On the wrist, the EZM 13 wears exceptionally well. It’s an ideal size for a rugged tool watch, coming in neither too big or too small. It’s plenty large enough to have presence and be legible, but small enough to be comfortable and look well proportioned to the wrist. On my 7″ wrist, I found the lug-to-lug length of 47mm to be particularly well sized, especially since the lugs are broad. So, while the watch isn’t long, the lugs still have a lot of visual mass.
It’s such a cool looking watch. Though it mixes elements from various time periods, it’s thoroughly modern looking, with a mean tactical edge. There is nothing that feels stylized about the design, rather everything is built for a purpose. In the end, it’s very clean and a bit severe, but undeniably attractive. The instrument-like design makes it almost conservative, so while it’s a sport/tool watch through and through, it wouldn’t look odd at work, though I’d probably go for the bracelet option. For more casual wear, it just has that kind of effortlessly rugged look that I personally find so appealing. Wear it with jeans, boots, t-shirts, leather jackets, etc… wear it to the beach, the bar, the garage; whatever it is you do. It’s a watch that could actually look better with a few scratches and dings on it.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to like about (and to talk about) the Sinn EZM 13. It’s a great modern tool watch with some very serious technical credibility, which is Sinn’s strong suit. Before even getting to the Ar-Dehumidifying tech or the D3-System that allows the chrono-pushers to be used under water… or the 500m WR or the 80,000 A/m magnetic field resistance… or the gorgeous, mission driven dial and super bright lume… you have the fact that this uses their SZ02 in-house modified Valjoux 7750 chronograph, which gives it a 60-minute counter. Not only is that more practical, it’s Sinn going above and beyond to make a better, more functional watch.
As a chronograph enthusiast, a little thing like that is already enough to make the watch a winner for me. Not wanting every one of my chronographs to be the same, or to use off the shelf movements, an exclusive modification is very attractive. Not to rant, but how many watches 2, 3…5 times the price of the EZM 13 go so far? Few if any. Then throw in all that other great stuff? There is nothing comparable. They put a lot of luxury brands to shame.
With that said, the EZM 13 isn’t cheap, it’s just a great value. At $2,770 ($2,960 on a bracelet) it’s no drop in the bucket, but for everything you are getting it actually seems modest. Even within Sinn’s own watches, they kind of snuck this one in under $3k, beating out many of their other chronographs and coming in nearly $2,000 less than their other SZ02 powered chrono, the mighty U1000. Of course, there’s a push and pull with everything, and the EZM 13 is lacking one of Sinn’s most notable techs: Tegimented steel. The hardened Tegimented steel is 1200 vickers making it nearly impervious to scratches; an obviously great feature. That said, while I would have loved for that to be a part of it, I appreciate that they kept the price down a bit by leaving it out, making it somewhat more approachable.
To pick one up in the US, head to WatchBuys
I love the subdued red of the date numerals. It always baffles me when watch makers use a standard date wheel, not even bothering to match colours, never mind fonts.
In a world of me-too, crappy, garden-variety watches, it’ wonderfully refreshing to know that a watch like this exists!
i’ve only recently been getting into watches, and have really been fascinated learning about the German manufactures. While I originally thought my first “luxury” mechanical watches would be an Omegas, e.g a Seamaster and a Speedy, I’ve since decided they’re going to be a Sinn and a Hanhart.
I must admit that Sinn made some gorgeous tool watches, the best in the class. But, there is a thing that makes me think twice about Sinn: the hands. Especially the EZM series. those big fat Lum filled hands are not for me. Too raw. While I’m expecting to get something with fully tegimented case, I cannot compromise with the hands. but hey that’s just me…
Is it really a modified Valjoux 7750 though? Surprising since they switched to the Sellita SW500 for the 356 chrono.
Very nice review of a very cool watch.
Love Sinn. In all my years of collecting, there were three watches that were absolute must-have Grails- a vintage Submariner 5513, a Seamaster 300, and a Sinn 103 St Sa chronograph. The build quality of Sinn watches puts a lot of more expensive Swiss brands to shame, in my view.
This EZM13 model once again reminds me what a great brand this is. My only quibble is the use of slightly too-thin hands on such a butch design, but these hands are a Sinn staple. Regardless of what I think, they are certainly legible against the sparse dial.
Another winner. Great write-up, gorgeous photos, once again.
Great post. I actually like the Speedmaster-style hands on the EZM13 quite a bit. Great visibility. I just figured out why most of the sweep seconds hand for the chrono is painted black with just a white tip; it’s so it doesn’t obscure the legibility of the dial, and hour and minutes hands. Superb attention to the smallest details.
BTW, I just ordered my first Sinn today! A 104 St Sa on a black leather strap; arrives tomorrow.
W&W’s reviews are really great. Good content, guys…
I’m late to the party but this is a fine looking watch. After reading the article comparing SINN 556I, ARCHIMEDE OUTDOOR PROTECT AND DAMASKO DA36 I was debating to obtain one of those but this EZM 13 is quite the looker. Hmm dilemma buy this or heck I could get both the Archimede and the Damasko for less. Or I may go for the EZM 3 since it’s a handsome piece too. May stick with one of the EZMs since I was contemplating a Tudor Black Bay…Darnit, I’m starting to hate this site since it just increases my appetite for more watches!