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No question: 300, 500 or 1,000 meters of water resistance are impressive achievements that suffice for 99 percent of all applications. The remaining one percent calls for timepieces like the Sinn UX: with an incredible 12,000 meters of pressure resistance, its case can theoretically withstand greater water depths than those found at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. We take a closer look at the watch that no less than the GSG 9 special forces unit counts as part of its standard equipment.
44 Millimeters of German Submarine Steel
The UX dive watches currently (as of September 2021) form a family of ten different models that differ mainly in their surface finishing. The case and crown of every version are made from a special steel developed by ThyssenKrupp for the outer hulls of the German Type 212 submarine class, which is considered the most advanced non-nuclear submarine family in the world. The steel achieves 155 percent of the hardness of the ordinary 316L stainless steel widely used in the watch industry, is completely resistant to prolonged contact with saltwater, and offers extreme crack resistance. All UX dive watches share the same case shape, defined by substantial but not monstrous dimensions: a 44-millimeter diameter, an overall height of 13.3 millimeters, and a hefty 22-millimeter lug width guarantee a strong presence on the wrist.
No Ocean Floor Is Deep Enough
The front of the Sinn UX dive watches features sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, while the screw-down caseback is solid. As you would expect, the crown also screws down, contributing to the unparalleled water resistance of up to 1,200 bar (12,000 meters!). No ocean floor on Earth – including the roughly 11,000-meter-deep Mariana Trench – is deep enough to put this robustness to a real test. However, this incredible pressure resistance applies only to the case; the thermocompensated ETA quartz movement 955.652 withstands "only" 500 bar (5,000 meters). Both depths are certified by the Norwegian classification society DNV. Speaking of certifications: UX dive watches also easily meet the DIN 8306 dive watch standard as well as the European diving equipment standards EN250 and EN14143.
TEGIMENT Technology and Black Hard Coating: The Options
All the features mentioned so far apply to the entire family of UX dive watches. The key differences between the individual references lie in the surface finish: while the standard UX (EZM 2B) dive watch has the scratch-resistant TEGIMENT hardening only on the bezel, the suffix "with TEGIMENT Technology" indicates full hardening of both bezel and case. Important: TEGIMENT is not a coating; rather, the base material itself is hardened, so the steel generates its own protection. The unidirectional rotating bezel of every Sinn UX features minute-click detents, is captive, and has an ascending minute scale with a luminous 60-minute arrow.
As an alternative to the "pure" UX editions, Sinn offers three variants with a black hard coating. The first two are called UX SDR and combine the dark-coated bezel with a bright steel case, optionally treated with TEGIMENT Technology. The greatest advantage of the black bezel is the improved legibility of its white minute scale compared with the black markings of the standard model. The third of the trio is the UX S, distinguished by a full black coating on both case and bezel.
GSG 9 Models with a Relocated Crown
That makes five variants of the UX dive watches in total. All of them share the crown offset to four o'clock, intended to keep the watch from digging into the back of your hand. On top of that come five GSG 9 variants that are identical to the regular Sinn UX dive watches apart from a few details. The most important change concerns the crown, which moves from four to ten o'clock, likewise to prevent it from pressing into the arm. Sinn's connection to the German special forces unit is not marketing but looks back on a history spanning decades. As early as the mid-1990s, the Frankfurt watch manufacturer Sinn developed the EZM 2 service watch for the GSG 9, whose successor is today's Sinn UX. The latter holds the proud status of official service watch of the GSG 9's maritime unit. Besides water, the UX dive watches also withstand extreme temperature fluctuations; Sinn guarantees reliable function from -20 °C to +60 °C.
Immersed in Liquid: The Dial
True to their professional character, the UX dive watches – just like Sinn pilot's watches – offer outstanding legibility of their matte black dial. Besides the generous white luminous indices, the in-house HYDRO technology contributes to instant readability: because the movement, dial and hands are immersed in a crystal-clear liquid whose refractive index matches that of the sapphire crystal, there are no reflections, and legibility is perfect from any viewing angle (especially underwater). Further benefits of the liquid filling include a fog-proof dial and enhanced pressure resistance; without HYDRO, a reachable water depth of 12,000 meters would be unthinkable. Bright white luminous hour and minute hands complete the functional character of the dial, along with a compact date at three o'clock.
Two differences between the regular versions and the GSG 9 variants of the UX dive watches stand out: first, the seconds hand, which is red on the classic models and white on the Federal Police service watches; second, the red GSG 9 emblem at the bottom center of the GSG 9 models.
A Choice of Three Straps
All Sinn UX dive watches can be ordered on one of three straps: leather, steel or silicone. While leather brings a civilian, refined touch to this hardcore instrument and is best kept away from the bottom of the Mariana Trench, a solid bracelet reinforces the chosen style (hard coating/TEGIMENT/classic) of the Sinn UX. If you actually plan professional use and aren't buying the dive watch merely out of admiration for its technical achievements, the ergonomic, robust and skin-friendly rubber strap is the best choice. Leather and rubber are each available in several versions or colors.
And what should a diver cost whose depth rating puts the entire Swiss watch industry in the shade? Surprisingly little. Including all its technologies and excellent materials, the most affordable version of the UX dive watches comes in at €1,990. The most expensive version, with full black hard coating and solid bracelet, currently costs €2,730. A three-year manufacturer's warranty is included. In terms of pure performance, there is no remotely comparable timepiece in this class – one of many reasons why Sinn deserves the same attention as the big names from Switzerland.
