Introducing: The Sinn U15, U16, And U18 Dive Watches Made Of German Submarine Steel
When it comes to Sinn, you know that any limited edition does not come without a special functionally inspired story behind it. It’s not in the brand’s nature to release a new LE “just because.” To celebrate its 20th anniversary of creating diving watches made of submarine steel, Sinn has come up with the new U15, U16, and U18 limited editions based on existing models. However, the use of stainless steel from decommissioned German U-boats makes these watches special. Let’s find out more!
When I first saw the picture of the three new Sinn U-models, it was hard to tell the differences between them. Besides their case sizes, the watches look the same at first glance. But we all know that when it comes to Sinn, there’s more to the story. Marking the brand’s 20th anniversary of producing diving watches made of submarine steel, these new variants use steel from actual German Navy submarines, with a different U-boat contributing to each one. As you may have guessed, the U15, U16, and U18 model names are all references to their corresponding submarines. Additionally, all three models have similar glossy blue dials referring to the adventures of the three underwater vessels.
The background of these 20th-anniversary editions
To make things straightforward, all three of these models consist of steel from the U15, U16, and U18 Type 206 submarines. But as simple as the idea is to explain, the realization of it, going from submarines in a shipyard to watches on the wrist, is a bit more challenging.
Straightened sheets of steel from the German Navy submarines
If there is one watchmaker we can trust to take that challenge in stride, it is Sinn. The brand brilliantly succeeded with the release of the new models. However, the folks at Sinn didn’t do it all on their own but, rather, enlisted the help of the Sächsische Uhrentechnologie GmbH Glashütte, a renowned manufacturer of watch cases. SUG helped conquer the challenge of creating the cases, which was not easy.
The metal from the three submarines was not typical, flat steel because it was curved as part of the submarines. So before the cut-out metal sheets could become watch cases, the team at SUG had to straighten them.
The next step involved using a water jet cutter to cut out the blanks for the case backs, mid-cases, and rotating bezels from the straightened plates of German submarine steel.
SUG made sure to produce the separate parts to the highest standards, resulting in proper dive watches that tell a remarkable story. Indeed, it is a tale that combines the history of three decommissioned submarines with Sinn’s 20-year tradition of creating dive watches from the same type of German steel.
Distinct glossy blue anniversary dials
Another defining element that ties these 20th-anniversary models together is the dial design. Sinn equips each model with a special blue high-gloss dial underneath an antireflective sapphire crystal. Inspiration for the dials’ dark blue shade came from the color of the open sea from a depth of around 30 meters. It alludes to the operating range of the U15, U16, and U18 submarines, which were able to dive to depths of up to 100 meters. As you can see, the dial features a pattern of rising bubbles with a three-dimensional look thanks to the metallic blues and greens that give them color. Additionally, the dials feature the number of nautical miles that each of the vessels traveled.
On the case backs, the connection to the Type 206 submarines continues. Each features the silhouette of the matching vessel and the details of the rigorous testing the watches have undergone to comply with the strictest European diving standards for water and pressure resistance. The result is a remarkable trio of watches that are also quite different despite their similar backstory.
The Sinn U15
Let’s take a closer look at the individual models. We’ll kick things off with the Sinn U15, which is based on the brand’s U50. This watch has a 41mm case with an 11.2mm thickness. The case is made from the steel from the U15 submarine, which was commissioned in 1974.
After finishing its last mission 36 years later, the vessel had traveled an impressive 200,045 nautical miles and fulfilled its duties. The record-breaking number is stated proudly on the dial as proof of the U15’s accomplishments. The satin-finished case has a crown at 4 o’clock and is water resistant to 500 meters (DIN 8310) and low-pressure resistant as well.
The stainless steel bezel features Sinn’s Tegiment treatment, making it resistant to scratches. Fittingly, the markings on the bezel are white and light blue, matching the bubbles on the dial. Inside the case, Sinn equips the watch with the Sellita SW300-1. This automatic movement operates at 28,800vph, has 25 jewels, and offers 56 hours of power reserve. As you can see, the dial also features a date window at 3 o’clock.
The U15 comes standard on a stainless steel H-link bracelet with a folding clasp, a final functional touch to the stylish design. Importantly, Sinn developed the watch according to the technical demands of the German diving standard DIN 8306. As a result, this new Sinn U15 is the perfect combination of a rich naval past and modern-day diving functionality.
The Sinn U16
The second model is the Sinn U16, which is based on the brand’s popular U1. Sinn used the steel of the U16 submarine commissioned in 1973, which traveled a proud 207,000 nautical miles in 38 years. The watch features a 44mm stainless steel case with a 14.7mm thickness and a 1,000m depth rating. Just like the U15, it has the crown at 4 o’clock, is low-pressure resistant, and features a date window at 3 o’clock. As you can see, the date window sits slightly further inwards as a result of the case’s larger diameter.
Hidden behind the closed case back with all its practical info lies the Sellita SW200-1. This automatic movement operates at 28,800vph, has 26 jewels, and offers 38 hours of power reserve. Just like the U15, this watch’s blue dial features white luminous markers and the typical Sinn divers’ hands that also light up in the dark.
The watch also comes fitted with a stainless steel H-link bracelet, although, at 22mm, it is wider than the 20mm bracelet on the U15. Overall, this watch is the bigger and slightly heavier-specced brother of the U15.
The Sinn U18
The last of the three models is the U18, and it’s the most capable dive watch in this trio. The watch is made of stainless steel from the U18 submarine, which was also commissioned in 1973 and traveled an impressive 192,842 nautical miles in 38 years. The Sinn U18 is based on the brand’s U2 diver.
This watch also features a 44mm case but, at 15.5mm thick, is 0.8mm chunkier than the U16. The satin-finished steel case also boasts an impressive 2,000m depth rating. Furthermore, it features the same dial style as the other two models and a similar 60-minute dive bezel.
Inside the case, Sinn equips the watch with the Sellita SW300-1, which also powers the U15. So you get the same automatic movement that operates at 4Hz and offers a 56-hour power reserve.
The watch is different from the two other models in that it features Sinn’s Ar-Dehumidifying technology. This enhances functional reliability and prevents fogging. Lastly, the case is matched with a 22mm H-link bracelet that balances the watch on the wrist.
Final thoughts on the Sinn U15, U16, and U18
Each of these three 20th-anniversary Sinn dive watches will be produced in a limited run of 1,000 pieces. The U15 and U16 will have the same €2,990 price. The U18 is the bigger brother and, therefore, it’s slightly more expensive at €3,230. I love that Sinn has decided that the prices for these watches are in line with its regular models. Still, you get a watch that tells a unique story in return.
The propeller of the U15 in front of the Sinn headquarters
These watches stylishly celebrate Sinn’s 20th anniversary of producing dive watches made from German submarine steel. But the fact that the steel used to create them actually traveled the oceans of the world is rather remarkable. This makes these watches great storytellers and interesting for fans and collectors. But they are even more than that. They are a testament to Sinn’s constant efforts to create better, more capable watches.
The new Sinn T50 Goldbronze B
More proof of Sinn pushing the boundaries comes in the form of the T50 Goldbronze B. It is the brand’s second fully Goldbronze model after the inaugural T50 Goldbronze, which sold out almost instantly in 2023. The T50 is my favorite Sinn watch in the current collection, so I am very happy to see a new version of it. While the two-tone T50 GDBR is my undisputed favorite version, this new T50 Goldbronze B is also stunning.
The watch has a 41mm Goldbronze case with a 12.3mm thickness and a 500m water resistance rating. Goldbronze 125 is Sinn’s special patented alloy with improved resistance to corrosion from seawater. It’s also friendly to almost every skin type. Lastly, as Lex explained in his review of the first Goldbronze model, it ages nicely to develop a patina.
The case and the new dark blue dial create a beautiful and chic version of the T50. Hidden behind the titanium case back is the Sellita SW300-1. As mentioned above in the descriptions of the U15 and U18, this automatic movement operates at 28,800vph and offers 56 hours of power reserve. Finally, the T50 Goldbronze B will come with a blue textile strap that matches the color of the dial.
Final thoughts on the new Sinn T50 Goldbronze B
Sinn will produce 300 pieces of this limited edition, each for €4,980. That is the same price as the inaugural T50 Goldbronze model that came out two years ago. While that first model was a nice surprise, this new blue version blows it out of the water. I love the combination of materials and colors. It makes for a watch that will undoubtedly sell out in a flash. The new T50 Goldbronze B is more proof that Sinn is very hard to beat when it comes to producing amazing, capable dive watches. Of course, this is not news to us, but getting more confirmation with these new introductions is nice.
What do you think of Sinn’s latest releases? As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments.
