HOUR GLASS SINN U1-D LIMITED EDITION

The relationship between Sinn and the Hour Glass has always been a strong. This is the fourth Sinn Hour Glass limited edition - but the third U1 variation. The original U1 was a runaway success and continues to be a sort after watch by those looking for a durable, scratch resistant diver's watch. I still am amazed by my basic U1 which I continue to wear with great satisfaction and joy. I was one of the earliest to acquire a piece when it was launched - and it did not disappoint. I still recommend it to anyone who wants or need a mechanical beater.

The new Sinn U1-D Mission Dune is meant to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Hour Glass.  There will only be 350 pieces made and retailing at $4800. It will be delivered with the stressed calf show below. Also provided is a Zulu strap in camouflage design. The U1's key unique feature is its submarine steel - which in its natural original form is a steel with a slight tone that is commonly seen in titanium. However, unlike the aircraft material, submarine steel is very dense and hard. Specifically created for the German navy submarines to deal with the harsh effects of sea water on steel.

The Hour Glass U1 limited editions have always featured all black Tegiment on the submarine steel case and bezel. Even the bezel had always been black with changes only in the colours of the markers and hands. This time round, the U1-D features a grey dial with beige numbers on the bezel and partially on the hands. The grey dial is quite unique in that the tone changes slightly in different light. 

The one key change that makes this new watch attractive is the use of the distressed brown calf that creates a nice contrast with the case and dial. Even the camouflage Zulu makes the U1-D look like a serious military issue timepiece. 

Sinn perfected the patented Tegimenting process to create a coating that makes the metal scratch proof in addition of providing a new tone to the metal. Only a ceramic case could possibly be even more scratch resistant but that would also mean the risk of the case shattering on high impact. 

I expect that orders will be pouring in quick on seeing how the watch looks in real life. At 44mm and rated at water pressure resistant to 1000m and featuring double sided antireflective coating on the sapphire crystal, there are many things going for this watch. The U1-D may be a variation on a theme but it's overall combination makes it a more interesting piece than the predecessor limited editions. Judging how quick the previous limited editions sold, those interested in this piece need to be quick. 

For reports of the launch of the earlier Hourglass Limited Editions:

http://watchinghorology.blogspot.sg/2008/11/wrist-images-of-delivered-hour-glass.html 

http://watchinghorology.blogspot.sg/2008/09/hour-glass-limited-edition-sinn-u-black.html