The “Pilot” bezel would hypothetically be used for instrument navigation- as in you’d plot a course on a chart and travel by compass heading at a given speed for a set amount of time, when that time expires then you’d change to your next heading and start the countdown again for the next leg of your route. Submarines used to navigate this way as well. There is a scene in The Hunt for Red October where they use a stopwatch and chart for this technique.
Thanks for that - someone else suggested Stainless steel and Sapphire. W definitely is for white I reckon, whilst the "I" is actually a vertical divider | rather than a letter.
Check out Sinn’s “Instrument Watches” page, you’ll see the 104 model next to this one with Arabic numerals is the ST SA A (A for Arabic), this one is the I for indices.
Just purchased the black version for $1060 US from Chronext in Germany. For me, a perfect everyday watch with not a single complaint. The supplied leather band and buckle are superb, but now I’m after the in house metal bracelet, which by the way can be had for $330 US from the official US on line dealer. Keep up the great work. You have become my favourite UA-cam reviewer.
Hey thanks for the Jeffrey, appreciate the comment, and especially the big positive knock! Really enjoy the community here which is one of the most surprising things to me since starting UA-cam!
Eric S I do like the watch a lot. The price can vary slightly with currency conversion from Euros to in my case Canadian. If they have them in stock, shipping was the usual 2 weeks to my door, free. Then I had 13% HST and 6% duties. If you are American paying in $US , maybe WatchBuys at $1300 works out better? Chronext was a good and trusting source.
Awesome review. You have become one of my favourite no nonsense straight forward watches review channel. Keep up the good work. Love the Sinn. I wish they have their own in-house movement.
Finally pulled the trigger on this one despite my initial misgivings (white dial??; Selita???, all polished??? ) What can I say, I have never had such a great honeymoon with a watch as much as I did with this. It just melts on the wrist and is so good to look at and iit certainly "oozes class" even more than my more expensive watches.
I’m considering selling a couple Seikos for this piece, I particularly like the engineer type bracelet version! Btw from what I’ve read the Sellita is regulated by Sinn in 5 positions
Robert - I am not sure about the regulation process that they go through... you could well be right, but I didn't see any specific mention of this on the official site.
Oh yes I'm sure they have a process, you don't get good accuracy without one. Was just saying I don't know what processes they use as it's not stated - whether it's similar to some of COSC test stages, or something else.
I have on occasion been asked what's the best one watch for the average guy who wants an above average watch without spending Rolex money. I quite often suggest this as when I say a Seiko Presage, they go 'No, a decent watch'.
Thanks for that, good and very interesting suggestion I must say. I'm also wondering do some people say "what??" when you bring this up? It's not super well known, but they make a very good watch!
Very nicely detailed review Ivan. I really like Sinn watches. Have not got one, yet, but I do like the look of that one. I agree with you the quality is there with Sinn I don’t think you have to worry about buying one on that score.
I just like Sinn watches so much! They have a je ne sais quoi that makes them so attractive. I think it is the simple elegance mixed with the quality build of all components (put aside the movement). Thanks for the review!
There’s two reasons I have never pulled the trigger on this watch... I would like for there to be applied indices and a ceramic bezel... But I would say after time the aluminum bezel would gain a lot of character and add to the watch ! Don’t really know what I’m trying to say but ... In my opinion there’s a whole lot of other better options for my preferences
Thanks for that Taylor. The price seems commensurate with the quality for this piece... what do you see as the major competitors for this particular model?
A wonderfully detailed review, thanks!! Perhaps I missed it, but I don't recall an explicit statement that the crown is screw-down, although 200m watches generally have one. Just quibbling, though. Very neat that you spotted those tiny screws on the bezel!
Thank you for all your amazing videos. Quick question for ya. If you could purchase either the Sinn 104 or the seiko sbdc101, which would you buy? Is the Sinn with the metal bracelet worth the extra money? Thank you very much for any insight.
Perth WAtch well, let me explain a little. I’m looking for a “dive style” watch as I am not a diver but do love the way they look. I also love the day date complication. I feel the sin almost covers both those categories. The Seiko obviously is a dive watch and a well done diver said by all the reviews. But no day date. I don’t have the money to buy both currently. So I was more wondering if one stood out over the other in quality and style. Does one “feel” cheaper than the other. Etc... thanks again
Style is very subjective, so I think you have to judge that yourself. The Sinn will stand out more in terms of finish I reckon. As for how it feels, well I’ve never held a Seiko that expensive, so I cannot say how it would compare.
Thanks Ivan! Beautiful watch, the Sinn 556 is one of my 'aspire to own' watches. As a company I think they fly under the radar a bit, but the make some really nice pieces. Thanks again!!
Thanks for the review. Ordered a white dial 104 on the fine link bracelet myself from Watchbuys. Should be here within the next handful of days. The white dial looks fantastic in videos and pictures. Needed to add a white dial to my collection.
It's probably excusable that a German manufacturer might not give specific details about their model number/ letter designations, but it would appear that Sinn or their US seller, WatchBuys, is deliberately omitting any reference of the actual movement used in these watches. This info can be determined from other sources, but apparently not from WatchBuys website. Still, a very nice watch.
Very good question... all the better as there is no right answer! I think the Aquis is a better tool watch overall... the Sinn is more refined and versatile. Aquis is cheaper, which may also come into consideration.
I am in same doubt... aquis 39.5 MM or Sinn 104. I like the blue lume better on aquis. Movement is quite same. The bracelet though i saw review that the Sinn bracelet is n so good. Aquis is Difficult to find other straps. My prefer is altough aquis.
It does look like a Diver actually, but the bezel doesn't function as such and it's also admittedly not tested for dive standards, although I suspect it will do fine for most people.
Classic Flieger, it is not! It has neither a Type 'A' nor 'B' dial configuration. Moreover, it does not incorporate a Chronometer like the Navitimer et al. I think Sinn has a hide presenting this watch as a Pilots watch; sports watch ... maybe. Excellent review of the watch itself Ivan. BTW it is good to hear the correct pronunciation of ETA. So many reviewers get it wrong including some who should know better!
Very good and valid point Brian! In my understanding chronometer watches came later and perhaps are also less "classic"? Anyway, I have changed the title adjective to "modern", hopefully that is less controversial and will lead to less angry masses bearing down my door :)
Thanks for a great look-see! And thank Grahame, too. It is an attractive combination of features and functions. The black dial version is at watchbuys.com for $1300USD, so we come back to the question of value vs. price. A quality strapcode bracelet would add ~$100 instead of the pricier factory model but might offend purists. Offhand, I am not aware of a similar Asian model and obviously Asian and European manufacturing and marketing cost structures are wildly different. Still, I am somewhat displeased that Sinn and other regional lines are not more price competitive with the other side of the world makers. Makes me suspect that I am being taken advantage of when purchasing a Euro piece. Then again, I did pay something similar for a Marathon JDD with a Selita movement. Not at all the same aesthetic or other features and specs other than price. At least the factory bracelet was only half as outrageous. :D
Hey thanks for the detailed comment bro! Good point about the value... I think like with so many other things, it's exponentially less increment the higher we go in price. Is this watch 10x better than a Chinese watch that retails for $120? Most likely not, but there is no shadow of doubt this blows away all of the $120 Chinese pieces I have had in hand. But yeah, totally get what you mean about the feeling of price gouging at times!
Perth WAtch: There are satisfactions in both spending patterns. Part of the enjoyment of the Marathon is having spent a considerable sum. OTOH, the Helm Vanuatu, a Chinese micro-brand, at $300 compares cosmetically to the $2100 Sinn U1. The Sinn is more waterproof, has the talking point U-boat steel and presumably more accurate movement. Yet, the satisfaction of spending 85% less for something practically and functionally similar is a pleasant tickle. :)
The markers on the bezel are reversed so at 10 minutes it shows 50. Handy for timing set times which I have used on occasions. My watch unfortunately had a screw down crown problem and I found it difficult to engage. It is back with Sinn at the moment and I have asked if they would recalibrate it as it is running about 7 seconds a day and I know of others that are more accurate than this. I really like the watch but I also find the strap a bit thick so at the buckle you have quite a thickness. A great looking watch and even though I have a few reservations, I will probably hang on to this one for quite a while.
Ah thank you very much for explaining that, really appreciate the knowledge share there! I did wonder about the reverse times although I didn't mention it in the video I think. Thanks for the support! :)
I had a crown issue as well, did not pop out to position 1, pos. 2 got engaged instead in the popout pos. once in a while, Sinn customer service has been really helpful, they said that slight pull will help but i found out, that when it should pop out just turn it slightly in and it pops out to pos 1. other watches have similar crown issues mostly related to crown spring so perhaps its more eta/sellita general thing, some have it, some dont. Regarding accuracy mine was 8 as well at first, some days even more, but after 8 weeks it goes down to +2...3 sec/day and stays there. But truly wonderful watch, hope you enjoy it for years to come, i know i will :-)
You must've not listened carefully... that was the *anti-magnetic standard* , not the rated accuracy of the movement. I can guarantee you there is no $20 automatic that has that kind of resistance... probably no $200 automatic either for that matter.
The “Pilot” bezel would hypothetically be used for instrument navigation- as in you’d plot a course on a chart and travel by compass heading at a given speed for a set amount of time, when that time expires then you’d change to your next heading and start the countdown again for the next leg of your route. Submarines used to navigate this way as well. There is a scene in The Hunt for Red October where they use a stopwatch and chart for this technique.
Very good, thank you very much for sharing that - appreciate the knowledge share! :)
Thanks. I have this watch and love it. If I’m not mistaken the “ST SA I W” stands for - STeel Shock resistant Antimagnetic Indices White.
Thanks for that - someone else suggested Stainless steel and Sapphire. W definitely is for white I reckon, whilst the "I" is actually a vertical divider | rather than a letter.
Check out Sinn’s “Instrument Watches” page, you’ll see the 104 model next to this one with Arabic numerals is the ST SA A (A for Arabic), this one is the I for indices.
I may be mistaken about the "I" being a divider... just that it looks like that in many of the font types I have come across.
Enjoyed the review mate... This is top of my realistic Grail list, it's just perfect :-)
Thanks for that Steve - well I hope you get your hands on one some day :)
Wow these spruiking posts are getting very coordinated!
Just purchased the black version for $1060 US from Chronext in Germany. For me, a perfect everyday watch with not a single complaint. The supplied leather band and buckle are superb, but now I’m after the in house metal bracelet, which by the way can be had for $330 US from the official US on line dealer.
Keep up the great work. You have become my favourite UA-cam reviewer.
Hey thanks for the Jeffrey, appreciate the comment, and especially the big positive knock! Really enjoy the community here which is one of the most surprising things to me since starting UA-cam!
What was your customs duty cost? How is the accuracy and how long did it take to arrive after you paid Chronext?
Eric S I do like the watch a lot. The price can vary slightly with currency conversion from Euros to in my case Canadian. If they have them in stock, shipping was the usual 2 weeks to my door, free. Then I had 13% HST and 6% duties. If you are American paying in $US , maybe WatchBuys at $1300 works out better?
Chronext was a good and trusting source.
Awesome review. You have become one of my favourite no nonsense straight forward watches review channel. Keep up the good work. Love the Sinn. I wish they have their own in-house movement.
Hey thanks for that, really appreciate the positive knock and support! :)
st for steel and sa for sapphire
Ah thank you very much for that! Good to have clarification! :)
@@PerthWAtch And the thing after the "Sa" ist not a pipe symbol but a capital "i"! It stands for "indices".
Cool!
I have had mine (black face) for about a year. I can't think of anything that I can honestly say I don't like. Probably one of my favorite watches.
Thanks for that! It is indeed a very classic watch, very well balanced, and just oozes quality :)
Finally pulled the trigger on this one despite my initial misgivings (white dial??; Selita???, all polished??? ) What can I say, I have never had such a great honeymoon with a watch as much as I did with this. It just melts on the wrist and is so good to look at and iit certainly "oozes class" even more than my more expensive watches.
Thanks for sharing that. It is indeed a lovely watch and I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
I’m considering selling a couple Seikos for this piece, I particularly like the engineer type bracelet version! Btw from what I’ve read the Sellita is regulated by Sinn in 5 positions
Do you mean "adjusted", or "regulated"? There is an important difference.
Robert - I am not sure about the regulation process that they go through... you could well be right, but I didn't see any specific mention of this on the official site.
I think they do regulate it. Seems I read that. Mine is running less than +2s per day.
Oh yes I'm sure they have a process, you don't get good accuracy without one. Was just saying I don't know what processes they use as it's not stated - whether it's similar to some of COSC test stages, or something else.
I have on occasion been asked what's the best one watch for the average guy who wants an above average watch without spending Rolex money. I quite often suggest this as when I say a Seiko Presage, they go 'No, a decent watch'.
Thanks for that, good and very interesting suggestion I must say. I'm also wondering do some people say "what??" when you bring this up? It's not super well known, but they make a very good watch!
Great watch, Sinn produces some nice legible, robust and good looking pieces. Ihave the black example of this and its a great everyday wear.
Great to hear - thanks for sharing that! :)
Thanks for the review! Your friend has an incredible collection!
Haha yeah, Graeme does rotate through pieces as well, so it's constantly in flux :)
Very nicely detailed review Ivan. I really like Sinn watches. Have not got one, yet, but I do like the look of that one. I agree with you the quality is there with Sinn I don’t think you have to worry about buying one on that score.
Thanks for that John... I really have been impressed with this in hand, tempted to get one myself after that :)
I just like Sinn watches so much! They have a je ne sais quoi that makes them so attractive. I think it is the simple elegance mixed with the quality build of all components (put aside the movement). Thanks for the review!
Well said Daniel! Thanks for the comment, and glad you enjoyed the review :)
There’s two reasons I have never pulled the trigger on this watch...
I would like for there to be applied indices and a ceramic bezel...
But I would say after time the aluminum bezel would gain a lot of character and add to the watch !
Don’t really know what I’m trying to say but ...
In my opinion there’s a whole lot of other better options for my preferences
Thanks for that Taylor. The price seems commensurate with the quality for this piece... what do you see as the major competitors for this particular model?
Perth WAtch
Nothing really is similar enough to say...
But if you want an aviation watch , the Oris big crown ProPilot would be my choice
But with the ProPilot a Sinn 556 would be a competitor...
I don’t really think there are any competitors to this unique watch!
A wonderfully detailed review, thanks!! Perhaps I missed it, but I don't recall an explicit statement that the crown is screw-down, although 200m watches generally have one. Just quibbling, though. Very neat that you spotted those tiny screws on the bezel!
Thanks Jim - yeah very easy to miss and I don't blame you, I mentioned the screw crown at 4:24 :)
Thanks, my bad.
Haha no worries at all!
Looks nice and clean...I do like the finish on the rotor as well, very nice little feature.
Thanks yeah, that rotor is pretty cool too, I forgot to point that one out!
Thank you for all your amazing videos.
Quick question for ya. If you could purchase either the Sinn 104 or the seiko sbdc101, which would you buy? Is the Sinn with the metal bracelet worth the extra money?
Thank you very much for any insight.
Thanks. Honestly they are two very different styles and types of watches, and I wouldn’t consider them against each other...
Perth WAtch well, let me explain a little. I’m looking for a “dive style” watch as I am not a diver but do love the way they look. I also love the day date complication. I feel the sin almost covers both those categories. The Seiko obviously is a dive watch and a well done diver said by all the reviews. But no day date. I don’t have the money to buy both currently. So I was more wondering if one stood out over the other in quality and style. Does one “feel” cheaper than the other. Etc... thanks again
Style is very subjective, so I think you have to judge that yourself. The Sinn will stand out more in terms of finish I reckon. As for how it feels, well I’ve never held a Seiko that expensive, so I cannot say how it would compare.
Thanks Ivan! Beautiful watch, the Sinn 556 is one of my 'aspire to own' watches. As a company I think they fly under the radar a bit, but the make some really nice pieces. Thanks again!!
Thanks Derek - yeah for sure, there is a lot of respect for Sinn from everything I have read/heard :)
Thanks for the review. Ordered a white dial 104 on the fine link bracelet myself from Watchbuys. Should be here within the next handful of days. The white dial looks fantastic in videos and pictures. Needed to add a white dial to my collection.
Thanks for sharing that - hey I hope you enjoy the watch once you get it, I really did find the dial absolutely gorgeous :)
Current price U. S. December 2021…$1490…plus state sales tax now. Plus an extra strap @ $100…it’s now pretty pricey…but a great watch.
Wow!
It's probably excusable that a German manufacturer might not give specific details about their model number/ letter designations, but it would appear that Sinn or their US seller, WatchBuys, is deliberately omitting any reference of the actual movement used in these watches. This info can be determined from other sources, but apparently not from WatchBuys website. Still, a very nice watch.
Thanks for that - yeah I found it rather strange that some of these details are omitted... but you're right, you can find them elsewhere.
Which begs the question, Aquis or 104?
Very good question... all the better as there is no right answer! I think the Aquis is a better tool watch overall... the Sinn is more refined and versatile. Aquis is cheaper, which may also come into consideration.
I am in same doubt... aquis 39.5 MM or Sinn 104. I like the blue lume better on aquis. Movement is quite same. The bracelet though i saw review that the Sinn bracelet is n so good. Aquis is Difficult to find other straps. My prefer is altough aquis.
very nice looking watch, same goes for the black dial
Thanks for that - a black dial would be great to compare and contrast! :)
I would love a Sinn 356 but that is the only Sinn model that does anything for me.
A very good model from everything I can see - I would love to get one in hand for a review!
Very nice review of a very classic looking dive watch.
Thanks Chris - indeed I really enjoyed the look of this piece! :)
Dive watch??? Well, I guess so, since the Sinn bears little resemblance to a Pilot's watch as claimed.
It does look like a Diver actually, but the bezel doesn't function as such and it's also admittedly not tested for dive standards, although I suspect it will do fine for most people.
Classic Flieger, it is not! It has neither a Type 'A' nor 'B' dial configuration. Moreover, it does not incorporate a Chronometer like the Navitimer et al. I think Sinn has a hide presenting this watch as a Pilots watch; sports watch ... maybe. Excellent review of the watch itself Ivan. BTW it is good to hear the correct pronunciation of ETA. So many reviewers get it wrong including some who should know better!
Very good and valid point Brian! In my understanding chronometer watches came later and perhaps are also less "classic"? Anyway, I have changed the title adjective to "modern", hopefully that is less controversial and will lead to less angry masses bearing down my door :)
Thanks for a great look-see! And thank Grahame, too. It is an attractive combination of features and functions. The black dial version is at watchbuys.com for $1300USD, so we come back to the question of value vs. price. A quality strapcode bracelet would add ~$100 instead of the pricier factory model but might offend purists.
Offhand, I am not aware of a similar Asian model and obviously Asian and European manufacturing and marketing cost structures are wildly different. Still, I am somewhat displeased that Sinn and other regional lines are not more price competitive with the other side of the world makers. Makes me suspect that I am being taken advantage of when purchasing a Euro piece.
Then again, I did pay something similar for a Marathon JDD with a Selita movement. Not at all the same aesthetic or other features and specs other than price. At least the factory bracelet was only half as outrageous. :D
Hey thanks for the detailed comment bro! Good point about the value... I think like with so many other things, it's exponentially less increment the higher we go in price. Is this watch 10x better than a Chinese watch that retails for $120? Most likely not, but there is no shadow of doubt this blows away all of the $120 Chinese pieces I have had in hand. But yeah, totally get what you mean about the feeling of price gouging at times!
Perth WAtch: There are satisfactions in both spending patterns. Part of the enjoyment of the Marathon is having spent a considerable sum. OTOH, the Helm Vanuatu, a Chinese micro-brand, at $300 compares cosmetically to the $2100 Sinn U1. The Sinn is more waterproof, has the talking point U-boat steel and presumably more accurate movement. Yet, the satisfaction of spending 85% less for something practically and functionally similar is a pleasant tickle. :)
Good point and well said! :)
where did you see it for AUD 1,850? Thanks
Pretty sure it was Define Watches... it's the first link that comes up on my Google search (within Australia).
@@PerthWAtch thank you
No worries :)
VERY handsome styling!!
Thanks for that - agreed! :)
Thanks for putting the weight in there
Most welcome - I am trying to do this with all my reviews :)
The markers on the bezel are reversed so at 10 minutes it shows 50. Handy for timing set times which I have used on occasions. My watch unfortunately had a screw down crown problem and I found it difficult to engage. It is back with Sinn at the moment and I have asked if they would recalibrate it as it is running about 7 seconds a day and I know of others that are more accurate than this. I really like the watch but I also find the strap a bit thick so at the buckle you have quite a thickness. A great looking watch and even though I have a few reservations, I will probably hang on to this one for quite a while.
Ah thank you very much for explaining that, really appreciate the knowledge share there! I did wonder about the reverse times although I didn't mention it in the video I think. Thanks for the support! :)
I had a crown issue as well, did not pop out to position 1, pos. 2 got engaged instead in the popout pos. once in a while, Sinn customer service has been really helpful, they said that slight pull will help but i found out, that when it should pop out just turn it slightly in and it pops out to pos 1. other watches have similar crown issues mostly related to crown spring so perhaps its more eta/sellita general thing, some have it, some dont. Regarding accuracy mine was 8 as well at first, some days even more, but after 8 weeks it goes down to +2...3 sec/day and stays there. But truly wonderful watch, hope you enjoy it for years to come, i know i will :-)
Beautiful watch / Great review
Thanks bro :)
Beautiful watch!
Yes it is :)
Beautiful piece ✌👍
Thanks for that Ashley! :)
Great watch!
Thanks, I agree! :)
But how about the quality of the strap
As good as anything I've seen in leather I have to say... I prefer metal bracelets overall but this is good leather.
I would rather have 2 Sinn watches than 1 Tudor with an ETA
I get where you're coming from... how about one of the new Tudors with manufacture movement?
@@PerthWAtch Yeah! Im picking up the Blackbay 58. I would sell the 2 Sinn for 1 58!
Cannot vary by more than 60 seconds a day? What kind of certification is that? You can buy a $20 automatic that will perform within those "standards."
You must've not listened carefully... that was the *anti-magnetic standard* , not the rated accuracy of the movement. I can guarantee you there is no $20 automatic that has that kind of resistance... probably no $200 automatic either for that matter.
@@PerthWAtch I guess so because the movement being within 60 seconds is nothing good at all
No need to guess, just watch and listen carefully ;)
its...
beautiful ;-;
Thanks Harvard :)