2021 marks the 60th anniversary of German tool watch brand Sinn, and the marque has a year of unique novelties planned to celebrate the occasion. For the first entry in this planned series, Sinn returns to its tough and functional U1 diver line with a unique dial variant cased in its signature German submarine steel material. The new limited edition Sinn U1 DS combines the brand’s core design philosophies with an aggressive and weathered new look that emphasizes Sinn’s definitive toughness.
The 44mm German submarine steel case of the Sinn U1 DS follows the same rounded utilitarian pattern as regular production models, with a deep and even bead blasted gray tone throughout in initial images. The 4 o’clock screwdown crown, tall case sides, short wide set lugs, and unique shallow scalloped dive bezel are all present here, offering a more tool oriented perspective on dive watch cues than many of its competitors. The insert-free unidirectional bezel features a full engraved dive scale, keeping legibility at the forefront with paint in stark white and black. The entire case is hardened with Sinn’s proprietary TEGIMENT technology, adding superior scratch resistance to the corrosion and magnetic resistant properties endemic to the brand’s German submarine steel alloy. Water resistance stands at an immense 1,000 meters.
Of course, the largest new addition to the U1 formula with the Sinn U1 DS is the genuinely one of a kind dial finish. Each individual model’s steel dial is engraved with an irregular scratching pattern, looking in initial images like the work of an aggressive orbital sander or wire brush wheel, revealing a range of tones from bright brushed steel to a deep gunmetal gray in various areas of the dial. Because of the chaotic nature of this process, no two dials in the series are identical, with each model showing different patterns and tones. The dial layout itself is a monochrome take on the squared off syringe hands and printed indices of the standard U1, eliminating the vibrant red accents on the hands in favor of a subtler black treatment. This darker, less colorful approach suits the industrial feel of the scratched dial nicely in initial images, offering a moodier look without sacrificing legibility.
Sinn powers the U1 DS with the venerable Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement. The SW 200-1 has appeared in countless timepieces over the years, and its performance remains reliable with a 38 hour power reserve at a 28,800 bph beat rate. The Sinn U1 DS can be paired with a variety of strap options. First up is the brand’s rounded and substantial H-link bracelet in steel, handsomely echoing the rounded design language of the case. For those preferring a softer feel on the wrist, the U1 DS is also available with Sinn’s signed silicone rubber strap in either black or white.
While keeping the core look of the U1 line intact, the limited edition Sinn U1 DS adds a battle-hardened sheen that celebrates both 60 years of the brand’s tool watch heritage and its current expertise in durable steel alloys and case hardening. Only 500 examples of the Sinn U1 DS will be made, available now through authorized dealers at a starting MSRP of $2,780. For more details, please visit the brand’s website.
