Having both a tegimented and non-tegimented Sinn, I would strongly recommend the fully tegimented if I had to do it over. The peace of mind around its robust resistance to scratches is worth every penny. Plus the grey-ish tone is more “Sinn-y” imho.

 

The 556 is great but not on the larger side in terms of overall case size.

 

As a 856 S (UTC) owner, I'd say it wears small. I know that it's supposed to be ideal for my 6.7" wrist, but I am used to and prefer 42mm. It's also quite thin, so you get the idea.
I cannot comment on Tegiment's durability. It's been with me just for a few months, but being second hand (year of production 2018) I cannot see a single mark on it.

 

Thanks, that really helps. If the 856 wears a little small, then the 556 is probably not for me. Does Sinn make anything similar in a 42mm or so case?

 

I don’t have experience with either of those, I own a u50p. There has been chatter in the u50p post that’s indicated some Sinn models are having qc problems. However, I’m happy with mine

 

That's a little concerning. It's always hard to gauge what the frequency of problems is from forum posts, but you would really hope nothing was going out the door with some of those issues. There was actually another brand I was looking at as well, and have written off for now due to what appears to be a high number of movement issues

 

556

 

Another vote for 556.

 

I've had both and wear the 556 a lot now on my 6 7/8" wrist. With your wrist size, go with the 856 for sure. (Note it has kind of a useless dive extension though...).

 

I hear you about not wanting ‘busy’. Sinn is the place for tool watches, so busy tends to be their sweet spot (bezels, chronographs+). But given what you’re looking for, you’re barking up the right trees.
The style is personal taste, so you’ll decide - you’ll be happy with Sinn.

Here are my thoughts:

• as others have said, tegiment is something you will appreciate over time. The first time your wrist bumps against a stone corner or wall…. I have Sinns without it too, but given the choice….
• Numbers or markers? Both are great.
• New or second hand like new? You can save hundreds of dollars buying used. Pay attention to the seller’s history, reviews, quality of the pictures, age of the watch (I have one from 2002, but serviced a couple of times - runs like new and lioks like new!). Two of my three Sinns were acquired second hand (and I’ve had 2 others). Chrono24 is a very good site. Sometimes WatchShopping - based in CA, they find watches new from dealers in Europe. Bernard Watches in Austin has been terrific too. Possibly ebay, but just be more careful there.

I like the 556, but the 836 is 43mm and is tegimented. Personally, I prefer the 856 with the UTC function.
The EZM 3 or 3f is 41mm with a beadblasted case (hides dings pretty well) is very nice too - I also prefer this to the 556, but it has a bezel, so ignore that.

 

My biassed opinion is 38mm is too dainty for your 8" wrist.
I wear the 43mm Sinn (tegimented) 836 - on my 7.75" wrist, and it has a Red second Hand.
It's considered a Pilot watch - but its also serves me as a GADA..

 

If it’s important for you, bear in mind that the 856 also has an antimagnetic shield and the AR dehumidifying tech capsule. It’s this Sinn overengineered-ness that made the decision easy for me to make. Here on my 6.75 inch wrist:

 

This photo of my 10-year-old fully tegimented Sinn 856 UTC on my 7 3/8 wrist was taken two days ago. I cannot locate any scratches on this watch, even on the back of the clasp, which is a massive scratch magnet on my Omega's. If you are at all scratchophobic, going fully tegimented is the way to go.

 

I had the same decision to make as my first 'nice' watch and I chose the 856. The 556 is better for me size wise, but the 856 is just as thin. I wanted the tech of the 856 and I don't regret the price premium. The thing is a tank...

 

7.25" wrist

 

857 on a 7 1/8 flat wrist to help you compare.
Between the 556 and 856 I'd say 856 all day.

Regarding the tegiment process - here are some decent pics of this 2019 2nd owner, worn in rotation 857. Still like new.

 

Thanks everybody. I think that about settles it. 856 is probably the best bet. I was looking through my watches, and a I have a 37mm seiko which is comically small on my wrist, so the 556 is probably too small

 

I think the Sinn 836 could be the best of both worlds for you. Red seconds hand and tegimented in a 43mm diameter case.

 

Oddly, I was today years old when I learned about it. Watchbuys doesn’t have it clearly in their model menu so I had missed it. The only rub is I really like these with the Arabic numbers for some reason and the 836 doesn’t seem to have that option. Size, red seconds, Arabic numbers: pick any 2 I guess…

 

Wouldn't hurt to ask the guys at Watchbuys if Sinn might put a red second hand on the Arabics version of the 836 for you. They're pretty friendly, and the worst they can say is no.

 

856 is the way!

 

The 43mm Sinn 836 Tegimented (on a Bracelet, $2360) - is available NOW; but Not on a leather.

Sinn 836 Tegimented on Bracelet

Automatic winding fully Tegimented

www.watchbuys.com

I prefer mine on custom leather: it provides both a much lighter weight and tolerates getting wet very well. The leather straps Red Thread accents makes it Pop -without too much attention.

 

865 if you can stretch to it. The steel on the 556 is way too soft, and they tend to look rough quickly. The B-uhr is outstanding IMO.

 

I can't comment on the 556 v 856, but I can on the tegiment side of things. I've had a 356, non-tegiment since 2008. Since then it's been on my wrist at least 75% of the time, and has been backpacking, hiking, skin diving, mountain biking and to the opera. It does not look brand new, but what marks it does have are very subtle, and very well earned. I've been looking at adding a U50, and if I do, I'll save the money grab a non-tegimented version.

 

856


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

856s on my 6.5 inch wrist. The design of this and the 556's dial means it should still be legible at 38mm, but would probably still be on the small size for your wrists.

 

I am on my 8th Sinn, still have 4 now.
Had EZM1 and EZM3, the 856 I had 3 ( still have 2 ) , 656, 857 EZM7 and just sold a 356 Euroflieger.

I would says go for the 856 UTC or not, which represents the Sinn tech, the 556 has too many competitors.
Ir the 656 which is basically a 556, beadblasted and antimagnetic, but discontinued.

The 856 is gonna still look new in 20 years, an absolute tool.

 

I debated between the 556a and 856 and went with the 556. For my 6.75” wrist it’s the best size. For an 8” wrist I definitely would choose the 856 or 836 (which I would get if it was a little smaller).

Good luck with your decision! (Edit: I see you made it. Great!)