For people considering it but hesitating because of the thickness: it's really not that bad. I hardly notice it. One aspect of the 356 that I haven't heard anyone talk about is that the case is stepped. What I mean by that is instead of having one solid wall from the case back to the onset of the crystal, the side of the case protrudes outward a little in the middle and slopes inward with the bezel and the case back, creating a visually quite slim profile on the wrist. And there's of course the boxed crystal.
@@Robert-vw3od I've owned a few hundred grands worth of luxury watches in my 14 years in the hobby, from all different brands. Of all the IWC's I've owned, I never for a second thought any one of them was overpriced. Every one of them has felt very special in the hands, on the wrist, and under the loupe.
A very sufficient review. I like the watch very much, particularly the hands. If there is a quick-release bracelet, it would've been perfect considering the price.
@@InscrutableSabaw I think it's possible to request the fine link bracelet instead of the H link, but it will cost a little extra as the fine line bracelet costs a little more than the H link.
What a beautiful tool. There's also another alternative of Sinn 356 if you have tight budget, Seiko Sna139. In my opinion Sna139 is even better in the term of price point to value due to titanium material
I really like the look of these, but from a value for money perspective I added a BB58 to my modest collection 3 years ago for similar money with an in-house METAS & COSC certified movement in a case under 12mm. This is a watch in dire need of an update, don’t even mind if they hike the price if we get a better movement in a more wearable case.
To me that is exactly what I like about the Sinn 356: It's totally old school, just as Helmut Sinn probably would have liked it: No In-House BS, just a well-tuned 7750 from the shelf that can be serviced everywhere in the world. The thickness here comes from the see-through case back. If you opt for the steel back and plexi front, it will feel slimmer. And you can not compare the thickness of a 3-hand diver to an automatic Chronograph.
I have a Zenith EP Original in a case under 12.5mm thick and that’s got a domed crystal that’s 2mm. It’s got the same case as the A386 from 1969 so a thickness of 15mm is wild on a watch being sold today.
@@GazHeaven I get you. But comparing a Zenith movement (and price) to a Sinn with a 7750 is like comparing a Ferrari with Fiat Uno. If you keep in mind that Helmut Sinn's goal was, to offer Pilot watches for real Pilots at an affordable price, things start to fall into place. It had to be accurate, legible in all situations, affordable and easy to service. I don't think a pilot would have cared if he could tuck the watch under the sleeve of his shirt.
@@7rslender I 100% understand where you’re coming from I just think that most of us aren’t pilots considering this watch and maybe people have different requirements and expectations in 2024. I for one would just like a watch to fit under my shirt cuff 😂
Ok respect that, but you’re buying them from the perspective of someone who’s paying an lot of money for pieces higher up at the ladder. with the greatest respect to IWC recent years have seen a tremendous hike. In the short term, they’ve made the same money, but they have seen a drop in sales. I would say that really going to continue.
I like the videos and information but do you really talk like that in real life or is the stunted affect because you're reading a pre-written script or because you're trying to immitate those old watchfinder videos?
@sparro4032 I'm not making fun of it. I was criticizing it, for sure, but not making fun of it. I was more curious if the channel's real speaking voice is like that. If it isn't, I think a more freestyle approach would work better for the video, even though the videography itself is 10/10, as a review I think a freestyle narration over the top of B Roll would be nicer to watch. If the person always speaks like that, then my bad and I'm free to watch another channel just as you're free to ignore my critique.
For people considering it but hesitating because of the thickness: it's really not that bad. I hardly notice it. One aspect of the 356 that I haven't heard anyone talk about is that the case is stepped. What I mean by that is instead of having one solid wall from the case back to the onset of the crystal, the side of the case protrudes outward a little in the middle and slopes inward with the bezel and the case back, creating a visually quite slim profile on the wrist. And there's of course the boxed crystal.
Love how many shots you got with it on the wrist you should post this watch with a suite shirt to give others an idea of the thickness with that
They're a nice, more affordable, alternative to an IWC 3706
I really don’t see what all the fuss is with IWC. While they are very good, they are horrifically overpriced.
@@Robert-vw3od I've owned a few hundred grands worth of luxury watches in my 14 years in the hobby, from all different brands. Of all the IWC's I've owned, I never for a second thought any one of them was overpriced. Every one of them has felt very special in the hands, on the wrist, and under the loupe.
Didn’t know that IWC reference, and you’re totally right.
Cracking review. Well done 😊
Super nice! Great review 👍
Thank you!
A very sufficient review. I like the watch very much, particularly the hands. If there is a quick-release bracelet, it would've been perfect considering the price.
Is there an option to get the 5 link bracelet instead of the default one? Or do you have to buy the 5 link bracelet separately? Thanks!
@@InscrutableSabaw I think it's possible to request the fine link bracelet instead of the H link, but it will cost a little extra as the fine line bracelet costs a little more than the H link.
thanks for this great review! this is some watch i will consider...
What a beautiful tool. There's also another alternative of Sinn 356 if you have tight budget, Seiko Sna139. In my opinion Sna139 is even better in the term of price point to value due to titanium material
I really like the look of these, but from a value for money perspective I added a BB58 to my modest collection 3 years ago for similar money with an in-house METAS & COSC certified movement in a case under 12mm.
This is a watch in dire need of an update, don’t even mind if they hike the price if we get a better movement in a more wearable case.
To me that is exactly what I like about the Sinn 356: It's totally old school, just as Helmut Sinn probably would have liked it: No In-House BS, just a well-tuned 7750 from the shelf that can be serviced everywhere in the world.
The thickness here comes from the see-through case back. If you opt for the steel back and plexi front, it will feel slimmer. And you can not compare the thickness of a 3-hand diver to an automatic Chronograph.
I have a Zenith EP Original in a case under 12.5mm thick and that’s got a domed crystal that’s 2mm. It’s got the same case as the A386 from 1969 so a thickness of 15mm is wild on a watch being sold today.
@@GazHeaven I get you. But comparing a Zenith movement (and price) to a Sinn with a 7750 is like comparing a Ferrari with Fiat Uno. If you keep in mind that Helmut Sinn's goal was, to offer Pilot watches for real Pilots at an affordable price, things start to fall into place. It had to be accurate, legible in all situations, affordable and easy to service. I don't think a pilot would have cared if he could tuck the watch under the sleeve of his shirt.
@@7rslender I 100% understand where you’re coming from I just think that most of us aren’t pilots considering this watch and maybe people have different requirements and expectations in 2024. I for one would just like a watch to fit under my shirt cuff 😂
Very handsome watches - best looking on a black leather strap with white stitching imho.
Ok respect that, but you’re buying them from the perspective of someone who’s paying an lot of money for pieces higher up at the ladder. with the greatest respect to IWC recent years have seen a tremendous hike. In the short term, they’ve made the same money, but they have seen a drop in sales. I would say that really going to continue.
Micro adjustment like IWC bracelet would be a great addition. Otherwise, the bracelet is a waste
Make it slimmer and i will get one
yeah, 15mm is simply too much for a 38mm case.
38mm diameter and 15mm thickness is almost 1:2 ratio.
I have it and I don't notice the thickness at all. It's not that bad.
@@viktorreiter8811 its the crystal that bumps up the number but in the metal, its far from that
I like the videos and information but do you really talk like that in real life or is the stunted affect because you're reading a pre-written script or because you're trying to immitate those old watchfinder videos?
@sparro4032 I'm not making fun of it. I was criticizing it, for sure, but not making fun of it. I was more curious if the channel's real speaking voice is like that. If it isn't, I think a more freestyle approach would work better for the video, even though the videography itself is 10/10, as a review I think a freestyle narration over the top of B Roll would be nicer to watch. If the person always speaks like that, then my bad and I'm free to watch another channel just as you're free to ignore my critique.
IWC is, as Breitling or Zenith for example, part of some lucky overrated brands imo.