On the subject of Sinn, you realize that any restricted version doesn’t come and not using a particular functionally impressed story behind it. It’s not within the model’s nature to launch a brand new LE “simply because.” To have fun its Twentieth anniversary of making diving watches product of submarine metal, Sinn has give you the brand new U15, U16, and U18 restricted editions primarily based on present fashions. Nonetheless, the usage of chrome steel from decommissioned German U-boats makes these watches particular. Let’s discover out extra!
Once I first noticed the image of the three new Sinn U-models, it was onerous to inform the variations between them. Apart from their case sizes, the watches look the identical at first look. However everyone knows that in relation to Sinn, there’s extra to the story. Marking the model’s Twentieth anniversary of manufacturing diving watches product of submarine metal, these new variants use metal from precise German Navy submarines, with a special U-boat contributing to every one. As you might have guessed, the U15, U16, and U18 mannequin names are all references to their corresponding submarines. Moreover, all three fashions have comparable shiny blue dials referring to the adventures of the three underwater vessels.
The background of those Twentieth-anniversary editions
To make issues simple, all three of those fashions encompass metal from the U15, U16, and U18 Kind 206 submarines. However so simple as the concept is to clarify, the belief of it, going from submarines in a shipyard to watches on the wrist, is a little more difficult.
Straightened sheets of metal from the German Navy submarines
If there’s one watchmaker we will belief to take that problem in stride, it’s Sinn. The model brilliantly succeeded with the discharge of the brand new fashions. Nonetheless, the parents at Sinn didn’t do all of it on their very own however, somewhat, enlisted the assistance of the Sächsische Uhrentechnologie GmbH Glashütte, a famend producer of watch instances. SUG helped conquer the problem of making the instances, which was not straightforward.
The steel from the three submarines was not typical, flat metal as a result of it was curved as a part of the submarines. So earlier than the cut-out steel sheets might change into watch instances, the crew at SUG needed to straighten them.
The subsequent step concerned utilizing a water jet cutter to chop out the blanks for the case backs, mid-cases, and rotating bezels from the straightened plates of German submarine metal.
SUG made certain to supply the separate components to the very best requirements, leading to correct dive watches that inform a outstanding story. Certainly, it’s a story that mixes the historical past of three decommissioned submarines with Sinn’s 20-year custom of making dive watches from the identical kind of German metal.
Distinct shiny blue anniversary dials
One other defining ingredient that ties these Twentieth-anniversary fashions collectively is the dial design. Sinn equips every mannequin with a particular blue high-gloss dial beneath an antireflective sapphire crystal. Inspiration for the dials’ darkish blue shade got here from the colour of the open sea from a depth of round 30 meters. It alludes to the working vary of the U15, U16, and U18 submarines, which have been in a position to dive to depths of as much as 100 meters. As you possibly can see, the dial encompasses a sample of rising bubbles with a three-dimensional look due to the metallic blues and greens that give them colour. Moreover, the dials function the variety of nautical miles that every of the vessels traveled.
On the case backs, the connection to the Kind 206 submarines continues. Every options the silhouette of the matching vessel and the main points of the rigorous testing the watches have undergone to adjust to the strictest European diving requirements for water and stress resistance. The result’s a outstanding trio of watches which are additionally fairly totally different regardless of their comparable backstory.
The Sinn U15
Let’s take a better have a look at the person fashions. We’ll kick issues off with the Sinn U15, which relies on the model’s U50. This watch has a 41mm case with an 11.2mm thickness. The case is constructed from the metal from the U15 submarine, which was commissioned in 1974.
After ending its final mission 36 years later, the vessel had traveled a formidable 200,045 nautical miles and fulfilled its duties. The record-breaking quantity is said proudly on the dial as proof of the U15’s accomplishments. The satin-finished case has a crown at 4 o’clock and is water-resistant to 500 meters (DIN 8310) and low-pressure resistant as nicely.
The chrome steel bezel options Sinn’s Tegiment therapy, making it proof against scratches. Fittingly, the markings on the bezel are white and light-weight blue, matching the bubbles on the dial. Contained in the case, Sinn equips the watch with the Sellita SW300-1. This automated motion operates at 28,800vph, has 25 jewels, and provides 56 hours of energy reserve. As you possibly can see, the dial additionally encompasses a date window at 3 o’clock.
The U15 comes commonplace on a chrome steel H-link bracelet with a folding clasp, a closing useful contact to the fashionable design. Importantly, Sinn developed the watch in keeping with the technical calls for of the German diving commonplace DIN 8306. Because of this, this new Sinn U15 is the proper mixture of a wealthy naval previous and modern-day diving performance.
The Sinn U16
The second mannequin is the Sinn U16, which relies on the model’s fashionable U1. Sinn used the metal of the U16 submarine commissioned in 1973, which traveled a proud 207,000 nautical miles in 38 years. The watch encompasses a 44mm chrome steel case with a 14.7mm thickness and a 1,000m depth ranking. Identical to the U15, it has the crown at 4 o’clock, is low-pressure resistant, and encompasses a date window at 3 o’clock. As you possibly can see, the date window sits barely additional inwards on account of the case’s bigger diameter.
Hidden behind the closed case again with all its sensible information lies the Sellita SW200-1. This automated motion operates at 28,800vph, has 26 jewels, and provides 38 hours of energy reserve. Identical to the U15, this watch’s blue dial options white luminous markers and the standard Sinn divers’ arms that additionally gentle up in the dead of night.
The watch additionally comes fitted with a chrome steel H-link bracelet, though, at 22mm, it’s wider than the 20mm bracelet on the U15. General, this watch is the larger and barely heavier-specced brother of the U15.
The Sinn U18
The final of the three fashions is the U18, and it’s essentially the most succesful dive watch on this trio. The watch is product of chrome steel from the U18 submarine, which was additionally commissioned in 1973 and traveled a formidable 192,842 nautical miles in 38 years. The Sinn U18 relies on the model’s U2 diver.
This watch additionally encompasses a 44mm case however, at 15.5mm thick, is 0.8mm chunkier than the U16. The satin-finished metal case additionally boasts a formidable 2,000m depth ranking. Moreover, it options the identical dial fashion as the opposite two fashions and an analogous 60-minute dive bezel.
Contained in the case, Sinn equips the watch with the Sellita SW300-1, which additionally powers the U15. So that you get the identical automated motion that operates at 4Hz and provides a 56-hour energy reserve.
The watch is totally different from the 2 different fashions in that it options Sinn’s Ar-Dehumidifying know-how. This enhances useful reliability and prevents fogging. Lastly, the case is matched with a 22mm H-link bracelet that balances the watch on the wrist.
Last ideas on the Sinn U15, U16, and U18
Every of those three Twentieth-anniversary Sinn dive watches can be produced in a restricted run of 1,000 items. The U15 and U16 can have the identical €2,990 worth. The U18 is the larger brother and, subsequently, it’s barely dearer at €3,230. I really like that Sinn has determined that the costs for these watches are in step with its common fashions. Nonetheless, you get a watch that tells a novel story in return.
The propeller of the U15 in entrance of the Sinn headquarters
These watches stylishly have fun Sinn’s Twentieth anniversary of manufacturing dive watches constructed from German submarine metal. However the truth that the metal used to create them really traveled the oceans of the world is somewhat outstanding. This makes these watches nice storytellers and fascinating for followers and collectors. However they’re much more than that. They’re a testomony to Sinn’s fixed efforts to create higher, extra succesful watches.
The brand new Sinn T50 Goldbronze B
Extra proof of Sinn pushing the boundaries comes within the type of the T50 Goldbronze B. It’s the model’s second totally Goldbronze mannequin after the inaugural T50 Goldbronze, which offered out virtually immediately in 2023. The T50 is my favourite Sinn watch within the present assortment, so I’m very comfortable to see a brand new model of it. Whereas the two-tone T50 GDBR is my undisputed favourite model, this new T50 Goldbronze B can also be beautiful.
The watch has a 41mm Goldbronze case with a 12.3mm thickness and a 500m water resistance ranking. Goldbronze 125 is Sinn’s particular patented alloy with improved resistance to corrosion from seawater. It’s additionally pleasant to virtually each pores and skin kind. Lastly, as Lex defined in his evaluate of the primary Goldbronze mannequin, it ages properly to develop a patina.
The case and the brand new darkish blue dial create a wonderful and stylish model of the T50. Hidden behind the titanium case again is the Sellita SW300-1. As talked about above within the descriptions of the U15 and U18, this automated motion operates at 28,800vph and provides 56 hours of energy reserve. Lastly, the T50 Goldbronze B will include a blue textile strap that matches the colour of the dial.
Last ideas on the brand new Sinn T50 Goldbronze B
Sinn will produce 300 items of this restricted version, every for €4,980. That’s the similar worth because the inaugural T50 Goldbronze mannequin that got here out two years in the past. Whereas that first mannequin was a pleasant shock, this new blue model blows it out of the water. I really like the mix of supplies and colours. It makes for a watch that can undoubtedly promote out in a flash. The brand new T50 Goldbronze B is extra proof that Sinn could be very onerous to beat in relation to producing superb, succesful dive watches. In fact, this isn’t information to us, however getting extra affirmation with these new introductions is sweet.
What do you consider Sinn’s newest releases? As all the time, we encourage you to share your ideas within the feedback.
