque. My guess is that we are supposed to use the the thread locker in place of torque.
So I now use the thread locker and tighten until the screw stops threading in; And don't tighten any more from there.
My only complaint is indeed the clasp. Feels like more could have been done. Also a half link or one more micro adjust would have been nice. On the fly micro adjust would be a dream.
Great review and I wish you luck in removing the broken screw.
3 seconds in and I'm dying. The pater's cape, Jody's grin as he says “Sinned“ 😅😅😅😂😂😂
I have been known to Sinn occasionally!
Imagine one of these with a Seiko spring drive inside. The dial & hands of this piece seem like a perfect match for that smooth, constant sweep.
I have been on record many times for singing the praise of the Sinn 556. I have owned a 556 A for 3 years now.
The size is perfect for small wrists, legibility is unbeatable (useful with aging eyes), the case is thin and well designed and depth rating equals this of many divers. Steel, rubber, leather, NATO, it’s an absolute strap monster, and the drilled lugs allow for easy swapping. Obviously not a dressy watch, but on a nice leather, works well in an office environment too.
Only gripes : the Sellitta SW200 could be better adjusted, mine is 8-9 seconds fast a day and the « large » clasp option on the OEM rubber strap is positively huge to the point of dwarfing the watch head. Unless you have an 7.5+ inch wrist, stick with the « small » clasp.
The exact opposite of a trendy watch (yes, Tiffany OP, I’m looking at you), the Sinn 556 is the only watch you need and will keep when you’re tired of the buying /flipping /losing money craziness of the horological hobby.
Mine is 10 seconds slow just a month after buying.. should I get it back for regulation? Or am I just being ocd.. ?
@@yusufbest4475 i guess you mean 10 seconds a day slow ? It is probably within tolerance, but it’s more annoying than 10 secs fast so yes, worth having a trained watchmaker properly regulate this little guy.
Mine was terrible at keeping time. Short hour hand and finicky crown. Finally sold it after 2 years.
I picked this up as my "realistic grail" about a year ago. It's an awesome GADA/explorer alternative. I wear it while working on an ambulance, and am going to wear it on my wedding in October. How's that for a flex piece?
Great choice Glen. It's a watch that makes climbing 'the luxury ladder' any further completely pointless.
@@JustOneMoreWatch Damasko next, Jody? They’ve come up with a very clever in-house modification of the ETA 2824-2. Well worth a look.
@@JustOneMoreWatch could not agree more. I skimmed down to a 3 watch collection. The 556i; Oris Divers 65 w/ bronze bezel; and a 40mm white CWard c60. Each of these watches made the case for me to not go any higher up that ladder - equally though I now struggle to go any lower!! I’d love to add a Hamilton intra chrono panda now and be done.
I own the 556i on H-link. I love this watch. Keep in mind I've owned Tudors GMT, Pelagos and Panda Chrono. Also Omega Seamster 300, Rolex Explorer 39 Mk2 and currently 16600 Seadweller and Longines BigEye also Sinn 104. Said all that not to brag at all but to state the fact that this watch quality, fit, feel and looks is amazing. I bough it used at great price form Japan the watch is like new. I may never get rid of this piece.
I just got my 556 A RS today. Although it’s smaller than I expected, part of me is feeling bad about not just having saved for a seamaster 300 professional, which is my current “grail” watch. Considering whether to keep it or return it and wait another year or two to save up for the omega… I’m conflicted
The 556 I was one of my first watch loves, so I'm delighted to see it getting the JOMW treatment. I have the version with the red seconds hand which I think just elevates it a touch. I bought it thinking it would be a be a strap monster (and I'm sure it probably is) but the bracelet is so great, I've never taken it off. Yes, the clasp isn't exactly luxurious, but the bracelet itself is so well-executed. I had no problems resizing mine and I was a novice at such things at the time!
I was thrilled to see this review and it did not disappoint. Sinn gets so many things right on this. Love it.
If you like this design and want something abit more reasonable in price, check out the Dekla Turbulenz. Great design and customisation availability. Jody, you should review this one. 👌
To call Helmut Sinn a pilot is an understatement! He was an air reconnaissance pilot in WW2 and later became aerobatics instructor and aviation inspector! He always kept his watches at reasonable prices. And here is my problem with the brand. Sinn sold the company to Lothar Schmidt (formerly IWC) and planned to continue working for the company, but got kicked out by Schmidt. They constantly raised prices since then. I got my 103 ST SA in the late 90s for just under 1000 DM (500€). The same model now costs 2450€. It was a brand with good prices from a man with expertise and dignity transformed to a brand that joins the luxury game with overpriced watches.
Some people call it inflation. Everything is getting more expensive since the good old DM times.
@@sebastianm.5868 that would be 500% inflation within 24 years. We would have noticed that!
I have this watch and absolutely love it. I resized my bracelet with no concerns. I think you are spot on regarding the original owner being heavy handed. He should've definitely informed the buyer if this owner-inflicted defect.
I've had one for 2 years, 556i
Almost the perfect watch.
Get it on the bracelet. No problems with the screws.
Cheers Jody! I'm very glad you've reviewed this one
Great review Jody, as always. I came very close to picking up a 556 but ended uo going with an Oris ProPilot instead. The Oris is 41mm so a little bigger than I would have preferred but for me the Oris ticked the boxes a little better than the Sinn.
I own a 556, 356 and 856, all on their various H link bracelets. That sounds like the previous owner's self inflicted issue. I've resized the bracelets a couple times each just tinkering; no issues in 5+ years.
Love, mine, UK based and just picked up the 556a RS on a bracelet - I wanted the red second hand. Love the weight, and the build quality is German! Fab.
All about the RS variant. Adds just enough pop and character to lift it even higher
@@citizen_wolf I felt like the RS added a certain sporty element to it, but took away your ability to dress it up.
Like that you keep having fun with these reviews and having a laugh. Some people, who have done youtube watch reviews as long as you, are starting to show some kind of fatigue. Your videos still feel fresh. Thanks, Jody, still my favorite watch channel.
Diver extension - it’s actually great for some, like me. 7.25” wrist but my hands are so big, I can’t get bracelet over the hand without the added benefit of that diver extension. This is the first bracelet watch I’ve owned that is easy to get over my bear claws. Just one thing to help others here. 😉
I have a number of Sinn - including UX and U50. I’ve thought about this model by haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Great watches and fairly bullet proof. I haven’t had any issues with the AR coating but confess I’m not a fan of the bracelet and in particular the clasp. I don’t find them comfortable and had a clasp on one of their rubber straps that worryingly kept popping open. I have the UX on a Isofrane and U50 on NATO. Regulars in my rotation.
Bottom line they’re not as cheap as they used to be but you can’t go wrong with a Sinn.
Was on my list on top position when I bought my Longines Conquest - the only reason why the Longines made the race was that there was no local Sinn AD, but a Longines one just around the corner…
… but some day I will buy the Sinn too!
My 556 is so old, that the minute indices have lume on them, no idea when they stopped doing that. And back then it did cost less than 800€ (new). And there were no I and A models, back then it just looked like the I Version. There was a 656 that looked like the 556A now. (but it had an additional soft iron cage inside for further antimagnetic resistance) Can't say anything about the metal strap, i opted for the leather, and during summer always changed it for a rubber strap.
I bought it after getting fed up by battery powered watches dying on me suddenly without warning. (i never had one with a batt low indication) I went for the 556 as it was not that expensive, from a manufacturer with decent reputation, and to me it is the best looking watch i have ever seen. (to this day.)
I narrowed it down between this and the newer longines hydroconquest, I bought the longines and regretted it almost instantly. I had the stainless and blue dialed version, it came in a lovely box however I just found the finishing wasn't the best, the case back machining was very rough and sharp as were the edges of the case. I was then put off spending that amount of money. I wish I bought the Sinn, I'm sure I would still have it today.
Great to see a used example to see how it wears, always something I'm interested in. Looks like a really solid watch, never quite pulled the trigger myself either. A minor niggle for me is the blacked out area on the hands isn't consistent, make them all the same length for that cost. Once I noticed it I can't unsee it. Thanks for the review!
Welcome back, Father Jody.
I love the simplicity and elegance of the 556i, but its too small for me (& expensive). It also have the prefect dial-to-bezel ratio.
They make in 43mm in the form of Sinn 836, but it looks weird without a crown guard.
836 Definitely looks weird
I have owned, and sold, nearly 30 watches at this point and my 556 i RS is the only one that has never been on the chopping block.
I have two Sinn 556 watches: one with the Mocha dial and H-link bracelet and one with the black mother of pearl dial and 5-link bracelet. I have not had a single problem with the bracelets or the 556 models. I absolutely love the Sinn product.
Thanks for reviewing my watch again Jody, bang on as usual! Fingers crossed Sinn look after me and I can sort the screws out. I love the clean design and the gloss black dial but I really do think they need to improve the clasp at this price point though
Thank you Gary! Make sure you send this video to Sinn and get a couple of free screws 😜
Great review as always! I own a 556a-rs and love the fit, finish and reliability. As for the inclusion of the divers extension, I work in construction and my hands are thicker due to turning wrenches so the divers extension allows me to get the watch over my hands with ease. It may not be necessary for most but for those of us who have this issue it is a welcomed feature.
As a guy in his 50s with presbyopia, the date window is completely worthless to me. I don’t wanna have to put on my reading glasses just to read the date. My faculties are good enough to remember what the date is. I wish they would sell a version without the date.
Very nice and clean design. 😎
German reliable quality. 👌
It would have been a no-brainer if I didn’t have my CW Sealander Elite... and too many watches in my collection. 🙄
Might be pricy but looks perfect to me in a small collection.
I might consider their 856 UTC so I would have an excuse to buy a Sinn. 😏😉
I purchased this watch as a christmas present for myself. I love the dial, the indices and the hands and the contrast between them. I love the drilled lugs and the fact that this watch really is a tooly GADA-watch. I wouldn't beat this one up, because for an average joe like me I consider this a more luxurious piece price-wise. But two things really bother me.
1. The lume is really poor. I mean super weak. The dial is sort of legible throughout the night and I am able to tell the time even in the middle of the night, but the lume fades so instantly that mostly I feel like there isn't any lume at all.
2. The bracelet. This has to be the noisiest bracelet I've owned. And I even have an SKX on the stock jubilee and three Vostoks on bracelets. The diver's extension is so noisy and rattly I cannot even tell how much it bothers me. At first I was so sold on the idea of a really solid and hefty feeling diver's extension, which turned out to be totally unnecessary. I'd trade it for a clasp with a few micro adjust holes more, because right now it is hard to get a good fit with only three holes. Plus it has female end links, but they still don't turn directly down. It isn't that big of a deal due to the short lug to lug, but after owning a few bracelets which turn down instantly from the lugs, I gotta say it really is a treat.
In hindsight I would save a couple hundred and buy the option without the bracelet and spend that money to buy a bunch of different straps, because this watch really looks good on anything.
Otherwise I really adore this piece and at the moment it is a keeper.
Always wondered whether you’d get round to reviewing one of these Jody, great vid!
I had one for about 18 months and really put it through its paces but never had an issue with the outer AR scratching off. Never had that issue with the screws either. It was hands down the toughest, most legible and most accurate watch I’ve ever had (Sinn must regulate them), and of all the very many watches I’ve owned it’s the only one I genuinely regret selling - I can feel a buy back coming on!
I was reluctant to get a Sinn 556 after this review but took the plunge a few months back anyway. I've tried to wear any of my other other watches but find the Sinn keeps appearing back on my wrist within a few hours! Addressing the moans and niggles. The clasp is not amazing but it works fine, apparently the extension is there to go over gloves for pilots (it is a pilot's watch after all) and can be ignored or used as a nice fidget toy. The AR has not scratched on mine and helps make this watch so insanely legible that my other watches look blurry (e.g. SARB033) - I'm not young but can glance at this in half-light at arms length and can instantly read the time at a glance. I can only assume a Neanderthal went to work on the bracelet screws: I did mine hand tight with no locktite and they don't budge unless I want to unscrew them, also the hex screws are nicer than standard screws or push pins. My main niggle is the date window - it's not very legible and IMO would look better being much bigger at the 6 or even cleaner without it.
I bought a 556A RS on Jan 27th 2022. The case shows no wear but I already have 3 scratches (2 very large) on the Sapphire. Just the coating, not into the crystal. I had watched numerous reviews that did mention the outer AR and the possibility of a marking it up, but I was seriously surprised at how easily it was scratched.
For most of this review I thought that the look of this piece was rather uninteresting, then the wrist shot came up and completely boggled me. Sitting on a dresser top wouldn't give this a second look but on wrist it's a really quite stunning. 👌
I have the big brother 856 version and LOVE it! Dead-on accurate and extremely robust due to the tegimented steel case. It can honestly be a ‘one and done’ piece
Great review Jodie. I've owned a 556a on the H link bracelet for about 2 years & I've never had any issues with the bracelet.
I have the RS version of this watch and love the heck out of it!
Had the 556A for two years, used heavily indoor and outdoors. Basically my G-Shock, if I know I’m hiking or doing physical activities it is my go-to watch. Barely a scratch on the case or bezel, and upper anti reflective has never scratched. Do agree the clasp is bulkier than needed and scratches very easily. Other than that one of the best purchases I’ve made. Worth the price (2 years ago easy to find new for $1200 US).
Secret of removing the screw if they have been thread locked is to heat the screw up before attempting to unscrew it.
I keep thinking about ‘Sinning’. Looking at a 836. Couple things: sinn changed from an eta to a cellita movement (or is it the other way around?) in the 556 models a few years ago. The display case back is cool and with the movement change the older movement just looks better to me. When comparing the gold rotor is ‘cut’ a little more on the shoulders. Second thing, i prefer the red dipped second hand. You would need to find a 556 with the ‘rs’ designation to get the red on the second hand. Final thing, it’s a personal preference the white on the hour, minute and second hands don’t all line up. It’s very OCD for sure, and there some videos on youtube pointing that out!! Thanks for ‘sinning’ Jordy!
Hey Jodi,
great vid as always. Just wanted to chime in as an owner of the 556i RS (same watch but with a red second hands for a bit of colour).
Never had one issue with the alum keys, nor the bracelet. As you suspected, i think the original owner got a bit carried away with that.
Bracelet is fantastic. The same cannot be side about the clasp. Probably the biggest weakness of the watch, but its my daily and serves me well.
A distinct feature of the A model is the date window position. It’s out of the way of any of the numerals, and manages to show the date upright even though it’s at the 4:30 mark.
The design and execution of the watch - particularly the batons version - is impeccable. You’re particularly right about the branding/text. The extension is, of course, to fit over a flight suit. You can’t expect the rufty -tufty Sinn customer to release the collective with one hand to pull back their flight suit cuff, can you?
H-links, though. Whose idea was that?
A visually compelling watch, but not a compelling value proposition.
Are you the famous military historian?
@@degenerateWA There is only one of me, so yes.
@@nusbacher I knew that name looked familiar. In hindsight I could have just googled it, but morning craziness and all of that lol. You wouldn't happen to have a preferred resource for a history of military watches that you'd be willing to recommend?
@@degenerateWA No recommendation, sorry.
Nice to see a “not a diver”. The 556 A could easily be a 1 watch collection for me. I really appreciate the detail in the negative date wheel.
556 is a piece of art. Bracelet is just awesome. Altogether stunning. I have my 1st sinn (blue one, no date) just for a few days now.
I have a 556i (daily wear) on H link and have never had the screw shear. Also I would never put lock tight, even blue which is supposed to be temporarily, on screws that small. You are sure to shear the screw from the lock tight. Also the shear could have been caused from trying to over tighten the screw. If you try to over tightened a female hex head screw the thread section will fail before the head becomes rounded out as the threaded part has the thinnest cross sectional area of material. Should mention my daily job is a mechanical engineer. Love Sinn and am eying a U50 on rubber!
Love the watch. I am a bracelet guy…but mine is on the five link(looks like a flat, all brushed, jubilee. Never a problem with that one. I will say I don’t like the AR coating on the outside… It scratches off relatively easily… I have several small scratches on that outer coating and it is quite noticeable in bright light. Thanks for the review Jody.
I like to think of the 556 as the german Explorer: fair price, reliable, robust, maybe a little over-engineered with the hex screws, but hey, that's how we are. Thanks for the great video, mate.
Oh, btw, that Sinn screw lock looks a lot like Loctite 243 which might overdo the glue-job a little bit, again the german way of doing things. I use Loctite 222 on all my watches. It's a little "weaker", has a lower breaking point but it has never failed me. 👍
As a pilot flying at night, lights are off to see outside visual flight reference and a easy to see watch is preferable. Dark face watches are okay during the daylight hours but a white face is easier at night. Black hands on a white face is my preference. I do have both, Hamilton white face Aviator and an O-MAY-Gah black face Seamaster.
I also, nearly bought a Sinn 556i, but instead I ended up with a Damasko DS30. At the time, the DS30 cost less, while also having a thinner, hardened U-Boat steel case. I ended up blowing my cost savings out of the water by picking up a Damasko bracelet for my DS30... I was hoping a well made bracelet would help me like bracelets, as it turns out it didn't.
I tend to think of the bracelet extension on my Sinn as a ‘flight-suit extension’ - Helmut flew in un-heated cockpits 😉
Great review, Jody 👍 *SINN - Everything you need, nothing you don't.* Got my 104 I St Sa A (grey on H-link) earlier this year and thought, "ok, got my german dream watch. No mas, I'm good". Itch = scratched. But of course, it's so nice that wearing the 104 has instead simply cracked open the door. Like... It needs this 556i RS as a companion piece. Right!? 💸 The RS version is next for me. And here I thought a SARB017 was my grail daily driver 😂 I could actually be totally content with a 556i RS and my 104i St Sa A. A complete and functional automatic collection at two pieces. Plus a Casio DW5610U and/or GW5000U, of course. No collection is above a G-shock solar/atomic square.
And, yeah... The divers extension on pilot watches... I guess it'd fit over a flight jacket? But I'd much rather have a fully milled clasp with buttons and on the fly adjustment in that space where the divers extension is located. Only complaint, very minor, and not one that is even a thing once the watch is on wrist.
This is a lovely watch. I have been eyeing the 556 black mother of pearl dail with no date and applied markers. I love the simplicity, without it being boring.
Yup! Great watch have owned three of these, 556i, 556i RS and 556a RS. Sinn preowned watches hands down best value watch you can pick up in my opinion. I’ve never had issues with bracelets FYI. So think this is a ONE off
own the Sinn 857 tegimented on bracelet, & it's a forever watch. I've also owned U1 & U2 but settled on the 857. Sinn watches are unique in their features. They really are a tool watch maker. But at stellar quality. The 857 has a two wheel Valjoux 7750, so a unique design & great build. A pilots Chronograph that is dive secure
I’ve got one that I wear on the Sinn fine link bracelet and I love it. I’m a simple man and this is a simple watch, so it suits me perfectly. It also looks great on an Artem sailcloth strap and recently I’ve been wearing it in an Uncle Seiko President bracelet, which fits it perfectly and gives it a more toolish look over the Sinn fine link bracelet.
I didn't have any issue with my 556i bracelet, but I intentionally didn't use the thread lock, which comes with the package. I love this watch, it is so simple, yet so captivating and very versatile. I have to force myself not to wear it all the time, so that other watches in my collection receive some wrist time.
Jody, the first 30 seconds had me creased up with laughter.
Jody Lad, I love this watch, I’ve been itching to pull the trigger many, many times over the years. My preference would be for the red second hand with batons for me. The numeral version would just be too close to my 36mm Rolex Explorer for comfort.
Regards,
Dazza. 🇬🇧
The movement is a tope grade that is regulated in house by Sinn which is why they are so accurate for a SW200, I have had mine for a year and use a tropical strap sometimes when going on holidays. An amazing watch with 200m water resistance and screw down crown. I had no issues with scratches on AR coating and issues with the screw. At the end of the day its a utilitarian tool watch which is made for a beating and its been a pleasure to wear.
I have the 556I and I had the same problem with one of the bolts/pins. It came from over-tightening the bolt the first time I resized it. So, yeah, it's an issue. Don't think it is related to the loc-tite (as I did not have any of it). At least in the US, the Sinn distributor, Watchbuys, will sell you an individual screw for $10. So, you don't have to spend a couple hundred or more replacing the bracelet. I love the watch. It is indeed a great GADA watch--a refined tool watch that can be dressed up a bit. Very accurate and build quality is excellent.
Jody, I've owned several Sinns with these screw pins: at least your buddy received his with two hex keys! I have never had the shearing problem shown here.
I have a small wrist but have loved the look of this watch for years. Build me a 36mm version please. Since I can’t wear this one, I just bought a manual wind 36mm Stowa Marine Classic with Roman numerals, no date. It’s very nice and I love it. I think it’s finished better than the Sinn and it’s roughly half the price.
I've been waiting for your review on this watch for sometime, having seen your comment about it in Bruce Williams' 556i review!!
I've had my 556i for about a year, I think it's just about perfect, it has risen in price pretty steadily over the past few years though, which is a tad disappointing. I just wish for that increase they would've tegimented it, provided it with a bit more anti magnetism, and upgraded the lume, to make it super robust and tool-ish.
One of my screws also sheared off, when I was sizing the bracelet. I just thought it was me using too much force on the allen keys. However the remaining bar and screw just fell out of the other side of the link, so maybe the previous owner has glued it??
Yes! It was Bruce Williams' review that got me into this one! Interesting to hear quite a few people have had issues with their screw links. I hope that Sinn look after Gary.
I owned a 556 mop h link. I think the previous owner was heavy handed with the thread lock. You only need a tiny spec on the bottom thread and not all around the thread from top to bottom otherwise you're either going g to shear the screw or chew the hex socket. The watch itself is OK. Regulated top spec and nicely machined with gold colour rotor. Mine was 1350 uk and slightly overpriced imo . I think 1k for the I, b, ib and r variants and 1100 for the mop but it is a sinn after all and still better value than an oris for what you get
In response to the bracelet hex head screws seem like a great idea until you realize people are ham fisted and torque them beyond capacity they should get lock tight and lightly tighten them lock tight holds them in
Exactly. Half the people who size their own bracelets probably can't get lefty loosey/righty tightly right and damage or break those tiny screws going the wrong way. Those are bracelet screws not automotive lug bolts.
@@chronocommander007 you are so correct with screw little is more than enough
If I'm seeing it right there are no threads on the outside of the long pin in the bracelet.
If that is the case then its not stuck because of locktide.
But you could try to heat the bracelet up with a hairdryer while trying to wiggle the screw loose with the Allen wrench. It does take a bit of heat to losen the locktide but if that is the problem a hairdryer should work.
The extension is so that you can put the watch over your jacket sleeve like pilots used to do back in the day
If you want to find out if it was the thread locker or not, take the bracelet off, and heat up the links with a heat gun. A hair dryer on hot… may work. But a heat gun would be better. You may need to get it up to 300 F before it comes undone, but you can progressively try to remove the screw after apply periods of heat.
I've actually got a helson sharkdiver, fantastic little watch with the similar 2 screw system. They were screwed on so tightly that I needed to go to a watchmaker who essentially had to clamp the watch down to unscrew it. End result 2 ruined screw heads! Thank goodness I wont need those but good luck getting more links on
I have a Sinn U1 and have used it as my daily for 2 years. I work with my hands and I’m very hard on equipment. The anti reflective coating hasn’t scuffed or scratched.
The better German modern flieger tool watch which doesn’t scratch is the Damasko DS30. It has a thinner case and a ETA top grade movement too.
Diver's extension on a pilot's watch? Maybe a pilot "in the drink" might want the watch outside the flight suit while awaiting rescue?! Good watch. Good vid. Keep at it!
I recently got mine, an older ETA variant and absolutely love it. I now hardly wear anything else in my collection. Thankfully my version has regular screws not hex, and with the included tool it was a breeze to adjust. The clasp is the weak point, feels cheap and the whole bracelet could really use a half link or on the fly adjustment.
Great video Jody ,I have always loved Sinn as a brand but like you I have probably the ultimate gada watch ..the Rolex explorer 39 mm 214270 it's been 3 years now and I'm still in love with my explorer ..it was love at first wear 😀
My favorite Sinns are the 856/857 UTC, the 104 and the U50.
Have the 556a, great watch, very well made. I know people gasp at the price, got mine prior to the price increase sometime ago. Have it on bracelet. No problem with the hex screws outside of manipulating both at the same time. Do it a few time, and you get the coordination.
Damasko DS30 for me. Tougher case. ETA movemnet 👍 I found Sinn 556i the black face too glossy whereas 556A is matt along with the Damasko. You're really aware of the weight of Sinn on bracelet too. Super video 👏👏👏
Unfortunately the DS30 has been discontinued for Damasko's in-house DK30. I debated between the 556i and DS30 for like, a year. I ended up going 556i. The case is already scratched up though, lol.
For me also a much better choice. Even better specs and thinner which is very important if you consider it a daily. Not to mention the price. In fact all Sinn watches are overpriced
Sinn make fantastic watches, I love my 556 🙂
My black dial GADA watch is the Glycine combat 6. But this Sinn is soooo goood...😍
I highly reccomend that anyone looking into sinn check out NTH watches. I wanted a sinn and bought an NTH scorpene and it scratched the itch, and I love it!
Not a divers extension, it is an extension to allow you to wear the watch over your flight suit, immersion suit, cold weather jacket, etc. while it is still on the bracelet. Essentially the same mechanism for a similar purpose but flight suit rather than wetsuit.
Very nice,, but a bit small for me,, now, a fully tegimented U50, would be sending me, to the confession box too.. 🙏
I love Sinn watches and there are more every year. If you've ever held one in your hand, then you recognize the quality and the understatement that distinguishes Sinn. Good performance Jody and by the way
Sinn means "sense" in german.
An awesome watch, a true gada. Never regretted buying it 2 years ago. The only problem is the clasp, that’s true. It’s ok and I would not say it is flimsy but it is an awful scratch magnet. No other clasp on my watches is so scratched up…
So clean and tidy, I'm normally not too bothered by a 3 o'clock date, but damn if this just begging for one at 6 o'clock. And no jab at budget watches or this channel, but I do enjoy these slightly up market reviews quite a bit.
Another great review Jody. I’ll admit you made me tempted for this one. Never paid much attention for this model, but you made quite a compelling case for it. The problem for me would be to justify it in a collection where I’ve already have an Explorer and a flieger. Watch collection is a kind of addiction…
I also bought my 556 i second hand. I had no problem with the bracelet other than a few scratches on the under side. Some of which is because of my clumbsyness. Though I wear it every day at work. Amazing watch and as always, amazing review
My goodness. Pretty close to perfection. Firmly on my radar now.
I’d go Monta. Slimmer, quick adjust bracelet. Insanely comfortable. Same movement.
Lume is important for tool watches. I hope these companies understand that! So far, my Glashutte watches are the best I have. Rolex and Patek are tied for second. Omega and the rest....terrible. Thank you for doing an honest review showing the cons as well as the pros!!
An amazing watch in a world where the cheapest Explorer is five times as much, the bracelet extension is for gloves, it's cold up there Jody. A brief survay of my collection includes 5 or 6 "gada" watches......still want one😁
Ahhhhh! Pilots' gloves! That kinda makes sense now. Never seen ti before on any other pilots' watch though....
@@JustOneMoreWatch Well, it's what I would say if I worked at Sinn PR, I was thinking of the huge straps on original fliegers but Sinn was founded long after pressurisied flight, I learnt today. I thought they were much older, still for learner or cub pilots it would be useful
Sinn watches retain their value, though. I have four Sinns - the 656 being my oldest and closest to what's being reviewed here - and they're robust and accurate and a pleasure to wear - all of them. The Sinn bracelet conundrum has always been exactly that - because they have standardized on a limited set of case shapes, their bracelets are frequently catch-alls - that is, meant to serve many models. The dive extension is a great example. As bracelets go, though, they're very good. Marathon bracelets, for example, costs just as much and have half the quality of Sinn. It's a nice watch and I'm glad you showed it to us, today.