Sinn watches hardly need an introduction here on w&w. Generally a favorite amongst tool watch fans, military watch fans and affordable watch enthusiasts; Sinn’s pack incredible craftsmanship, over-engineered tech and restrained style all into generally accessibly priced packages. From their newest offerings every year at Basel, to reviewing some of their classics, to an exclusive interview with brand founder, Helmut Sinn, we’ve got the brand pretty well covered. If you need a refresher, or this is your first time encountering them, check out our Sinn archive.
Today, I’ll be taking a look at the entry-level Sinn, the 556i. Along with its fraternal twin, the 556a, these two watches represent the least expensive new watches available from the brand, coming in at $1090 on leather*. Since the review will talk about everything the watch has going in its favor, here I will talk about what it doesn’t have: Sinn tech. Sinn is known for it’s various technologies, most notably Tegimented cases (hardened to 1200 vickers surface), copper sulphate capsules (de-humidifying), anti-magnetic shrouds and others you can read about here. The 556’s lack any of that, as do other models, such as the 356 and 103. So, the 556i is less about engineering and more about aesthetics and execution. Essentially, it’s just a very straightforward, well-made German sport watch featuring an ETA 2824-2 and sapphire crystals front and back.
Your earlier reviews, especially a picture of the 103 on a black leather nato, made me buy this watch with the acrylic crystal and it has been a great love affair since then: great classic looks, day, date, chronograph, great time keeping and 20atm WR with classic style pump pushers, what else to ask!
This review is so good. I admire the detail and dedication you’ve gone to. Keep up the great work.
Thanks!
Good review. I love my 556a and ultimately chose it over the 556i because the 556a was more tool watch oriented. I also got the bracelet and purchasing in Germany saved enough to get the whole rig for the cost of leather in the states. One correction for you, Sinn, if you got an ETA, only used Top Grade movements. The new ones have SW
This is a great entry level offering from Sinn. I purchased one for my father several years back and it meets all of his requirements as a no-nonsense, ex-military officer– easy to read, wearable case size, tough, good water resistance, respectable lume for night visibility, etc.
That said, it is a shame that Sinn watches are only available in the US through Watchbuys. Nothing against the company, I have purchased a number of watches from them. However, they do very little in the way of marketing the brand and I am certain that Sinn would benefit from greater exposure if they allowed other retailers to market their products (as they do in Asia).
Still, great watch! Thanks for another terrific review!
Typo: You say 48.5mm instead of 38.5 for the case diameter.
thanks, fixed
The ultimate minimalist watch.
I used to ogle the 656 online and was holding out for it to get a tegimented case and a domed crystal. In the meanwhile I bought myself a 356 utc for the rare trip out of the time zone and for the adorable valjoux wobble. When the 856 three-hander was released with the hardened case I picked one up. I realize my ideal isn’t the same as everyone else’s, but tegimented 556 with a domed crystal would check all of those boxes. I could see myself wearing that 95% of the time and not wanting for anything else from a daily-wearer.
agreed… a 556 tegimented with acrylic or domed sapphire would be the ideal
The review says that this watch lacks the anti-magnetic shroud available in other Sinn watches, but it says antimagnetic on the case back. Doesn’t that indicate that it does, in fact, have this feature?
Love your reviews. This one is nothing short of spectacular!
Great review. Thanks for helping me choose this watch. I love it!
Just as an fyi to others buying in the US – my 556 I from Watchbuys came with a black leather strap with black stitching, not the off-white stitching shown in these pictures. I wish it had the contrast stitching, but the all black strap looks great too and also seems very high quality.
Excellent review on a great watch I’m thinking about buying. Now available at Watchbuys there is a red second hand option. Price aside, what do you think?
Thanks.
I’ve been lusting after this one for some years, having an affinity for minimalist styles as much as busy ones. I was able to see one in person at the last WatchBuys exhibition in SF and it only cemented my determination. I finally saved up and got one. It arrived yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. The proportions are just right for my wrist and it’s a perfect companion to the look and concept of my Leica M-D.