Review: Sinn U50

If you’ve ever contemplated a proper tool watch, you’ve probably contemplated a Sinn. Sinn watches are renowned for their no-fuss design and exceptionally functionality. The EZM “Mission Timer” series are standouts with a number of unique functions. As far as its tool watches go (it does make other watches, even dress options), they always skewed large. That was until 2020 when the Sinn U50 line was introduced, which presented an eminently wearable diver with the same chops as the rest of the brand’s catalog.

The first things that one notices about the Sinn U50 are the unique handset and matching hour markers, the satin-finish case and bracelet, and the smooth, almost rubber-like bezel coating. It all sends a clear message: this is a purpose-built tool watch made to be used.

The Case

The case is apparently made of “high-strength seawater-resistant German steel,” which sounds pretty next level to me. The SDR-T version reviewed herein receives Sinn’s TEGIMENT coating, making it about six times harder than traditional stainless steel. For the 60-click bezel, a PVD “black hard coating” is added on top of that, providing a smooth but grippable surface when dry; when wet, it’s rather difficult to grip and turn. In any case, the satin blasted finish makes the case simultaneously rugged and soft, and I love it. I also like the subtle cutaway that allows the lower portion of the crown—which is easy to grip and operate—a bit of protection.

The Sinn U50 is ridiculously thin. How Sinn manages 500m of water resistance and keeps it so thin is just exceptional (I bet it’s the gaskets. It’s always the gaskets.). It wears wonderfully on the wrist, despite the slab sides. A very gently curved case and the fitted bracelet matching the curve of the lugs help a bit, but I found it easy to wear even on straps. I’ll say here that this is without a doubt one of the best-wearing watches I’ve ever had on; certainly, it’s the most wearable diver that actually delivers functionality (unlike, say, my Omega Seamaster 2254.50). On top of all that, it wears slightly smaller than it’s 41mm, which is always welcome.

The Dial

The dial—especially the handset—is where the U50 really stands apart from other watches. The blocky markers and handset drive home the utilitarian aesthetic; their design is legible and simple almost to the point of being crude, yet it all fits with the watch. The date, on the other hand, is a bit raw: just a simple cut out with not effort seemingly made. As a counterpoint, I can’t see a beveled edge or a frame really working here—but perhaps a white outline would’ve been nice.

Look at the hands through these three dial shots. The proportions are perfect, with blocks at the end of the seconds and minute hands extending right to the edge of the intermediate hour markers. That’s some German attention to detail. To boot, I like the mix of glossy red and matte white, which are nicely matched in the bezel.

While there’s plenty of red throughout the dial, I think the bold dial text is really the best pop, with the oversized U50 really jumping out. Another thing, almost an easter egg of sorts, the “Made in Germany” text at 6 o’clock, printed in black. Look two photos above and you may be able to see it a bit more clearly.

The lume on the Sinn U50 is middling. It’s not indicated by Sinn what lume is used, but it’s a safe bet that it’s C3 Super-LumiNova™. While not the best, it’s at least even across the hands, dial, and bezel pip, and seems to charge rather quickly and have good longevity. At the end of the day, it’s visible when the lights are out, and I suppose that’s all that matters.

The Rest

That’s “German submarine steel” and “Seawater resistance,” for those wondering. Just as I like it, the screwdown caseback is simple with no unnecessary ornamentation.

The steel H-link bracelet gets the same treatment as the case, making it incredibly scratch-resistant. As someone with flail-prone arms and door jambs seemingly everywhere I go, this is a good thing. During my time with the Sinn U50, there were plenty of moments where I was sure I had scratched it, only to look and find it unscathed. The clasp is a simple flip-lock and has a diver’s extension, just in case you actually want to use it with a wetsuit on.

While a black and white watch is typically a veritable strap monster, capable of going with practically any strap that isn’t beige, the added red accents of the Sinn U50 limit its versatility (unless you have a haphazard approach to strap pairing, in which case, go nuts). Still, the 20mm lugs allow easy swaps and I found myself enjoying it on a number of straps, not least the brown suede number seen below.

The U50 is also available without the black bezel or TEGIMENT coating for $600 less, and while that sacrifices some durability, you’d still be getting a fantastic watch. The only real issue I encountered was with the bezel’s operability when wet—but most of us aren’t actually diving with our watches. While the dial may not attract everyone, there’s no denying this is one of the best dive watches available right now. It exceeds the water resistance and legibility of almost every competitor, wears wonderfully on the wrist, and in the SDR-T version is practically bulletproof.

You can find out more about the Sinn U50 collection at the Sinn website, where you can also find your local point of sales.