Top 20 Best Watches Under $2000 - The Coolest Rolex Ever - 5 Things I Love & Hate About The Sinn 104
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- In this episode I share the results of a recent poll to see what the UGWC voted as the top 20 best watches from under $2000 (excluding used watches). I then discuss 5 things I love and 5 things I hate about the Sinn 104. Lastly I share an incredible story behind one of the coolest Rolex watches ever.
To check out the full article on the Rolex watch and the story that inspired the Great Escape click here:
bourneendauctio...
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Typical Tristano! Got sick and still drop a 32 minute video! Get well soon man!
LOL ;-)
Thank you my friend,
Onwards and upwards!
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry what is your view on resco instruments?
The Urban Gentry my friend if that's not dedication then I don't know what is
"Sorry, I have to have some more tea." is probably the most British phrase I've ever heard lol.
You netflixed a cd, in 2017. You are a true legend.
But he's never seen commando. How???
@North End Productions Netflix CD, but did he invest in Netflix then? I sure as shit wish I did... fml... :\
Can you even still do that?
I was quite taken by that I must admit. I haven't looked at a DVD in years.
I just purchased my Sinn 104 after a long time saving and have had it for a few days-
I love this thing. It's so practical- I personally love the countdown bezel, as in my opinion it is more practical for everyday wear than a traditional dive time bezel. For example: when you set the bezel to a certain time, wherever the minute hand is pointing on the bezel is how many minutes you have left until it reaches the pip- this is extremely useful for me as a student- I have to be in a certain class at a certain time so I set the bezel there and it lets me know immediately how much time I have left to get there, allowing me to judge weather I have time to make pit stops along the way or whether I need to pick it up and get to class. Same with my work- I am employed at a movie theater and we often are scheduled in a certain location for a certain amount of time, or at a certain time, and are not allowed to use our phones during work (for obvious reasons), and this thing has already come in handy- that bezel, again, allows me to maintain punctuality. Also, the lumed dial and pip are superb, and allow me to see it while in dark theaters. All this while looking great.
Oh also, it keeps time within COSC parameters. It's awesome!
Sounds like a great piece. I'm going to check them out.
being a pilot i have to step in for the sinn here.
it is essential to have the bezel in countdown configuration.
if you need any time reference it is almost always a countdown.
time to be over a certain point,
time until you need to be airborne before you miss the slot,
time until you cannot use full thrust anymore when an engine failed after takeoff,
time to reach a certain altitude,
time until you need to divert out of a holding pattern,
time to do next fuelcheck,
time to check on systems in general,
time to reasses a situation etc etc
and all that can be handled with a glance at this beautiful mechanically crafted piece.
i love it.
by the way, thanks for the effort and passion you put into your videos TGV
get well soon, cheers
2 years of owning the sinn 104. I have many watches swiss, japanese etc. This one gets the most wrist time. Cheers from australia
I’m in Australia too . Did you buy it at a shop ?
Number one - hot tea (with lemon and honey). Number two - chicken soup (cures everything). Number three - Arnold lead me to the Urban Gentry.
Was reading an article on Schwartzenegger; it mentioned that he had a thing for extra large watches. Googled "extra large watches", came up with a million hits; including one for something called a Seiko Monster. Looked up the Monster (it was hideous), read the article; which included a mention of the Seiko Tuna can. Looked up the Tuna - coolest watch I had ever seen. Googled everything I could find about it. Came across a mention of a Seiko 007. Being a Bond fanboy, I had to find out more about THAT watch. TH-camd several reviews of the 007, including yours.
So that is how we get to me giving you medical advice.
And I also bought a Flighty (which I am wearing right now).
Massive fan of the Longines Heritage range. I'm wearing the 35mm Heritage Conquest as I type this.
Get well soon, Tristano.
You need to do a 2020 version of this video.
2021 now
I wish Tudor still made mechanical hand-winding Oyster watches. I own one from 1966 and I love it, but I would love a modern one.
I ADORE the old Tudors, I bet yours has the Tudor Rose on it too, so ruddy cool!!!
Thank you Nick, enjoy it.
Best regards,
TGV
It does! One of the great things about the new Black Bays is the return to the small rose logo. Cheers!
Get well soon TGV.
Thank you :D
Best regards,
TGV
Thank you sir!
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry can you buy me a rolex?
Best Regards
AdolfHarambe"s strongbleachakagenericblueguy
just bought a Sinn 104 And I can’t stop looking at it ❤
I would like to see the 104 with a brushed case to make it more hardy. And yes drilled lugs too.
Commando. Classic tongue in cheek 80's action. Enjoy.
They certainly don't make them like that anymore!
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
Every time I see this episode I just smile.
Love the passion. I too own a Sinn 104 and feel the same way! Cheers!
I've been more of a folding knife and flashlight enthusiast, happened to see one of your videos on divers... My every day carry just got a hell of a lot more expensive haha. But who doesn't love functional art!
There's quite a divide between EDC guys and watch guys, IDK why. Huge disagreement on the practicality of titanium.
You may have been ill but that was one of the best videos yet! Well done, old boy!
The Great Escape is one of my favorite all-time films. I love collecting quality timepieces and that particular Rolex is breathtaking. I especially enjoy a nice automatic chronograph. I like what you're doing because you do it well! I own tons of watches going as far back as the Pulsar P-4 Executive LED watch in SS. My uncle gave me this watch at age nine...from the outset I was hooked.
Thank You
Jamie Graham....Boston,MA
What a nice top 20! So glad to see the C60 in there, my first automatic swiss watch.
Great video as always. TGV. Get well soon!
Providing a high quality internet platform video on the subject of mechanical watches even whilst ill... pure class.
Its time for the Aquis vs 104 dual!!! Im so torn between the 2. I will admit im leaning Oris though, only because i have color options.
InChrist87 in case you didn’t pullt the trigger yet , Sinn came out with some new different colors for the 104
Hello, I agree I was in Frankfurt Germany and saw the store, and I went in and the Sinn 104 caught my eye, it’s an awesome watch.
I enjoy your posts immensely. As a result I now own 3 Orient Bambinos (couldn't stop buying them) all with Dassari straps. I bought the watches from Jomashop and the straps from StrapsCo.com. The straps are a definite improvement. a very light airy and flexible leather like I've never experienced. the watch just floats on my wrist like it's not even there. And I cannot even begin to tell you how exquisite these Orient's are. They are so class. Now I'm moving on to a Junghans Max Bill. something that really speaks to me. You defend the Invicta my Wife bought me - a very big gold and black diver which gets compliments from people very often - but it isn't the same as a serious piece of horology. I understand that now. Thank you TJV!!!
Tristano, keep kicking ass and taking names. We love you!
I like how honest and loving about watches you are
We all know you were having Grappa in this "tea cup" :-))
Hello Guvna . I own a Sinn 104 and wear it mainly on its bracelet. Your point about the quality making it silly to buy a more expensive watch is correct 100 percent.
As hard as I try to buy other tool watches, nothing sites up to the 104 except maybe a northern Sinn in ezm 3 or a u1. For people with small wrists have a look at
the model u200 . You will not need another watch if you have one of the mentioned 4 (except maybe a g shock
I've owned the Sinn 104 for a about 3 months now and adore it just as you do. I'm new to the hobby and your initial review of it was my introduction to it and Sinn as a brand - so thanks! It really does hit a sweet spot - looks great with almost any outfit, tough, and has a bit of cachet among enthusiasts. And I agree about it obviating more expensive timepieces - I'll buy a Moonwatch at some point because I've wanted a Speedy since I was a kid, but knowing the 104 is 1/3 the price? Oof.
Thanks so much for your videos - especially when you're sick! As a relative newcomer you've taught me a ton.
Patrick Ford you speak for me too...I’m a newbie and in less than a year I’ve gone watch mad!!! loved the look of a classic moonwatch then...what’s this!!!?? OMG it’s beautiful 😍 it’s a Sinn 104 😘 mine will hopefully arrive in the next few weeks...I’m so excited!!! (as you well know that feeling!!!)
Absolutely wonderful review, as usual, even with a bad cold.
It was also refreshing to hear "at this price-range" and not "price point" since "price point," of course, means "price."
Damn you UrbanGentry! I can't stop watching you videos. I recently discovered your channel. I subscribed just now. Cheers!
I have the Sinn 556 mother of pearl black face and a G Shock. I love all the watches you review and completely understand when you say you don't need anything else.
I own the 104 St a I, (in no small part due to your reviews, so cheers!)....and yes, it's absolutely great and i love it, but i have four "hates"....
1) The bezel... the action is great, and it's absolutely solid, but I really wish it was 120 clicks....and, it's very hard to operate with wet hands, which reduces it's functionality for things like cooking (the most common reason i'm using the bezel --frying eggs or fish, or anything i want to make sure i don't leave too long ---but often when i'm doing this is right after i crack the egg or drop the fish, so i rinse my hands and then operate the bezel --the coin edging isn't really enough to grip with wet hands...so it's a bit of a job.
2) Same as yours about the size --I'd prefer it at 38 or 39, but i would be content at 40....41.5 is just a bit too big for me. I have 6.75 inch wrists. My first real watch purchase was a seiko 5 flieger style at 37mm...second was a hamilton viewmatic which they call 40 mm, but it's really more like 41 because of the case shape, but wears like a 43 because it's almost 50 mm lug to lug.....my third was the glycine airman no 1 at 36mm, and this is my favorite size ---less than 11mm thick and 36mm. I don't like the Hamilton because of the size (otherwise excellent), so i'll probably sell it...The Sinn is my latest watch...i was really leery of the Sinn because of the size.....but the 46 mm lug to lug and the case shape makes it wear smaller, so to me it's acceptable, but i would have loved it more at less than 40.
3) the strap ----first the strap is really really nice. It's beautiful and robust, but mine was just too long. Maybe watchbuys sent me the long version, but even at the shortest hole the strap is too long for me. It's not that big of a deal because i wear it on a nato for day to day, but if i want to dress it up, the strap that came with it is pretty much useless for me even though it looks great. So i don't use the strap at all.
4) the anti reflective coating on the outside of the crystal......this is probably my biggest complaint. The AR coating seems to really attract and bond with dirt and oils, if you get something on the crystal, sometimes you can't just buff it with your shirt sleeve ---the spot remains until you clean it with some water, or really scrub it hard with a dry cloth. Never had that issue with the sapphire on the hamilton (which does not have an AR coating), or with the acrylic on the glycine. To me the slight dome is really enough to avoid the dreaded white out that flat crystals (like my seiko) can experience, where the whole watch face is washed out in a reflection....so if it would help with keeping the crystal clean, i would have preferred no AR coating, or maybe a different one if there are better options out there (this is the only watch i've experienced with an AR coating).
Overall though, it's absolutely great. the lume is amazing---the movement in my sample is dead accurate on the wrist (fully wound sitting flat it's about +3 s a day, but on the wrist it's almost dead on 0. (my glycine was + 15s a day out of the box but very consistent --i self regulated and have it pretty close to zero...generally it's + 1 or 2, but can sometimes run -1 or -2).....
The airman is my everyday watch because i love the 24 hour timekeeping (i have the 24 hour "purist" version) and it's just lighter and more comfortable, but i wear the Sinn at least a few days a week.....even though the glycine was a little more expensive, i feel the Sinn is actually higher quality...super legible, great to look at. satisfying to wear.
Thanks so much for all of your videos and reviews...they are very helpful for people like me (modest budget--relatively speaking, and no local access to try any of these watches on, so i rely heavily on videos and reviews)
I'm a highschool student and I recently got a summer job to hopefully get a Seiko soon. As of now I own a Fossil AM3993. It's a watch I found lying around the house. Excited for my first watch purchase!
That vintage Rolex style is captured today in the very affordable Zenith line, which I have a couple of examples. Fun video as always!
I have the Longines Legend Diver and I love it! I have watches that cost much more but the Legend is one I will never get rid of. I put an OD green nato with polished hardware on it and it looks fantastic.
Really appreciate making a vidrios spite of not being well. Definitely the best part of my day when coming home from work at 1am.
Love your videos. Thanks for making them.
I own the 104, and love it. The only complaint that I heard about it is the anti-reflective coating on the outside of the lens. Many people have reported that it will mar easily. I personally haven't experienced this yet. Great review, and nice to see the 104 at the top of the list!
plumbandsquare1 the AR on my 556 was incredibly scratched up, with not a single scratch on the case. Big scratches as well, unlike the hairlines my SMPc developed (in the AR) they were visible in all but the dimmest of lighting conditions. I hope the 104 is better, but I wouldn't count on it... When the AR is that vulnerable I'd rather just have it on the inside of the crystal. A slight dome is preferable to weak AR, to me.
One of the best channels I currently subscribe to, really look forward to watching. Get well soon chap.
The close up of Arnie's watch in Commando is hilarious .
The Rolex watch was serviced 1984 because the main spring was defective as it says in the article and the strap is a 1984 replacement - not the original strap. I also believe the tag with "dust and perspiration proof" is from that servicing and not from 1943. Anyway - what an interesting story and lovely watch.
True soldier. We salute you good sir and many thanks. Feel better soon.
Thank you David :D
Best regards,
TGV
Very nice Video! In terms of purchasing a Sinn, my advantage is to live in Frankfurt, I can reach the Sinn store by bike :-) But, I am not able do decide wether a chronograph, 103, or the 104 makes me happy 🙈 I am 57 years old, my eyes do not get better, so I can't really read the information a chronograph gives me. But, the 104 dial is so "empty", nothing happens. If they could ride something on it in addition to the "Automatik", like "200 m/660 f. The Breitling Superocean II dial suits me better. But, I am from Frankfurt an I want a Sinn. These are serious problems 😉
This man netflixed a dvd in 2017. what a legend
hush hush to bed and get well soon, we are here waiting for you, all the best
*_Tristano, here's to a bright future. All your loyal fans in beautiful Bangor, Maine wish that you get well very soon!_*
I am 25 and from Pakistan! You are an inspiration! Get well soon TGV!
Thank you Fauiqe,
Best regards,
TGV
Thank YOU!!
Where in Pakistan?! Salam!
Whats your next target
Damn so close to that 100k Subscribers! Well done!
Watched this (for the second time) in 2020. Tristan has 435k subscribers now!
@@mikemiller1646 441k a month later, with the video showing 397,192 views. Talk about time passing :-)
So glad I stumbled on this issue. The Great Escape Rolex story is unique history!
Oris 65 is my next watch (unless I get sidetracked by something else maybe on this list) I need more self control lol
Don't we all! Great choice my friend, it has such style and character.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Hi TGV,
Your recommendations of Long Island Watch led me to check out the website. I received my first watch from the online store in the form of the Aristo Aviator chronograph. I am very pleased with the watch and will purchase timepieces from them in future. Now, I am looking at saving to buy a Sinn 104 St Sa based on your observations of the model. It is really is a practical timepiece that is extremely well made and is a classically stylish watch. As you said it is a versatile timepiece as it easily compliments both casual and formal attire. Whether one is wearing the 104 at the beach or the office. Not many sports or aviator watches can achieve that.
I am glad that Seiko is well represented on the list. My late father owned a Seiko for two decades and the only reason he stopped wearing was because Seiko discontinued the model and the parts for servicing. I have owned a couple of Seiko watches and they definitely produce timepieces of great quality.
I agree with you about Oris, but I am perplexed to hear that their aviation pieces don't get enough recognition as they are outstanding value.
Just started my watch fund for the sinn 104 nice to see you proclaiming your love for it again. My absolute favourite watch I can't wait to have it. Thanks for the video, get well soon.
Same😅
Hi TGV,
You've got discipline! Giving us a full or even over length episode being so sick! Thanks for that but now get well soon! Health is more important than a TH-cam episode!
Best regards,
Claus
completely agree with the drilled lugs. the skx is another watch that would benefit tremendously from that.
The Sinn 104 is currently my grail watch. What a beauty! Put it on a Bond NATO and you'll have an absolutely stunning timepiece on your wrist! Great video, yet again, Tristano; and get well soon!
EXCELLENT choice on the nato, yes indeed and a very worthy grail.
Thank you Alpay,
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry my grail of a 104 is on order...should arrive before Xmas 😍 this time last year I had no watches...last Xmas bought a Hamilton khaki...then stumbled over The Urban Gentry Channel whilst looking up Hamiltons (great Hamilton history video thanks) and since then, 3 x vintage Hamilton’s, my daily beater beauty SKX007 and then 3 x Seiko chronographs 🤓
As for the Sinn 104...well I literally fell in love with it at first sight!
All this in under a year...after not wearing any watch for over 25 years and being 57!!!!!!! 😮🤪 cheers again, love watching your videos and learning more and more about this fantastic new hobby of mine...ours 😊
Good evening Tristano, my best greetings here from germany, and thanks making me joy and so many smiles while working at home , it is always a pleasure listening to you, so authentic and real fun - even when you are sick. Great work, keep it on. Regards, Chris (while watching his desk an wrist with my litte timekeepers :)
The Tissot Janeiro is so incredible hard to find for sale!
TGV the hardest working man in the biz! Terrific episode! By the way I'm a large wrist guy, but I've grown to enjoy the almost enviable TGV request for smaller watches. Dragging us all in a more classy direction away from clocks on wrist. Cheers sir,
You should watch "La La Land" if you get a chance! Not only it is a fantastic musical which I think you will adore, this movie also shows off a beautiful vintage Omega that Ryan Goslin wears for his character! Just pure class! And of course, I wish you could feel better soon my friend!
Nice to see Junghans on the list, just received the 27/3401 today and it's an amazing watch.
Only a crazy watch lover can pull off a 30 minute watch review with the flu and smile great video get well!
Get well soon, TGV! Oh man, the Sinn 104 looks more and more attractive every time I see it. And that truly is one heck of a cool Rolex.
Feel better ,enjoy Commando!
Somehow that Sinn reminds me of a vintage submariner,thanks
Thank you Rick,
Excellent point about the Sinn, now you mention it! I totally see what you mean.
Best regards,
tGV
One of your best shows as you covered so many bases and once again supply inspiration to us watch fanatics. Get well soon.
Got a 104 A and I agree; what else do you need in a modern watch?
So I'm getting into vintage now...
The Longines Legend Diver is stunning; best watch in my collection. Haven't regretted buying it one bit and it so effortlessly different to other diver watches. Looking forward to hearing your opinion on it soon!
Totally agree with you. I have the LLD in grey fume dial on a mesh bracelet. Really beautiful watch.
Great looking Rolex chrono with a fantastic backstory. Feel better!
As a former rescue diver I prefer Sinn's bezel layout. I always thought that the traditional bezels are usable but sub-optimal and backwards.
I hope you get better soon!! Thank you so much for all the effort put in the best watch channel on TH-cam! :) Best, Peter
Great fun video. Just got my own Sinn 104 today. Love it, pure class.
Great watch and review.
It would be even better with the features of my black Tissot Seastar 2000. Like a day date only window ate 6 O’clock, so it doesn’t upset the balance of the dial.
Also it’s wave affects background.
Love the video as always Tristano, thanks for a great 32 minute treat :-) Get well soon and take care of yourself my friend!
Thank you sir!
Best regards,
TGV
Fantastic episode my friend! Liking the at ease approach because you were unwell, you dont normally mess around with sweet packets etc! It's good to see you a touch informal at times.. 👍
I thought the Sinn U1 might of hit the poll!.. KS
LOL, thank you KS ;-)
Good point about the U1, might of been in the twenties perhaps,
Best regards,
TGV
I thought this tidbit from the Rolex article was awesome...
In 1984, almost exactly 40 years after the date of the Great Escape, he returned the watch to Rolex in London for repair. It was sent to their Service Centre in Bexley. In view of its amazing history, it was serviced and fitted with a new, period Rolex strap and buckle, free of charge. It was returned on 25/5/84. Since then, it has had very little use other than being worn by its present owner on his wedding day and a few other special occasions.
I have the 104 blue dial black bezel and it's fantastic. It's such a well proportioned versatile watch. It's up there with my Tudor Black bay. Wears so well on most straps. Classy and very versatile. I agree if it were 1 or 2 mm smaller in diameter it would be brillant as on a 6.75 inch wrist it's about right....
Rewatching this video TGV I can't believe you haven't had a sinn 556! It would be perfect size for you
The countdown bezel is perfect for homebrewers like myselve. Honestly, after watching this video I kinda HAVE to buy the watch now just for that application 🤣
Thanks for batting through TGV.
Single Malt Cure.
Even under the weather, you provide great content. Thank you for rallying for the channel.
Sinn and Fortis are my favorite brands. Still regretting not buying Sinn U2 for 900 euro 4 years ago.
Love the sinn 104! Wear it in good health (or not in this case).
;) Great video!!
Thanks for another great video Tristano. You have sefinitely given me some ideas and motivation for straps options for my own collection.
I love the sinns, my next watch to match my other german things!
thank you for making these videos!
Thanks for pushing on and providing another great video
Get well soon, and thanks for your commitment to us.
Great video TGV, you didn't have to upload anything but we appreciate it nonetheless.
Thank you Danny, I must confess it was nice to relax and talk watches.
Best regards,
TGV
I actually really love the count-down bezel on the Sinn 104. It's very much aviation oriented, when flying VFR you prepare timed segments in order to navigate.
After a couple of hours flying segments, I often get confused and have to check my log to remember what duration the segment was... so, for me, a count-down with a big triangle is just genius :D
Take care!
Be sure to watch "The Great Escape" as soon as possible. Not only it's a great war movie, but it's one of the greatest movies ever. I even have the original sound track on vinyl!
Fantastic, I have to agree with you there, love that movie!
So glad you like it too, I am going to listen to the score now,
Thank you Luca, hope you are well.
Best regards,
TGV
What a trooper ,creating video while unwell...Thanks.
Really enjoyed this video, especially the part with the Rolex and the history behind it. Please make more videoes with themes like that. Get well soon. Best wishes from Denmark.
I would have placed the Sinn 356 in that top 20 as well. Fantastic quality, great tool watch looks and a 7750 movement all for under $2k.
Also, I've just noticed that the second hand on the Sinn 104 is the same as the one used on my SKX013, albeit slightly longer.
Great video, TGV! Love that top 20 list. Surprised to see the F1 didn't make the cut. One of my favorites. Hope you feel better soon!
Considering I own number one and number two I can't argue with this list. Though my 104 is the numeral version. Well done video, get better man!
Great Video TGV. Rest up and hopefully you'll be feeling better.
100.000 subscribers soon, hats off to you Sir and congrats already!
Thank you Joni :D
Best regards,
TGV
Great video.Get well soon!!! Another proud Sinn 104 owner :)
Thank you Mark, hooray, enjoy the 104!!
Best regards,
TGV
Super video. Your a gem TVG. Your make the world a better place. Thanks so much.
I say same things about my omega seamaster 300m that you say about Sinn 104, they are such good watches that you hardly want to wear anything else :D
"skinny first world wrist problem..".. haha. love it. great content as always. Haven't really had the Sinn on my radar (even as a german). Will certainly do some homework on it. It would be great to see you travel and visit manufacturers and share travel and watch stories with us.
all the best from Brunei my friend 😊😊
Great video. The 104 has shot up on my short list. Aviator with diving capability is kinda exactly what I'm after.
Commando with Rae Dawn Chong, a definite winner.