When probably 99% of the global watch community was caught up in the new model release by a popular brand sporting mercedes hands, Sinn released without any hoopla a new limited edition of their U1 watch. Here are my initial thoughts on this piece.
The Sinn U1 DE is a 300 piece limited edition to commemorate the unification of Germany. It is coated in Sinn’s black hard coating, like the U1 S and tegimented underneath. The dial is matte black, just like the ordinary U1 S, and the hour and minute markers are white – also like the regular U1 S. The minute and hour hands are black with white tips and the seconds hand is gold. The text on the dial is red. The black-red-gold are the national colours of Germany, befittingly to the occasion.
The price for the version with the bracelet is unknown, but the leather and silicone strap options are 2 350 and 2 650 EUR respectively. This is slightly more than 10% over the regular U1.
Immediate thoughts
First off, it makes totaly sense for Sinn to issue an LE version of the U1. It is about three years ago they did so the last time around (Sinn Blu1) and the latest LE versions have been of the 103 and 104 watches respectively.
I find it odd that the edition is limited to 300 pieces and not for example 1990 to commemorate the year of the occasion. On the other hand, I like that they are numbered – in contrast to the blue versions of the 103 and 104.
Next, I find this LE very conservative. It is essentially a regular U1 S with a golden seconds hand, and black instead of red minute and hours hands. In that regards, maybe a 300 pieces edition is enough, as I doubt this is going to be as catchy as some of the other recent LE’s from Sinn.
I would have loved Sinn to do two things quite differently. First, the release should have been with a lot of hoopla, nice videos, teasers and a story to come with the watch. Second, the design could have been significantly more bold. I totally get that the national colours were the theme here, so why not a dial in gold or red colour? Or a gradient, like the Blu1? There are many options and a much catchier design would have been possible.
Still, if asked the question if I like the watch, the answer is a clear yes. It’s amazing; just look at those hands! Would I make room in my watch budget now? No, probably not. But it wouldn’t surprise me if I want to have this piece too eventually. I’m a sucker for Sinn U1 and great LE watches. And compared to the mercedes hands’ versions released today, the U1 DE wins every day of the year if you ask me.
LC