Hey Sinn: I love the 38mm/45mm case size. Any chance you would consider reducing the thickness of this watch? Maybe it can be achieved by using a slimmer movement (e.g., hand wound movement, like the 1996 Japanese 256), flatter crystal, etc. If not, could you make me a one off like the 1996 Japanese 256? Thanks!
I own this acrylic model and love it. I originally couldn’t get a great fit on the bracelet but with the new quick adjust clasp installed it’s perfect! I bought the acrylic model because the caseback is thinner than the sapphire model so it wears slimmer on wrist. Love that this is finally getting a review because there’s so little on TH-cam.
I love my 356. The acrylic crystal doesn't have a scratch on it, after several years of wear on my railroad job. I also prefer a metal caseback. Some watches are made thicker to accommodate a sapphire caseback, and I am going to wear the watch, not spend time looking at the back.
I could live with that one Barry. I would prefer a leather or Nato strap, but hey ho, we are all different. Your reviews are spot on mate! I prefer the acrylic crystal on this one.
I do own a 103 Matt with Acrylic. Outstanding watch. Still want to get a 356 into the collection though. Just think it's a really cool small chronograph. Of course acrylic as well
I like the SA version not only for its crystal but also the brushed finish. Also, I've established now for myself that I don't really care for the bracelet; I've put it on several times but often remove it the same day. Either a leather or a bonklip strap, and this watch looks so smart and vintage despite its rather toolish aesthetic. It's the only watch I wear, besides my Longines Spirit.
I had an acrylic crystal on my old Speedmaster Moonwatch and it seemed to scratch just by looking at it. Yes it can be restored with a bit of Polywatch, but over all I found acrylic to be a bit too much trouble for an expensive watch, so give me sapphire every time.
Super watch that I've been eyeing ever since I saw it by chance on Sinn's website when I was looking for the 556 (I've always thought that German watchmaking is underrated), for which I saved up for a few years. Now that I can buy it for myself, I'm hesitating: in the sapphire version (+500 euros!), h link (emblematic of Sinn) and delivery, the price is 2900 euros... Today's price is psychologically a drag, and what's more, it puts it in competition with watches I wasn't looking at at the time because they were too expensive but which haven't seen such massive increases (longines bigeye, for example, and second-hand Omega is within reach, among others). In short, after these multiple price increases, which are artificial since it's the same watch, I'm now hesitating to order this watch, which for me is perfect.
I have a video coming out soon comparing 4 different 556s models, as for the price increases it seem the same across the board I still remember in 2009 when the Seiko MM300 new cost £1100 the Sub £4k at the same time a 356 was €1.1k . The problem is Sinn have to buy in the movement Longines doesn't. Longines my some great watches but they can't match the tech Sinn have
Hi Barry, thank you for this: a bank holiday without a Sinn appreciation is just depressing... I prefer Sapphire crystal glasses because they're tough. I like the option of having the day in German like on this watch. I would choose this. Most chronographs are too big for me, but this would be fine. Sadly Guinand have discontinued the excellent 155 series, which had a similar diameter to the Sinn but was noticeably thinner. Have a good weekend Barry, LG Bob 🍻
They're really attractive watches (I prefer the acrylic crystal on the black leather strap with white stitching). I would happily give up the automatic function to lose some of the thickness.
Hi Edgey, have a look at the hand wound Hanhart 417 ES and 417 ES 1954 models. The dimensions are good, they have a flyback function and they're significantly less expensive than the Sinn. They're sold in the UK too. 🙂
I've got the Sa version. My only complain is that the minutes and hour hands look so similar to each other and that they couldve made them thinner as they can be over the sub dials sometimes, otherwise its perfect. I cant understand the hate for the clasp. This watch is very comfortable. Simple, robust, and looks masculine but not "luxurious" like a polished watch. I agree accrylic looks better, but i heard that the anti reflective coating can easily be removed by scratches and im paranoid about scratching the crystal, but i love scratches on the bracelet.
I just love the looks of the watch. I’m looking for a watch to wear daily and it seems to by a one-does-it-all. At least in Germany, eBay and the 2nd hand market is flooded with the 356 and 358. This makes me think why people are geting rid of it. Is it too thick?
All chromosomes are about the same thickness , I had a 103 which is the same size and it doesn't bother me in the least Ed, When It comes to seeing them for sale it maybe to fund other watches like the U50 and so on
Sinn makes one of the best flieger chrono's on the market in this model and I would prefer a sapphire chrystal myself just because I wear my watches during everyday activity and do not baby them and sapphire just stands up to wear and tear better. I do not have a desk job either heh. On a tool watch like this I prefer a solid case back also. Bead blast finishing all the way on a tool watch.
I to prefer a sapphire crystal myself if I could have my choice of the 356 range it would have to be the salmon dial as for me its pretty close to perfect
I had one of these about 5 years ago. It also had the SW500 but no Made in Germany on the dial, supposedly because the expensive swiss movement meant it didn't qualify as German made (but not swiss enough for Swiss Made either).
Not sure why they did this as its the same watch with the same movement and assembled in Germany , My original U2 never said made in Germany on the dial (2009) but my newer one does which is 11 years old . My 2008 EZM1 I don't believe have Germany on the dial either
No fan of sinn, but everyone to their own, im looking at Fortis watches any chance Barry of reviewing them, great watches with some having the new Kenissi movements in them.
@@ClickSpringReview Yes I saw that, I was more interested in the newer movements Kenissi ones, Marinmaster and the GMT version which have Kenissi movements as in Tag, Tudor, Breitling, Channel, these are top notch with 70 hours of power reserve.
Enjoyed the video! I had a question regarding the crystal. Do you believe the crystal could be replaced with a flat crystal (like on the Sinn 556a)? If so, how many mm's could be taken off the watch in depth if the crystal was flat? Thanks again.
@@ClickSpringReview Thanks! I believe the overall size of a watch needs to be propionate and 15+mm in depth doesn't work for me. It's disappointing that most watchmakers that use a 3rd party movement still can't make a chrono under 12mm.
The only sports chrono I can think of which is under 12mm is the Daytona, which starts at about £13.5k the movement alone is around 6k if you could find one. Have you tried a 356 on as you really don't notice the size. The Rolex sea dweller is 40mm and that is 15mm thick but Ive never heard anyone complain about it Mike
@@ClickSpringReview Thanks for responding back. I have not tried the 356 on. When you put it on, how did it feel and what depth (in mm) did it feel like (e.g., 13mm, 13.5mm, 14mm)? Thanks again.
Thanks for putting a spotlight onto our classic 356 FLIEGER / PILOT. Cheers from #sinncity Frankfurt!
Anytime Guys 👍🏻
Hey Sinn: I love the 38mm/45mm case size. Any chance you would consider reducing the thickness of this watch? Maybe it can be achieved by using a slimmer movement (e.g., hand wound movement, like the 1996 Japanese 256), flatter crystal, etc. If not, could you make me a one off like the 1996 Japanese 256? Thanks!
I own this acrylic model and love it. I originally couldn’t get a great fit on the bracelet but with the new quick adjust clasp installed it’s perfect! I bought the acrylic model because the caseback is thinner than the sapphire model so it wears slimmer on wrist. Love that this is finally getting a review because there’s so little on TH-cam.
I did review the salmon dial model about a year back , thats my favourite of the range
Good to know its thinner
I love my 356. The acrylic crystal doesn't have a scratch on it, after several years of wear on my railroad job. I also prefer a metal caseback. Some watches are made thicker to accommodate a sapphire caseback, and I am going to wear the watch, not spend time looking at the back.
Thats fair enough Wayne I like a display case back personally as I do love looking at the movement 👍🏻
I could live with that one Barry. I would prefer a leather or Nato strap, but hey ho, we are all different. Your reviews are spot on mate! I prefer the acrylic crystal on this one.
Thanks again Clive I can imagine a thick black leather strap would really set this one off
I do own a 103 Matt with Acrylic. Outstanding watch.
Still want to get a 356 into the collection though. Just think it's a really cool small chronograph. Of course acrylic as well
Nice, I have a 103 reserve panda but I'd also love a 356 copper dial model
Remember seeing the Copper version of this at the Sinn meeting with the guilloche dial.
Yeah that is still my favourite Stephen
I like the SA version not only for its crystal but also the brushed finish. Also, I've established now for myself that I don't really care for the bracelet; I've put it on several times but often remove it the same day. Either a leather or a bonklip strap, and this watch looks so smart and vintage despite its rather toolish aesthetic. It's the only watch I wear, besides my Longines Spirit.
Ive a ton of straps as I love swapping them around ( about 20/30 ish )
I had an acrylic crystal on my old Speedmaster Moonwatch and it seemed to scratch just by looking at it. Yes it can be restored with a bit of Polywatch, but over all I found acrylic to be a bit too much trouble for an expensive watch, so give me sapphire every time.
I also prefer sapphire too as you simply don't have to worry about it
Super watch that I've been eyeing ever since I saw it by chance on Sinn's website when I was looking for the 556 (I've always thought that German watchmaking is underrated), for which I saved up for a few years.
Now that I can buy it for myself, I'm hesitating: in the sapphire version (+500 euros!), h link (emblematic of Sinn) and delivery, the price is 2900 euros...
Today's price is psychologically a drag, and what's more, it puts it in competition with watches I wasn't looking at at the time because they were too expensive but which haven't seen such massive increases (longines bigeye, for example, and second-hand Omega is within reach, among others).
In short, after these multiple price increases, which are artificial since it's the same watch, I'm now hesitating to order this watch, which for me is perfect.
I have a video coming out soon comparing 4 different 556s models, as for the price increases it seem the same across the board I still remember in 2009 when the Seiko MM300 new cost £1100 the Sub £4k at the same time a 356 was €1.1k . The problem is Sinn have to buy in the movement Longines doesn't. Longines my some great watches but they can't match the tech Sinn have
top notch review, many thanks. Acrylic for me.
Thanks Sir its a top watch to review in all fairness
Hi Barry, thank you for this: a bank holiday without a Sinn appreciation is just depressing... I prefer Sapphire crystal glasses because they're tough.
I like the option of having the day in German like on this watch. I would choose this.
Most chronographs are too big for me, but this would be fine.
Sadly Guinand have discontinued the excellent 155 series, which had a similar diameter to the Sinn but was noticeably thinner.
Have a good weekend Barry, LG Bob 🍻
Thank you kind sir I will try and keep them coming, shame about the 155 I'd really like to review some Guinand model . All the best Bob
They're really attractive watches (I prefer the acrylic crystal on the black leather strap with white stitching). I would happily give up the automatic function to lose some of the thickness.
The 556 has you covered then 👍🏻
Hi Edgey, have a look at the hand wound Hanhart 417 ES and 417 ES 1954 models. The dimensions are good, they have a flyback function and they're significantly less expensive than the Sinn. They're sold in the UK too. 🙂
I've got the Sa version. My only complain is that the minutes and hour hands look so similar to each other and that they couldve made them thinner as they can be over the sub dials sometimes, otherwise its perfect.
I cant understand the hate for the clasp. This watch is very comfortable. Simple, robust, and looks masculine but not "luxurious" like a polished watch.
I agree accrylic looks better, but i heard that the anti reflective coating can easily be removed by scratches and im paranoid about scratching the crystal, but i love scratches on the bracelet.
I’m the same I have no problems with the clasp, it’s small and slim with no sharp edges, what’s not to like
Love that domed acrylic crystal. Need I mention the diameter though? Probably not. Cracking review as ever.
LOL yes I know matey 😁
I just love the looks of the watch. I’m looking for a watch to wear daily and it seems to by a one-does-it-all. At least in Germany, eBay and the 2nd hand market is flooded with the 356 and 358. This makes me think why people are geting rid of it. Is it too thick?
All chromosomes are about the same thickness , I had a 103 which is the same size and it doesn't bother me in the least Ed, When It comes to seeing them for sale it maybe to fund other watches like the U50 and so on
Sinn makes one of the best flieger chrono's on the market in this model and I would prefer a sapphire chrystal myself just because I wear my watches during everyday activity and do not baby them and sapphire just stands up to wear and tear better. I do not have a desk job either heh. On a tool watch like this I prefer a solid case back also. Bead blast finishing all the way on a tool watch.
I to prefer a sapphire crystal myself if I could have my choice of the 356 range it would have to be the salmon dial as for me its pretty close to perfect
I had one of these about 5 years ago. It also had the SW500 but no Made in Germany on the dial, supposedly because the expensive swiss movement meant it didn't qualify as German made (but not swiss enough for Swiss Made either).
Not sure why they did this as its the same watch with the same movement and assembled in Germany , My original U2 never said made in Germany on the dial (2009) but my newer one does which is 11 years old . My 2008 EZM1 I don't believe have Germany on the dial either
No fan of sinn, but everyone to their own, im looking at Fortis watches any chance Barry of reviewing them, great watches with some having the new Kenissi movements in them.
I did review the F41 2 months ago, I do plan on reviewing more soon th-cam.com/video/DWLIbI-LrAU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=jR6diYnnbuLy-MT6
@@ClickSpringReview Yes I saw that, I was more interested in the newer movements Kenissi ones, Marinmaster and the GMT version which have Kenissi movements as in Tag, Tudor, Breitling, Channel, these are top notch with 70 hours of power reserve.
Yep I know the movement Alan I'll see what I can do Sir
I’d love if you could check out the 144 st sa
I have done my 144 Anniversary if it helps plus I plan to do a long term review soon Marty th-cam.com/video/CamDbxMiNQk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=k8fqcIOZcfiajvXB
Enjoyed the video! I had a question regarding the crystal. Do you believe the crystal could be replaced with a flat crystal (like on the Sinn 556a)? If so, how many mm's could be taken off the watch in depth if the crystal was flat? Thanks again.
Hi Mike I don't believe you can because the hands would touch the crystal if you fitted a flat one to it :(
@@ClickSpringReview Thanks! I believe the overall size of a watch needs to be propionate and 15+mm in depth doesn't work for me. It's disappointing that most watchmakers that use a 3rd party movement still can't make a chrono under 12mm.
The only sports chrono I can think of which is under 12mm is the Daytona, which starts at about £13.5k the movement alone is around 6k if you could find one. Have you tried a 356 on as you really don't notice the size. The Rolex sea dweller is 40mm and that is 15mm thick but Ive never heard anyone complain about it Mike
@@ClickSpringReview Thanks for responding back. I have not tried the 356 on. When you put it on, how did it feel and what depth (in mm) did it feel like (e.g., 13mm, 13.5mm, 14mm)? Thanks again.
Its tough to say Mike it one of them things you really need to try for yourself but honestly it feels great on the wrist
sapphire all the way
👍🏻
What happened to Francis and Gaye?
I'd been with them for a few years and just fancied a change, But I'm still good friends with Ryan