It was back in October 2005 that the first U1 and U2 were sold and since then, the watch has became an overwhelming success for Sinn. This watch has reached cult status with many collectors including serious horologists. On several Sinn fan sites as well as Sinn forums, the U1 and U2 feature prominently. One evidence of it's popularity is the waiting time for the watch - which is still over 6 months at the authorised dealers (at least here in Singapore as I understand it).
I had been often asked by watch collectors about the U1 and my experience with it. This review was motivated to help those collectors who are interested about ownership experience. In that respect, I felt that rather than write a review of just my own views, I asked several of my collector friends to contribute their thoughts about their watches. The questions I suggested to them to think about are found below at the APPENDIX.
In addition to the review, I have asked and many had kindly provided current images of how their Sinn watches look like today. I hope you will find this review useful and helpful. (Please note that the text of the various reviewers are published here unedited by me)
HARRY
SK TAN
I acquired my U1 several days before the official launch of the watch here in Singapore. I believe I was amongst the first to receive this watch anywhere in the world. For those who had not read my launch review, have a look at it HERE.
I was
compelled to buy the watch when I discovered it from publicity launch material
prior to the BASEL 2005 event.
On paper alone this diving watch had a trusted and tough automatic movement with
a depth rating of 1000m using a mysterious submarine steel. I discovered in my
research that there wasn't any other watch that has the same combination of
features. In actual fact, the U series watch is the first ever to use Submarine
Steel. The steel is meant to be the same type used for the German submarines
that is resistant to corrosion by sea water.
I was pleasantly surprised how well the watch looked when it arrived and I planned and did use it as my sports and tool watch. I have felt even now that this watch is completely comfortable with high stress and activity sports or hard work. I am happy to report that the watch has survived all kinds of environments and usage and is still working as good as it was new - running approximately + 4 seconds per day.
I wear the U1 regularly both on weekdays and on weekends - with jeans, bermudas, swimming trunks or office wear. It’s on my wrist at least 3 days a week and often much longer.
I use this watch exclusively for my travels knowing that it is able to withstand the knocks that comes from travelling and dealing with huge heavy luggage. Also unless you are a fan or a watch collector, the watch is not distinctive from a distance.
What I had not expected was that it could survive knocks so well without any evidence on the case. Even the crystal is still scratch free after a year of serious and regular use. My respect for the watch is even more now than when it was first launched because of its capability to live up to its strengths as being a seriously tough watch.
My U1 has not suffered any mechanical issues or difficulties which is a key factor for my deep respect for it. Accordingly, if this watch was ever lost or stolen, I would not hesitate to replace it again if I can find one!
I would rate the condition of my U1 differently for different parts. The case and watch itself is at 95% almost completely free of any scratches. In fact none can be seen by the naked eye. This can be seen from my watch images here of the case and the crown.
I think the condition of the crown is the most amazing. For those uninitiated, the crown is usually where the most wear and tear can be seen as they are usually position in a place where they can be dinged and dented. In the case of the U1 it is located at 4 o'clock but somehow it is free of any kind of scratch even! (You can see the large images of these photos by clicking on the link below.)
As for the rubber strap, as with all things that are rubber, it shows wear and tear and accordingly I would rate my strap at 75%. The huge deployant clasp is the single part of the watch that will reflect how much my watch has gone through. I would rate my deployant at 70%. Its not seriously dinged but it most definitely reflect a lot scratches of all kinds of shapes and sizes. These scratches can easily be seen in the enlarged images accessed from the link below. Unfortunately the deployant is not made of submarine steel but ordinary rated steel.
Apart from the badly scratched deployant, I would rate my satisfaction of this watch at a very high of 9 (out of 10). It would have been a full 10 if the deployant had some tegimentation (the process Sinn patented to harden steel) to manage the scratch risk.
For the strap, I am more than happy with how it has held up but I would not hesitate to use a third party strap if its as strong as long as it is in a exciting colours such as red or orange rubber.
I would recommend to Sinn management to consider supplying a second strap (either a coloured rubber or water proof leather strap) to allow the watch to more versatile in terms of its look and feel. I hope to see the future models of the U1 to come with a deployant that is scratch resistant.
I would easily recommend this watch to anyone whether a beginning collector or to seasoned horologists. This watch has the highest bang for the buck and it is not a cosmetic watch like many sports watches are. This watch seriously delivers on its promises. How many watches can claim that at this price?
(posted - 2 Feb 2007)
(To view larger images of my U1 above - CLICK HERE)
Zach
Toh
I've owned Sinn U1 for a year now and bought it brand new from The Hour Glass. What drew me to the watch are the honest pricing for a 1000m depth rating watch and the unique submarine steel used on the case.
The watch ran very accurately and has lived up to my expectation, no problems at all. Not a single scratch (looks like new) due to the hardness of the case and bezel (note the case and bezel is of different hardness). If I lose the watch, I don’t mind buying it again as I know this watch will last the wear and tear. I used to wear it often till my leather strap broke and have not replaced it yet. I prefer leather than the thicker rubber strap that came with it. Currently looking for a thinner colourful rubber strap. I think, Sinn should consider including an additional leather strap like what Panerai did. I’ll give it 9/10.
My message to Sinn fans and any one looking for a tough good looking diving watch, get the U1, you won't regret it. At this moment where to find a watch with 1000m depth rating with submarine steel and hardness at this price?
(posted - 2 Feb 2007)
Dr
Wong Ju Ming
When Sinn first showcased the U1 at Basel it really spoke to me with that bold clean large uncluttered face and broad hands. Not exactly the epitome of aesthetical opulence but the unique clarity of the face was the most drawing feature of the watch. You could literally read off the time with a single fleeting glace. I waited patiently for the U1 and subsequently purchased two U1s on 3rd Sept 2005 (Did I beat ya to it Harry? *grin grin*) I kept one myself and gave the other to my father.
The Teutonic build quality of the watch has more than lived up to it strengths and I wear the watch probably twice per week (it was the daily beater for a while but the novelty soon wore off). The U1 has so far seen it fair share of knocks and takes a regular plunges into the water as well. So far it has emerged unscathed and scratch free, I'd say the condition of the watch itself was ~95%. The same cannot be said of the rubber strap and clasp though, If Sinn could improve anything I'd ask for the clasp to be made in the same bombproof submarine steel as the watch itself. Another suggestion would be if the U1 was manufactured in a regatta countdown version complete with chronograph, that would be totally awesome.
I like the factory rubber strap and perhaps the factory could think about coloured versions to keep the product lifecycle fresh and exciting. If the watch was stolen today, I would not even blink to buy a new one to replace it. If Sinn announced a yachting version I'd order 2 more and sit and wait again!
I'd rate this current U1 as 9.5/10. That 'James Bond factor' of having indestructible German submarine steel from a secret formula on your wrist is so appealing.
(posted - 2 Feb 2007)
Joseph Koh
Got this watch just about over a year ago brand new. I dare say that it was one of those impulse purchase on the recommendation of my dealer. Two things strike me; 1st was the rubber strap (my favourite) and I was told that it’s made of submarine steel and depth rating of 2000m!! (mouth-opened). I had opted for the U2 with the dual time as I think it would serve me well in time to come.
Anyway, till date it has proved its worth in my collection and I have no regrets with this baby. In fact, I wear it quite often and after testing her in the pool, we went on our 1st date to the deep sea. This was my 1st "decent" watch that I took diving. It was just a 3 day dive in a nearby island but this baby performed well above my expectations. The reverse triangle works very well with the big minute hands to see how long you've been in water. This will be THE watch when I do dive in a different time zone and the dual time would come in handy. The rubber is so sturdy that till date it still looks brand new; as good as the case. I would rate my watch after one year at 95%.
The only nitpick is that they should have used the same material for the buckle. But like I've said, no regrets at all with this purchase and if I were to loose it, I will definitely get another one. It’s really worth every single cent that was paid. I have thought of changing to the bracelet but I felt that the colour of the bracelet just does not go with the case.
Personally, rubber is still the best as this baby feels at home underwater. I've recommended the U1 to some of my friends and most of them say that is a bit hard to get as there is still a waiting list!! Of course there is!! This is one of my best watches in terms of wear ability, sturdiness, literally unscratchable, and loves the water. What more can one want ;-) This watch deserves 9/10 as I think the bracelet can be improved.
(posted - 2 Feb 2007)
Ang
Teck Meng
I have my new Sinn U1 since Dec 2005 - more then a month after it was launched in Singapore. I was attracted to it during the launch where some of the purists collectors were wearing it. It is a very solid and tough watch, made of submarine steel and hardness of 1500 Vickers.
It has a clean and easy to read dial. Really good value for money and it has a lot of wrist time. I wear it at least twice a week (and it was with me for the whole Dec 2006 while I was in Australia). I will get another if this watch is lost or stolen.
It has kept time well and hardly any scratches on this watch. IMHO still look new, 99%. Still with the original strap, but am looking for some alternative straps, be it from Sinn or 3rd party straps. No complaints about this watch. Maybe the only burden is that its too heavy, makes my muscles ache. Hahaha..)
But, wish Sinn can come up with spare straps for this watch with different materials and colours. Very satisfied with this watch, rated it 9.5. It is worth everything single cent.
(posted - 2 Feb 2007)
Daniel Tan
I've owned Sinn U1 for about 10 months since it came out and bought it brand new. What drew me to the watch are the cost which is the most affordable for something unique like the use of submarine steel on a wristwatch, the appreciation value of the watch, the toughness of the watch and the unique hour, minute and second hands.
The watch has lived up to my expectation free from problems and is a tough watch as I am a rough user. Even though it has been knocked twice and I've not seen a single scratch on it.
If the watch was stolen, unfortunately I will not buy another piece not because I do not believe in it but rather the price today has risen more than 15%. I can safely say the condition of my watch is 95% brand new (except for the strap which looks worn and some marks on the buckle).
I wear it only during the weekends. Currently I do not use any 3rd party strap and am looking for a suitable piece. I think Sinn should consider coming out a few designs of leather straps that is suitable for Sinn U1/U2 to give it more life and usage. I would rate my U1 as the best Sinn watch I've owned and give it 9/10.
(no photographs provided at time of publication)
(posted - 2 Feb 2007)
APPENDIX
Questionnaire:
1. How long have/did you owned the U1/2?
2. What were the compelling reasons to buy it?
3. Having bought it, did it live up to expectations or beyond it?
4. Did you buy it new or used?
5. If your Sinn U1/2 was lost or stolen, would you buy this watch again today?
6. How has the watch performed for you?
7. When do you wear it? How often do you wear it?
8. What is the condition of your U1/2 today (0-100%)?
9. Have you had problems with it - if so what were they?
10. What would you rate your satisfaction for this watch on the scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest satisfaction)?
11. Do you use third party strap with your U1/2?
12. If you could tell Sinn management how to improve on the watch, what will you wish to see?
13. What other comments you wish to convey to Sinn fans about the U1/2?