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Review of Sinn U1 (Swiss ETA 2836-2)


prospex44

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Hi Guys

I'd like to start out by quickly saying what an amazing place it is here at RWG!

Loads of great people with a tonne of knowledge to be had!

I recently joined here at RWG because, while i love watches, i know that realisticaly i will never have the cash to own and enjoy some of the amazing pieces of horological delight that so often shows itself on my PC screen!! ;)

It is, therefor, perfectly understandable how i found myself becoming interested in the Rep scene.

When i first joined, i was looking for a Sinn diver to try out for my first Rep purchase. Sinn, while not as expensive as some makes, is currently outwith my price range for a Gen example, and i have always admired the simplicity of the designs.

So, i finally decided on a Sinn U1. One of the nicest looking divers from their current range IMO.

I chose my dealer, and after some emails, and chatting to Josh from PC, this little beauty arrived at my door about a week later........

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After unwrapping the watch, which was excellently packaged BTW!

I was really quite surprised at my initial impressions.

First thing i noted was the weight, nice and heavy, felt like a quality timepiece when i first picked it up! The 1000M rating (of the Gen) is quite evident in the weight and thickness of the caseback etc.

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After getting over the great weight to this piece, i moved on to the case.

The case finish is really superb. It has a blasted stainless steel finish, as per the Gen. I believe the Gen uses Submarine grade Steel in its' construction, and while this is probably not the same grade of material used here, it certainly looks and feels very similar to the Gen.

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The crown also has the "S" logo and operates very smoothly indeed. No play when pulled out to adjust the time/date either, and nicely finished to match the rest of the case.

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The next thing that really impressed me, especially when you actualy have a good look at it, was the dial/crystal replication.

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The dial is really excellent. Text, logo & markers are all superb. They really do look spot-on as far as i can tell.

When you couple that fact with the double AR coated sapphire crystal, it really does "POP" and gives a fantastic deep black effect to the already wonderful dial.

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The watch came presented on the Sinn rubber strap with deployment, push button clasp. It also has a diver's extension for a wetsuit.

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The caseback is also well finished. The markings are perhaps not quite as deep as the Gen, but it is pretty close to it.

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Like most Reps, there are different movement options for this model.

I chose to pay the extra for the Swiss ETA 2836-2 powered version.

I have no means of comparing this against the Asian powered model, but the ETA version i have is curretly running at -5 Secs per day. I think this is more than acceptable, and i am very happy with the timekeeping abilites.

This is a 28800 BPH movement and the sweep is nice and smooth.

I believe the Gen is powered by the ETA 2824-2, so not a massive difference here as far as i am concerned.

Onto the Lume......

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This is, IMO, the weakest part of this Rep.

Don't get me wrong, the lume isn't terrible, in fact, it's pretty good actually - but it is nothing like the Gen!

The lumed hour markers are good and bright, but it is the hands that let it down in this area. There just doesn't seem to be much lume on them at all!

In all honesty, while i am a bit of a Lume junkie, this is not a deal-breaker for me, and certainly won't spoil the enjoyment of this piece at all!!

To conclude then, i think this is well worth the money if you are looking a Sinn or even a good tough tool-diver.

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Loads of style, very accurate movement and looks when compared to the Gen.

Feels great on the wrist.

Also offers loads of custom looks with different strap options (22mm lug width on this one).

I have to say, as this was my first Rep - i am really blown away by the overall quality and attention to detail. :) It has been on my wirst every day since i got it!

Thanks for reading my first review of my first Rep purchase!

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Nice review, infact it feels a bit like the old days when we had lots of reviews.

You did a good job of this, with nice honest description of a good watch.

If those hands do disturb you you can always get them relumed

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Great review of a brand which probably doesn't get as much coverage as it should.

Fantastic photography as well!

Looks like I'll need to review my wishlist! :wallbash:

Good job Chris.

Thanks for the kind words Gordon, much appreciated mate.

As for the wish list - i know exactly what you mean. Mine seems to change daily!! :fool:

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Nice review, infact it feels a bit like the old days when we had lots of reviews.

You did a good job of this, with nice honest description of a good watch.

If those hands do disturb you you can always get them relumed

Thanks Andy, to be honest (while i really wanted to review this one), i was a little unsure because i was a relative new comer to the forum and hadn't attemped a review before! I was compelled to go for it, as i thought the watch deserved some attention.

As for re-luming, i have seen some pics of a re-lumed Sinn Rep on the forum and it looks amazing!

Who would offer this kind of service?

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Excellent review! Very well done sir. Strong out of the gate is nice to see from a new member.

So the question now is ...what is next on your list?

Thanks, much appreciated.

As for what will be next....... I seem to have been bitten by the vintage bug! I'm considering a vintage Comex or perhaps a 5512 or 1665 DRSD.

Although, i am also drawn to a couple of Breitling models as well. Namely the SOH and the Abyss!

Too many nice ones to choose from, that's my problem!!

I must say that Im very Impressed with this review and watch. That may be the best AR that I've seen on a rep. Congratulations on your first rep and review...very well done Prospex. :drinks: Mike

Thanks very much Mike, very kind Sir!

Yes, the AR on this one is very impressive in person!

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  • 2 weeks later...

Great review for an awesome watch! Super photos also! Trust me, it won't be your last purchase! Reps have come a long way. Much thanks!

D

Thanks D,

Yes, to be honest, i am still pretty amazed at how much modern Reps have developed over the last few years!!

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