Introducing Sinn Celebrates 20 Years of Its First Diving Watch With Three Limited Editions

Founded in 1961 by former pilot Helmut Sinn, the German company Sinn has long specialized in producing watches for pilots and onboard instruments, including those for German fighter jets. A significant change occurred in 1994 when Lothar Schmidt, previously an engineer at IWC, became the owner. 

He shifted the brand’s focus towards new technologies and expanded its collection. One of Sinn’s historic milestones was the introduction of the U1 model in 2005—the first diver’s watch with a case made of steel from the hull of a German submarine. This year marks 20 years since this debut, and the brand is celebrating by releasing three limited series of 1,000 pieces each: the U15, U16, and U18.

Made of steel sourced from the U 15, U 16, and U 18 Type 206 submarines, which were commissioned in the 1970s, each vessel had traveled impressive nautical miles and fulfilled its duties before being decommissioned. The exact nautical mileage for each model is displayed on the dial, highlighting these engineering marvels' achievements.

At first glance, the U15, U16, and U18 look quite similar. However, they differ not only in case size but also in the origin of the steel used for their cases. Each model is made from steel obtained from a different Type 206 submarine, as indicated by their names.

Each new Sinn dive watch features a round stainless steel case derived from German submarine steel, primarily showcasing a brushed finish. The unidirectional bezel, with a 60-minute scale in black and blue. Additional design features include drilled lugs, a sapphire crystal, and an oversized crown positioned at 4 o’clock. The screwed solid case back is engraved with the silhouette of the corresponding submarine, its name, individual numbering, and water resistance details.

The Sinn U15 is the most compact of the trio, featuring a 41mm case with a thickness of 11.20mm and a water resistance of 500 meters.

The Sinn U16 falls between the two in terms of specifications, featuring a 44mm case with a thickness of 14.70mm and a water resistance of 1,000 meters.

The Sinn U18, on the other hand, boasts a larger 44mm case with a height of 15.50mm and an outstanding 2,000-meter water resistance.

The dial features a deep blue hue with a 3D bubble motif, reminiscent of air bubbles rising through water. Luminescent material fills the three central hands, as well as the minute and second track, ensuring optimal legibility in low-light conditions. A date window at 3 o’clock enhances functionality, while the brand’s logo at 12 o’clock is complemented by the specific model name and the nautical miles traveled during the submarine’s commission at 6 o’clock.

Powering the trio are automatic movements from Sellita. Both the Sinn U15 and the Sinn U18 are equipped with the reliable Sellita SW300-1, which operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers an impressive 56-hour power reserve.

The Sinn U16, however, is powered by the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, running at a frequency of 4Hz, with a power reserve of up to 38 hours.

All three watches come fitted with an H-shaped stainless steel bracelet, secured with a signed folding clasp. Each model is strictly limited to 1,000 pieces. The Sinn U15 and U16 are priced at €2,990, approximately 11,500 AED, while the U18 is priced at €3,230, approximately 12,400 AED.

For more information, you can visit Sinn’s official website.