Sinn announces an extension to the U1 diver’s watch with a scratched dial . Known as the U1 DS, this 2021 novelty is a limited edition of 500 pieces.
Sinn U1 DS in a nutshell
Press Release details with commentary in italics.
U1 DS retails for SGD 4,040 on a strap with pin buckle, SGD 4,540 on a strap with DB buckle, and SGD 4,760 on a bracelet. Prices inclusive of GST.
• Limited to 500 pieces
• Dial with decorative grinding
• Case and crown made of high-strength seawater-resistant German Submarine Steel
• Case and bezel with TEGIMENT Technology and therefore especially scratch-resistant
• Tested based on European diving equipment standards and certified by DNV GL
• Captive diver’s bezel with minute ratcheting
• Crown at 4 o’clock to prevent pressure on the back of the hand
• Sapphire crystal glass
• Waterproof and pressure-resistant to 1,000 m diving depth (= 100 bar), certified by DNV GL
• Low pressure resistant
Commentary
DS stands for “Dekor schleif”, which translate to decorative grinding from German. The effect looks like its made rather randomly with a rough grinding surface being applied by hand to the dial, and gives it s rugged look which is scored with lines. The cross hatch pattern is irregular and appears to be lightly scratched so that it does nor make deep grooves. The overall look seems rather pleasing in the high resolution images we saw during the launch presentation. This technique is not new to Sinn. The same dial technique is used in the Sinn x The Hour Glass 356 – made in commemoration of the latter’s 40th Anniversary in 2019.
In juxtaposition this scratched dial is placed within the highly scratch resistant bezel and case (and bracelet where applicable). The case and bracelet is in German submarine steel which is non-magnetic. The material is then treated with Tegiment which takes on a darker grey hue instead of the brighter look of regular stainless steel. The case is made in the Sinn casemaking facilities known as SUG in Glashütte.
Tegiment Technology provides a protection against scratches. The method is not, however, based on the application of a coating. Instead it is the surface of the material itself which is hardened by means of a special process, thereby creating a protective layer (“tegimentum” in Latin).
Normally Sinn watches incorporate colours like red or orange, but the new U1 DS is a monochrome look with just white markings over the grey dial.
The U1 DS model, limited to 500 pieces, is a very special timepiece in the Sinn range. The diving watch owes this to its dial, which is ground with a rough tool to produce an irregular, decorative pattern. As a result, the wearer enjoys an exciting play of colours as the base material on some parts of the dial reflects different nuances of light. Every watch is therefore a unique piece – the impression achieved on the dial during the machining process can never be repeated. The design still allows for perfect readability – thanks to the striking form and minimalist display.
Alongside these optical characteristics, the watch also boasts high-quality technical features. The case and crown are made of high-strength seawater-resistant German Submarine Steel, which enjoys outstanding non-magnetic properties. The surface of the case and the captive diver’s bezel with minute ratcheting have also been hardened with TEGIMENT Technology, leaving them especially scratch-resistant.
The U1 DS guarantees reliability and precision, even under extreme conditions. The DNV GL has verified and certified the U1 DS’s pressure resistance to a diving depth of 1,000 metres and its temperature resistance and functionality in accordance with the European diving equipment standards.
Sinn U1 DS Technical details
Mechanical Movement
• SW 200-1
• Self-winding mechanism
• 26 bearing jewels
• 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour
• Seconds stop function
• Anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309
Case
• Case made of German Submarine Steel, bead-blasted
• Sapphire crystal glass in front, anti-reflective on both sides
• Case back screw-fastened
• Crown screwable
• Meet the technical requirements for waterproofness, as set out in standard DIN 8310
• Waterproof and pressure-resistant to 1,000 m diving depth (= 100 bar), certified by DNV GL
• According to the technical demands for the diving norm DIN 8306
• Tested based on European diving equipment standards EN 250 / EN14143 and certified by DNV GL
• Low pressure resistant
Functions
• Hours, minutes, seconds
• Date display
• Diver’s bezel with minute ratcheting and luminous key mark
SINN Technologies
• TEGIMENT Technology, therefore especially scratch-resistant
• Captive diver’s bezel
Dimensions and Weight
• Case diameter: 44 mm
• Band lug width: 22 mm
• Case thickness: 14.7 mm
• Weight without strap: 113 gramme
Dial and Hands
• Dial with decorative grinding
• Indices coated with luminescent colour
• Hour, minute and second hand coated with luminescent colour
Warranty
• 2 years
2 Comments
Awesome…cant wait to see it in person.
Awesome…cant wait to see it in person.