The Watch Appreciation Thread (Reviews and Photos of Men's Timepieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Brei

Originally Posted by acidicboy

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I feel IWC's direction is going the opposite way. Then again, they're selling more watches nowadays and I bet they're happy about that.

Sure, they are selling more watches in the short-term, but they are doing so by becoming a pastiche of themselves--or worse, of others (compare the new Da Vinci chrono to Patek's in-house chrono introduced a couple of years ago).

Who knows what long-term effects this will have.

Originally Posted by mafoofan

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Sure, they are selling more watches in the short-term, but they are doing so by becoming a pastiche of themselves--or worse, of others (compare the new Da Vinci chrono to Patek's in-house chrono introduced a couple of years ago).

Who knows what long-term effects this will have.

Not a good one, if they're not careful. Here's my next target, once my finances are clear... my future daily beater:

Watch - Manometro Destro version with self-vintage strap
Car - Black 2006 Alfa Romeo 159Sportwagon

Stuff in traffic, so I pulled out the Leica (what a difference natural light has on the clarity) - the colours & the watch almost jump out..

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

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Wow checking out the Stowa site there are some very attractive pieces. The movement on that Marine is beautiful.

That is quite nice. It's got sort of an austere machine-age look to it.

Hmmm...the Sinn Regulateur which is nicely priced at 1/5 of the IWC.

What is Sinn's reputation amongst the watch frans?

Originally Posted by whnay.

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What is Sinn's reputation amongst the watch frans?

Very good. Sinn is generally considered the best of all the military watch makers (e.g. Fortis, Tutima...). They have some very standard military designs but also have iconic designs, especially the 142 (which was rebranded as Space 1 by Bell & Ross, who started in the watch business by rebranding and selling Sinn watches).

I have a Sinn 142st (Lemania chrono) and it's an awesome watch. It competes head to head for wrist time with my Panerai and IWC - and often wins

Originally Posted by gdl203

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Very good. Sinn is generally considered the best of all the military watch makers (e.g. Fortis, Tutima...). They have some very standard military designs but also have iconic designs, especially the 142 (which was rebranded as Space 1 by Bell & Ross, who started in the watch business by rebranding and selling Sinn watches).

I have a Sinn 142st (Lemania chrono) and it's an awesome watch. It competes head to head for wrist time with my Panerai and IWC - and often wins

Thanks Greg, so a nice priced alternative to the IWC 3714?

Originally Posted by whnay.

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What is Sinn's reputation amongst the watch frans?

One of the better non-manufactures. The lower end watches in the line are a great value. However, the pricier, more complicated watches begin to overlap with offerings from more prestigious makers.

I like these on a strap.

Originally Posted by whnay.

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I like these on a strap.

Nice, very IWC GST-esque. However, I don't like the cut-off numerals on one and the singular '12' on the other.

Originally Posted by mafoofan

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One of the better non-manufactures. The lower end watches in the line are a great value. However, the pricier, more complicated watches begin to overlap with offerings from more prestigious makers.

I am curious to hear your views of the quality of their more upmarket pieces. If I recall correctly, Helmut Sinn is no longer associated with the company he founded because of his disagreement with management's decision to expand from its no-nonsense, tool watch roots. I personally like the design of the Frankfurt Finance, but to me Sinn is about the 142, the pilot watches, like the 656 and the rarely mentioned 244, a watch that has always reminded me of the Porsche designed IWC, but in a good way. Sadly, prices have been steadily increasing. Watchbuys says it's because of the strong Euro; I wonder if something else is at work.

Originally Posted by whnay.

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Thanks Greg, so a nice priced alternative to the IWC 3714?

I'm not a big believer in "alternatives" when it comes to watches. I find that if you really lust after a specific watch (e.g. 3714 for you?), an "intermediate" purchase will not leave you satisfied and you will keep wanting that dream watch. I'd recommend saving more and getting what you really want (as long as it's an achievable goal, not a Breguet No.5 like me! ) rather than getting a more affordable alternative.

Now, if you really like some of the Sinn designs, then I'd recommend to definitely go for it, and even maybe visit the factory in Germany and buy at the factory shop (I haven't done it but heard great things). I personally really like Sinn's military watches, but I'm not a fan of the dressier models. I also have a strong aversion to watches with really busy dials (e.g. the multiple tachymetre thingy on that second watch you posted, Ã la Breitling)

Originally Posted by gdl203

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Very good. Sinn is generally considered the best of all the military watch makers (e.g. Fortis, Tutima...). They have some very standard military designs but also have iconic designs, especially the 142 (which was rebranded as Space 1 by Bell & Ross, who started in the watch business by rebranding and selling Sinn watches).

I have a Sinn 142st (Lemania chrono) and it's an awesome watch. It competes head to head for wrist time with my Panerai and IWC - and often wins


Where can you get Sinn watches for a good price?

How does Sinn compare to Nomos?

Originally Posted by Don Goldstein

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Where can you get Sinn watches for a good price?

How does Sinn compare to Nomos?

I think that generally Sinn are considered to be of a sturdier construction than Nomos and are difficult to find at a discount. It has probably been noted earlier in this thread but timezone.com is an excellent resource for information on both of these brands.