[Pmhill10]

Here we go - my first post. I'm looking to step up my watch game. I have several watches in the $100 - $500 range. I like medium sized divers. My eyes are looking in the <$2000 range. I'm studying 2 watches - The Oris Aquis and the Sinn 104. I prefer rubber straps but I'll likely buy on a bracelet to have that option. I know the Aquis has proprietary lugs, so that's an issue. I do not have any ADs nearby, so I have to go by pictures and Youtube videos. I like both, but each have positives and negatives. Right now, I leaning toward the Sinn because it's so dang clean looking. What are some other factors that I should consider?

 

[Jeklotz]

I have no experience with the Oris. The proprietary strap is a deal breaker for me. I love my Sinn 104 though. It'd been great and runs at around +4 secs a day. It's built incredibly well, no play in the bezel, crown has a distinct "pop" when you pull it out. It's really a precision instrument and feels that way. I'd recommend one. Oh, and I can change straps as I please.

 

[Sweetscience]

Here we go - my first post. I'm looking to step up my watch game. I have several watches in the $100 - $500 range. I like medium sized divers. My eyes are looking in the <$2000 range. I'm studying 2 watches - The Oris Aquis and the Sinn 104. I prefer rubber straps but I'll likely buy on a bracelet to have that option. I know the Aquis has proprietary lugs, so that's an issue. I do not have any ADs nearby, so I have to go by pictures and Youtube videos. I like both, but each have positives and negatives. Right now, I leaning toward the Sinn because it's so dang clean looking. What are some other factors that I should consider?

Keep leaning towards the Sinn, technically not a diver though…

 

[kritameth]

Well, the 104 is not technically a diver, so there's that, but for everyday use some people prefer the bi-directional countdown bezel. IME Sinn's QC is not as good as Oris, but YMMV. The prop. lugs on the Aquis was a deal breaker for me. Then, of course, the obvious differences, e.g. day/date vs. date, outer AR or no outer AR.

 

[grumpymachinist]

I had the exact same dillemma when purchasing my first "expensive" watch. I ended up going with the Sinn 104, and I was very happy with my decision.


Then a couple months later I bought an Aquis.


So the answer is: get both.

 

[Earthjade]

I was in the same situation in 2018.
I had a few budget watches and was ready for a move into the $1000+ range for the first time.
I bought the Sinn 104, based mainly on recommendations from this board. Bought it sight unseen from the internet.
Since that time, I've bought and sold 25 watches, but the Sinn has always been part of the collection. I think it's really that good.
The first time you open the box and handle the watch, you can see that it is a next level watch. I've handled the Oris Aquis before and it's also a nice watch, but it's just missing that extra something that the Sinn 104 has. Also, any Sinn 104 owner can attest to this but as time goes by, you appreciate the syringe hands more and more as a fun and distinct feature of its "precision" aesthetic.

Yesterday I was thinking a little about what makes the Sinn 104 such an attractive watch and I think ONE of the reasons is that it shares some of the feel of the Omega Speedmaster. The color scheme obviously, but also the indices and minute track that give the "precision instrument" feel to the dial. That's probably one of the reasons why the Sinn 105 leaves me cold - it feels like it was designed by a guy that loves rounded edges and makes high-end European toasters and coffee-makers.

 

[Pmhill10]

I had the exact same dillemma when purchasing my first "expensive" watch. I ended up going with the Sinn 104, and I was very happy with my decision.


Then a couple months later I bought an Aquis.


So the answer is: get both.

I'm afraid that will be my problem too!

 

[Pmhill10]

Well, the 104 is not technically a diver, so there's that, but for everyday use some people prefer the bi-directional countdown bezel. IME Sinn's QC is not as good as Oris, but YMMV. The prop. lugs on the Aquis was a deal breaker for me. Then, of course, the obvious differences, e.g. day/date vs. date, outer AR or no outer AR.

Gotcha - I'm not a "diver" so no big deal. I do though swim and sweat with all of my watches! The countdown bezel is more appealing to me for everyday activities too.

 

[Pmhill10]

I was in the same situation in 2018.
I had a few budget watches and was ready for a move into the $1000+ range for the first time.
I bought the Sinn 104, based mainly on recommendations from this board. Bought it sight unseen from the internet.
Since that time, I've bought and sold 25 watches, but the Sinn has always been part of the collection. I think it's really that good.
The first time you open the box and handle the watch, you can see that it is a next level watch. I've handled the Oris Aquis before and it's also a nice watch, but it's just missing that extra something that the Sinn 104 has. Also, any Sinn 104 owner can attest to this but as time goes by, you appreciate the syringe hands more and more as a fun and distinct feature of its "precision" aesthetic.

Yesterday I was thinking a little about what makes the Sinn 104 such an attractive watch and I think ONE of the reasons is that it shares some of the feel of the Omega Speedmaster. The color scheme obviously, but also the indices and minute track that give the "precision instrument" feel to the dial. That's probably one of the reasons why the Sinn 105 leaves me cold - it feels like it was designed by a guy that loves rounded edges and makes high-end European toasters and coffee-makers.

Thanks for the feedback. I like the precision look of the Sinn 104 especially the non-Arabic version. Also, in the pictures, the day date looks looks extremely legible unlike my Citizen Promasters!

 

[Pmhill10]

I have no experience with the Oris. The proprietary strap is a deal breaker for me. I love my Sinn 104 though. It'd been great and runs at around +4 secs a day. It's built incredibly well, no play in the bezel, crown has a distinct "pop" when you pull it out. It's really a precision instrument and feels that way. I'd recommend one. Oh, and I can change straps as I please.

View attachment 16820863

Yep, that's the one. I like blue dials, but the black non-Arabic version is the one I like here. The scales are tilting even more toward the Sinn!

 

[Crisker]

Proprietary lugs? No thanks.

I'm an Oris fan but in this contest it would be a sin not to Sinn.

 

[Earl Grey]

I agree with Earthjade on why the 104 is special. I am not fond of the fully polished case, though, and would seek out the matte version which had a tiny run.

The Aquis has an excellent rubber strap, and wears small. Try it on to make sure you get the right size.

Can’t make a wrong choice here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Davekaye90]

Personally, the 104 has never done anything for me. If I'm giving up applied markers for just paint, the dial had better be damn special, and that one isn't. I also really don't like day-dates or countdown bezels.

As for the Aquis lug thing.....yes it's a pain, but it's not as bad as some watches. A Tudor Royal for example, if you don't like the braclet, too bad, it's that or nothing. Oris on the other hand has rubber straps for the Aquis, and their own leather straps. If you don't like those, there are several custom leather strap makers that can do Aquis straps.

Changing it is arguably easier than some watches with really tight bracelet fitments that have ordinary lugs. You just unscrew the screwbar, and then pull it out and change the strap.

 

[Jeklotz]

Personally, the 104 has never done anything for me. If I'm giving up applied markers for just paint, the dial had better be damn special, and that one isn't. I also really don't like day-dates or countdown bezels.

As for the Aquis lug thing.....yes it's a pain, but it's not as bad as some watches. A Tudor Royal for example, if you don't like the braclet, too bad, it's that or nothing. Oris on the other hand has rubber straps for the Aquis, and their own leather straps. If you don't like those, there are several custom leather strap makers that can do Aquis straps.

Changing it is arguably easier than some watches with really tight bracelet fitments that have ordinary lugs. You just unscrew the screwbar, and then pull it out and change the strap.

That's interesting. I wasn't aware that is even an option. Oris does make great watches.

 

[Colombia]

Oris and I’ve had the opportunity to own both.

 

[Jonathan T]

Sinn 104 all the way!

 

[CajunK]

Any iteration of the 104 is a "must have" in your price range IMO. I originally had two versions and kept the one on leather. I'll never get rid of it.

 

[NE_Colour_U_Like]

I currently have the Sinn 104 with Arabic numerals, and will be purchasing the Oris Aquis with tungsten bezel and ocean blue dial in the near future. Both are great watches, and as other have said you can't go wrong.

I've tried on the Oris at my AD a couple times. Its case is more interesting, and it looks/feels more solidly built than the Sinn, to me. Oris's sunburst dials are also quite nice, if that's your style.

Oris would be my preference if you're planning to wear it on the stock bracelet. But if you're a strap guy, the Sinn makes more sense to me.

 

[Nokie]

Have a 104 on bracelet and it is sweet. Had the Oris.

Both are nice, but I still have the Sinn-

Good luck with your decision.

 

[cheu_f50]

Not much to consider. Just get the sinn. It's a great watch.