I own a 656, after going through a few 556A. Very much like them.

However, if I was considering a 556i, probably I'd opt for a Damasko, instead. Unless a bracelet was important, and then it would be a right conundrum, which would put Archimede into play, too.

So yeah, Damasko on a strap, 556i on bracelet, but would also consider Archimede.

 

Actually that’s a good point. I had assumed I could acquire a bracelet for the Damasko separately. Bracelet is important.

Archimede over both, then?

 

Today, I'd go DK20. I like the thicker printing of the indices and the less prominent minute track. I'd likely request an orange seconds hand.

Still a big fan of my DS30 though.

 

The cream colored hands and indices on the DK20 is such a draw for me. Luscious looking. Thank you!

 

I think it’s probably a can’t-go-wrong choice. To my eyes (in photos) the 556 looks a touch more elegant, while the DS30 looks a little more stark and tool-ish. I would have gotten the 556 instead if I’d found as good a deal on it, but I’ve been very happy with my DS30 for six years now.

 

Thank you. Super helpful. I really love the green seconds hand on the Damasko. Is that a lime green, or is that the only green that the Damasko offers?

 

Would love more thoughts from folks on the Archimede Pilot 200. This brand / reference had not really been on my radar prior to @mconlonx bringing it up, but in reading about it and looking at it, it seems this could be a fantastic, more affordable option over the Sinn 556. If there is no good bracelet option for the Damaskos then I think I’d prefer to wait to get my first Damasko for a less special occasion.

 

And big thanks for @StufflerMike for his incredible review of the Archimede, which directly and eloquently takes on the 556/DS30/Pilot 200 question, here: https://www.watchuseek.com/posts/56139437/

 

DS30 for me. Good lume on that one. Less so on the 556.

 

My collection of 'only' 8 affordables - its days are numbered - there is a DS30 on my list. Now, if I could only decide on which colorway I like best - they all look so good!

 

If there is no good bracelet option for the Damaskos

There is a bracelet option for the Damasko

https://www.watchmann.com/proddetail.php?prod=Damasko+DS30+with+Bracelet+Submarine+Steel+Automatic+Watch+with+Yellow+Hand

It also fits the DK20, I believe.

Has the date window moved from 3 to 6 over the years? Or is that an option?

My DS30 with the date at 6 was a collaboration with WindUp Watch Shop. The normal version is at 3.

 

My latest watch, bought last summer, is a DS30 Ocean with orange seconds hand. I bought it as my vision is getting poorer and debated over the Damasko and Sinn as my most legible options. I do like Fliegers! Price was not a concern as I intend this to be my last watch. I opted for Damasko mainly because of its drilled lugs. It has been everything I expected. I particularly enjoy watching that orange hand ticking away the seconds. The bracelet is expensive, $600-$700, but probably in my future as it looks lovely.

 

1. For the sake of long-term service, I would avoid in-house calibers (say Damasko's DK20), better go with 556i
2. Consider Sinn 856, if 3-6-9-12 works for you, it is larger in dimension and has SW300 inside. The only downside of this watch is bracelet clasp, but it looks like you are looking on strap option.
3. Fortis Flieger F-39 and F-41 are another nice watch you may like for similar price, sometimes available at slight discount from gray market suppliers.

 

Wow. The Fortis F-39 original colorway is now on my list. Gorgeous. Thank you!

 

I have owned a 556 and a Damasko. I sold both but both are excellent. The Sinn can be more dressed up and is a great GADA option. The Damasko doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a tool and it’s great at it. The bracelet is the most over-engineered tankish bracelet I’ve ever handled and that’s a good thing. The entire watch is insanely well built. There isn’t a wrong choice, I would just go with what aesthetic you want most.

 

SINN with the Blue dial.

 

The satin 556 case is much more easily marked / scratched than the sub steel DS30 case.

I also prefer the Damasko option of date / no date.

 

Love my 556 I RS but my 856 UTC even more

 

I went through this same exercise six months and paid a little more to get what I really wanted: the 556i. I should have paid more and bought it on a bracelet (ignoring the rule to always buy on a bracelet) but am happy with $90 Uncle bracelet.

A big factor for me in favor of the 556i over the 556a and the Damasko and Archimede was the inky black dial. It’s spectacular.

 

I've owned a Damasko DA36 (similar to the DS30) and wear it on a Damasko leather strap with single-fold Damasko deployant and really like it. I would say that my only complaint is that the large crown can come into contact with your wrist. Also, I'm not a lume guy but the lume on mine isn't that great.

 

I own both the Damasko DK32 and the Sinn 556I RS.

Personally, I find the DK32 to be much more superior to the 556; the submarine steel is not a gimmick - there is absolutely no visible marks on my DK32. The sector dial, along with the lengthy hands make time reading so much more easier than the 556. The lume on the DK32 is much more long-lasting compared to the 556, presumably because it uses the X1 grade.

The 556 however is much more versatile due to its 'upscale' appearance with its fine satin brush on the case surface. The AR coating treatment seems to be superior than the one on the DK32. The bracelet is mostly comfortable but the opening and closing of the clasp is below average for its price point, to be honest.

Also the hand-winding experience on the 556 is so much smoother than the DK32; my guess is due to the A26's pawl auto-winding mechanism that is causing the 'crunchy' feel when winding the DK32.

If I had to pick one I would pick the DK3X or DS3X over any of the 556 variants. The 556, right now, seems to be overly hyped and the prices are rising in most countries. Plus it's harder to get hold of one from ADs - over where I live it has to be ordered after paying a deposit with few weeks of waiting.

If you need some photos for comparison do let me know! I'm more than happy to share them.

 

Thanks a ton for this. Super helpful. Would absolutely love photos.
And others have commented here tempting me to add consideration of an Archimede Pilot 200 and a Fortis Flieger F-39, so if you have experience with either of those, would love to read about it.
Thanks again.

 

They are all good watches but my choice would be the 556.

 

If you do not need a bracelet, consider Dekla watches. You can customize nearly everything and the pricepoint is below those you are considering.

Turbulenz v.3

 

It's good form to post pics. Anyhow, I owned a ds30. It's a decent watch. My buddy has a 556, nice watch as well. I think I like the dk20 the best as it has the most pizzazz, at least dial wise.

 

Sinn for the win imo.

I've owned both brands and find the Sinn to be the better choice in most cases.

 

I've always liked the look of the DS30 with the pop of green but I've never pulled the trigger because it seems to wear a little longer than I'd prefer. Having seen the 556i RS in person, it's a great looking watch, the pics don't do it justice. It should also wear smaller than the DS30, which interests me but that may not be an interest for you.