The Sinn U1 watch is another example of a great “tool” watch, it is tough as nails! The watch weighs in at 175 grams, supporting the 44mm case. The U1 is 14mm thick and made of submarine steel. Let’s get right to the best part of this watch, the bezel. Sinn uses it now recognized Tegiment process on the bezel, this gives it a hardness rating of 1500 Vickers, opposed to standard stainless steel that has an average of 220 Vickers! Hence, why this watch is tough as “nails” so to speak.

  As the name suggest it is water resistant to 1000m, to help achieve this depth the U1 has a double locking crown. This Sinn uses the tried and true ETA 2824, with hacking. We like that the U1 has a 22mm lug width, nothing worse than a larger watch on a 20mm strap. It comes standard on a very well made black rubber strap, that has a deployment buckle and a nice diver extension. Nice big, clean, easy to read dial, with a date window at the 3 o’clock position.

Pros - Clean dial, nice standard movement, Tegimented bezel, 1000m.

Consideration - Not sold in brick and mortar stores, making it challenging to handle prior to purchase, would like to see more lume on this serious dive watch.

  Sinn has stepped it up another notch with the Sinn U2 EZM 5. The well known Sinn Tegiment process is still used on the bezel. There are U2 variations that have a fully tegimented bezel, case, and bracelet. The Tegiment process has a hardness of 1500 vickers and is 5 times harder than standard 316L steel. The watch can likely handle some serious abuse! The hands and 2nd timezone are similar to that of the 856 UTC review below. The similarities stop there and more engineering begins. The U2 EZM 5 has an argon gas filled cavity with two copper sulfate humidity absorbing capsules visible at the 6 o’clock position. Very unique feature as well as being practical.  

  A matte black dial is accented by the 2nd timezones red 24 hour numerals, markers, tipped hour hand, and red seconds hand. Red gives the watch an appropriate menacing look, this is a serious watch. The commonly used ETA 2893-2 automatic movement used frequently with watches requiring a 2nd timezone complication is the engine used in this U2. An increased depth rating of 2000m from 1000m when comparing to the U1 below. There is a small date window at the 3 o’clock position and a nice oversized crown at 4 o’clock. If you are in need of a tough, rugged, manly watch, this would certainly have to make the list of watches being considered.

Pros - 2nd timezone, engineering, Tegimented bezel, 2000m.

Consideration - Red numerals and markers can make it more difficult for telling the 2nd timezone “at a glance”.