I recently had a chance to check out the line of Sinn Watches at a WatchBuys Road Show, and the first watch that caught my eye was the new T1B in titanium. Sitting next to it was the T2B, a smaller version of the watch, also in titanium. Depending on your size preference, the Sinn T1B and T2B are really attractive with the new blue dial, are very light, and have a hidden feature to make that bezel especially secure.
If you are not familiar with Sinn, they are a German watch company that produces high quality dive, dress, pilot and other watches priced in the ‘aspirational’ range of a few $1,000. These new dial colors are a continuation of the existing T1/T2 line, which also includes a black dial version of the watch. The US distributor for Sinn is WatchBuys, which has the T1B available on either a titanium bracelet or silicone strap for $3,240, and the T2B on the bracelet or strap for $3,060. The T1B has a 45mm case, with is large, but not overly so, and the T2B is 41mm, which is noticeably smaller side by side, but by no means small by today’s standards.
I did not get to adjust either the bracelet or the strap at the event, so I can’t say exactly how it fits and wears, but the T1B dial looked good on my wrist, and would certainly be the one I would pick. The T2B would still work, but it would be great for anyone who wanted a relatively large diver that would still sit comfortably on a smaller wrist. I harp about divers not meeting the ISO standard because the hands are not mixed, but the Sinn T1B and T2B meet that requirement. They don’t say if they test to ISO standards (which means they probably do not), but the watch is certified by DNV GL to European dive equipment standards.
One cool technology that I have not seen in other brands (Sinn shares the patent with one other watchmaker), is a push to turn bezel. In order to adjust the bezel, you push it down slightly and then move it through the 120 click range in a counter clockwise direction. When you get to where you want it set, you release it and the bezel pops up slightly, securing the marker in place. A unidirectional bezel makes sure that if the time is adjusted, it errs on the side of caution, while this technology does what it can to keep the bezel from adjusting in the first place. It is not available on all Sinn’s divers, just the T1/T2 and U1000 lines. Other Sinn technologies packing into the watch are an AR De-humidification feature, surface hardening of the bezel, and a special oil to make it reliable from -45° C to + 80° C (-49° F to 176° F).
Another nice feature is how Sinn makes their silicone straps. Instead of a standard buckle, the strap is equipped with a butterfly deployment clasp. To make it size-able and secure, the end of the strap are formed with multiple holes to fit a spring bar. The holes are then equipped with rods to keep them free from dirt. To size the strap, figure out the length you need, move the spring bars into the holes at that length and then trim the remaining strap. The rods add a bit of heft to the strap itself, so it is up to you if you keep them in or remove them after sizing. Both the Sinn T1B and T2B use a SOP A10-2 automatic movement are water resistant to 200 bar (2,000 meters) and have a sapphire crystal. If you want a pretty diver from a solid, but smaller, upscale brand with some cool technology, check out the Sinn T1B and T2B watches. sinn.de/en/Sinn-Spezialuhren watchbuys.com/store
Watch Overview:
- Brand & Model: Sinn T1B and T2B
- Price: $3,240 for the T1B and $3,040 for the T2B
- Who we think it might be for: You want to move up to a European diver but are interested in a smaller brand
- Would I wear one myself based on what I’ve seen?: Without a doubt.
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Color matching the date wheel (or removing it).
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: The blue dial immediately drew my attention.
Tech Specs from Sinn
- Movement: SOP A10-2
- Functions: Three hander with 120 click locking unidirectional bezel and date
- Case: Grade 5 titanium
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Water resistance: 200 bar (2,000 meters)
- Lug width: 22mm for the T1B and 20mm for the T2B
- Straps: Titanium bracelet or blue rubber strap with deployment clasp.
- Diameter: 45mm for the T1B and 41mm for the T2B
- Watch head weight: 171g for the T1B and 59g for the T2B
