Calling all dive watch enthusiasts! Are you caught in a current between the iconic Sinn 556 and the robust Sinn 656? Both timepieces are renowned for their German engineering, exceptional legibility, and commitment to functionality.
However, with seemingly similar aesthetics, you might wonder: which Sinn takes the plunge and conquers your wrist? Fear not, intrepid explorer! We’re about to embark on a deep dive into the specifications of these German marvels, helping you navigate this underwater showdown.
A Heritage of Resilience: Sinn’s Legacy
Before dissecting the specifics of the 556 and 656, let’s take a moment to appreciate the brand’s rich history. Founded in 1961 by Helmut Sinn, the company established itself by crafting instrument watches for professionals who demanded reliability and precision. From pilots to firefighters and, of course, divers, Sinn watches have earned a reputation for being robust companions in challenging environments.
Under the Hood: A Technical Breakdown
Now, let’s adjust our dive masks and explore the technical aspects of the Sinn 556 and Sinn 656. While they share a similar design language, key differences lie beneath the surface.
Movement:
Both the Sinn 556 and 656 utilize the reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. This tried-and-tested Swiss-made movement offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. It features hacking seconds for precise time setting and manual winding capabilities for added convenience.
Here’s a table summarizing the key movement specifications:
| Feature | Sinn 556 | Sinn 656 |
|---|---|---|
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Caliber | Sellita SW200-1 | Sellita SW200-1 |
| Power Reserve | Approximately 38 hours | Approximately 38 hours |
| Hacking Seconds | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Winding | Yes | Yes |
Materials and Construction:
Built to withstand the pressures of the deep, both the Sinn 556 and 656 prioritize robust construction with high-quality materials:
- Case:
- Sinn 556: Typically crafted from bead-blasted stainless steel. This treatment provides a matte finish that reduces glare and enhances durability. Case size varies depending on the specific model, ranging from 38.5mm to 39mm in diameter.
- Sinn 656: Utilizes the same bead-blasted stainless steel construction. The case size is typically 38.5mm in diameter.
- Crystal: Both models feature a domed sapphire crystal for exceptional scratch resistance and clarity. Sapphire crystal is the preferred choice for dive watches due to its durability underwater.
- Case Back: A screw-down case back on both models enhances water resistance. The case back might be engraved with markings specific to the watch, such as the model reference number and serial number.
- Water Resistance: Here’s a key differentiator:
- Sinn 556: Offers an impressive water resistance of 200 meters (20 ATM). This makes it suitable for recreational diving and all water activities.
- Sinn 656: Bests the 556 with an exceptional water resistance of 300 meters (30 ATM). This makes it ideal for professional diving and saturation diving.
- Bracelet: Both models typically come equipped with a high-quality bracelet. The 556 might offer options like the H-link stainless steel bracelet or the Sinn (leather) strap, while the 656 often features the H-link bracelet. Some retailers might offer additional strap options for both models.
Functions and Features:
Both the Sinn 556 and 656 prioritize essential dive watch functionality:
- Automatic Movement: Eliminates the need for regular battery changes, using your daily movements to power the watch.
- Date Window: Discreetly positioned, typically at the 3 o’clock position (although some Sinn 556 variations might omit the date window), to keep you on track with the calendar.
- Luminous Hands and Markers: Ensured readability in low-light conditions, essential for divers navigating underwater environments.
- Unidirectional Bezel: A crucial feature for divers, the bezel can be rotated in one direction only to keep track of elapsed dive time.
- Both the Sinn 556 and 656 feature a unidirectional bezel. However, there might be a slight difference in its functionality:
- Sinn 556: The bezel typically features a 60-minute scale, allowing divers to track elapsed dive time. Some variations might have a countdown bezel for specific diving purposes.
- Sinn 656: The bezel might offer a 60-minute scale or a decompression bezel, which is crucial for professional divers calculating decompression stops during the ascent.
Both the Sinn 556 and 656 feature a unidirectional bezel. However, there might be a slight difference in its functionality:
- Sinn 556: The bezel typically features a 60-minute scale, allowing divers to track elapsed dive time. Some variations might have a countdown bezel for specific diving purposes.
- Sinn 656: The bezel might offer a 60-minute scale or a decompression bezel, which is crucial for professional divers calculating decompression stops during the ascent.
Anti-Magnetic Protection:
Both models offer anti-magnetic protection, but to varying degrees:
- Sinn 556: Typically provides protection up to 20,000 A/m (anti-magnetism according to DIN 8038). While not specifically designed to withstand powerful magnetic fields underwater, this level of protection is sufficient for most everyday situations.
- Sinn 656: Might offer the same 20,000 A/m anti-magnetic protection or might not explicitly advertise any anti-magnetic properties. Since professional diving environments can sometimes involve exposure to magnetic fields from equipment, some variations of the Sinn 656 might prioritize superior anti-magnetic protection, but this is not always a guaranteed feature.
Here’s a table summarizing the key functions and features:
| Feature | Sinn 556 | Sinn 656 |
|---|---|---|
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Caliber | Sellita SW200-1 | Sellita SW200-1 |
| Power Reserve | Approximately 38 hours | Approximately 38 hours |
| Hacking Seconds | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Winding | Yes | Yes |
| Case Material | Bead-blasted stainless steel | Bead-blasted stainless steel |
| Case Size | 38.5mm – 39mm | 38.5mm |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire crystal | Domed sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters (20 ATM) | 300 meters (30 ATM) |
| Bezel | Unidirectional bezel (60-minute or countdown) | Unidirectional bezel (60-minute or decompression) |
| Anti-Magnetic Protection | 20,000 A/m (may vary) | 20,000 A/m (may vary) |
A Matter of Style: Design and Aesthetics
While both the Sinn 556 and 656 share a classic dive watch aesthetic, there are some subtle design cues to consider:
Dial Design:
- Sinn 556: Offers a clean and legible dial layout, prioritizing functionality for divers. Common dial variations include black, blue, and green, with clear hour markers and hands coated in luminous material. Date window placement might vary depending on the specific model.
- Sinn 656: Maintains a dive watch aesthetic but might offer a slightly more utilitarian dial with less variation in color options. Legibility remains a priority with clear markers and luminous hands. Date window placement is typically at the 3 o’clock position.
Case and Bracelet:
- Sinn 556: The bead-blasted stainless steel case offers a matte finish that reduces glare and provides a slightly more versatile look for everyday wear. The H-link bracelet is a popular choice, known for its comfort and durability.
- Sinn 656: The bead-blasted stainless steel case also offers a matte finish. The slightly smaller 38.5mm case size might feel more comfortable for some wearers. The H-link bracelet complements the overall robust aesthetic.
Brand Image:
- Sinn 556: Represents the quintessential Sinn sports watch, offering a proven track record, functionality, and a more affordable price point within the Sinn dive watch collection.
- Sinn 656: Might be perceived as a more specialized dive watch, particularly if equipped with a decompression bezel. It might cater to professional divers or enthusiasts who appreciate its superior water resistance.
V. The Final Lap: Choosing Your Champion
With a comprehensive understanding of the Sinn 556 and Sinn 656, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick your perfect timepiece:
Choose the Sinn 556 if:
- You prioritize a classic and functional dive watch suitable for recreational diving and all water activities.
- You appreciate the bead-blasted stainless steel for its reduced glare and potentially more affordable price point.
- You find the 38.5mm to 39mm case size a comfortable fit for your wrist.
- You value a watch with versatility for both diving and everyday wear due to its clean dial design.
- Basic anti-magnetic protection of 20,000 A/m is sufficient for your needs.
Choose the Sinn 656 if:
- You’re a professional diver who requires a timepiece with superior water resistance of 300 meters (30 ATM) for saturation diving.
- You appreciate a decompression bezel (if the specific model offers it) for calculating decompression stops during ascent.
- You prioritize a slightly smaller 38.5mm case size.
- You’re willing to invest in a watch potentially geared towards professional divers and might come with a slightly higher price tag depending on the model and features.
- You’re a serious dive enthusiast who values a tool watch with a utilitarian aesthetic.
Conclusion
The Sinn 556 and Sinn 656 are both exceptional dive watches, each catering to distinct diving needs and preferences. Ultimately, the choice boils down to your diving aspirations and lifestyle:
- Recreational Diver vs. Professional Diver: The Sinn 556 excels for recreational diving, while the Sinn 656 caters to professional divers with its superior water resistance and potential decompression bezel.
- Versatility vs. Specialization: The Sinn 556 offers a classic design suitable for both diving and everyday wear, while the Sinn 656 might be a more specialized tool watch.
- Budget: The Sinn 556 might be a slightly more affordable option due to material choices and the absence of a decompression bezel (depending on the model).
Remember, there’s no single “correct” answer. The best choice is the Sinn that resonates most with you and complements your diving adventures. Congratulations on embarking on this exciting dive watch journey! With the knowledge you’ve gained, you’re well on your way to securing the perfect timepiece to accompany you on your underwater explorations (or simply add a touch of dive watch style to your everyday life). Happy diving (or watch hunting)!