BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
German brand Sinn is highly appreciated within the tool watch community for producing solidly built sports watches packed with innovative technologies. For 2021, Sinn is expanding its tool watch collection with the U1 DS, a new variation of its quirky but capable dive watch, the U1, featuring an attractive dial with decorative grinding.
The U1 is Sinn’s flagship diver, which is well known for its bold aesthetic and peculiar design elements that make it stand out from the crowd. The U1 DS keeps the overall design DNA of the U1 intact, but does bring in a few noteworthy updates, that change the visual appeal of the watch. The regular production models of the U1 feature black or blue dials, which have become commonplace in the world of dive watches. The U1 DS, in contrast, is equipped with a greyish black textured dial that has been created using a special grinding technique that renders a distinct abstract pattern on every dial, making every watch unique. The special finish makes the dial more exciting and dynamic, giving it the ability to look different under different lighting conditions. As far as the layout is concerned, you still get the lego style hands and markers, a printed minute track, and a date window at 3. In all, the dial on the U1 DS remains highly legible, functional, and clutter-free.
Made from highly corrosion-resistant submarine steel, the case on the U1 DS remains identical in proportion and design to the U1. It measures a large 44mm in diameter and has a thickness of around 14.7mm, making for a nice chunky watch. That said, the downward curving lugs combined with a relatively modest lug to lug distance of 50mm should make this watch sit comfortably on a variety of wrists. The case features Sinn’s proprietary Tegiment technology, which hugely improves the scratch resistance of the case with the help of a special coating. A uni-directional ratcheting bezel with deep grooves sits on top of the case. The case is water-resistant to a substantial 1000 meters, a rating which is assured using the off-set threaded crown at 4 o’clock and the closed case back. Also, the case conforms to DIN 8310, the German standard for waterproofness.
On the mechanics front, the U1 DS is powered by the workhorse Sellita SW200-1 movement that operates at 4Hz and offers a power reserve of around 38 hours.
Like other Sinn watches, the new Sinn U1 DS is available to purchase on a variety of strap options at different price points. The watch costs EUR 2200 on leather, EUR 2470 on silicone rubber, and EUR 2500 on the bracelet. Production is limited to 500 pieces.
Visit Sinn here.
