New arrival - Sinn UX GSG 9

I've wanted a UX for ages and after seeing the GSG 9 version, I wanted one even more so after selling my Seamaster Chronograph to a friend I took the plunge and my God, I can't believe I've put it off for this long. What an absolutely incredible watch! The fit and finish are stunning, the sandblasted case looks and feels sensational and the dial is so sharp and clear. Then there's the optical illusion party trick I'm absolutely over the moon with my UX and can safely say it was worth every penny.

Ooh, that's nice. Any chance of a nice sharp closeup of the dial?

Thanks very much. It was £1001 including delivery from www.chronomaster.co.uk.

Cheers! I will gladly oblige when I get home this evening.

Yes, it's quite hefty! Not ridiculously large though, around 44mm if I recall correctly. As for the trick, because the whole case is filled with oil, including the space between the crystal and the dial, when you look at the dial from an angle it appears to have no depth. It makes it look like the hands have been drawn onto a piece of paper. I tried to capture it in the last photo but the effect isn't as dramatic as in real life.

Very impressive sir, but am I being a bit picky when I comment that so many new watches seem to be copying the hands of the IWC Spitfire range? Nevertheless, a fabulous watch much cheaper. here I've copied the details from the Sinn site:-

This is the brand new Baselworld 2007 release of the UX GSG-9 model which was designed for the elite German law enforcement units, Grenzschutzgruppe (GSG-9), or Federal German Border Commandos. The crown intentionally placed on the left side to not interfere with normal wrist action and when bending during exertion, including rappelling, and shooting.

Perfect legibility even under the most adverse of conditions, the largest dial possible, highest resistance to salt water, and a bezel that won’t come off or pitch to one side: these are challenges that Sinn’s engineers have fulfilled with Model UX, an evolution of the Professional Timekeeper EZM 2 for Naval Units.

Like their other U Models, the basis here is formed by the case made from the same submarine steel that is being used to build the latest generation of German military submarines. The bezel is tegimented to 1,500 Vickers compared to the usual 300 Vickers used on most stainless steel watch cases and is virtually scratch-proof. The uni-directional ratchet operated rotating bezel is also milled from this submarine steel.

The thick sapphire crystal features a special anti-reflective coating that is virtually scratch-proof - it has been hardened to 1,800 Vickers - offers a clear view of the dial with its characteristically designed markers. The case filled with pure silicon oil makes the watch legible from every angle, even under water. This oil filling – in combination with the case’s special design and gasket seals – keeps the UX’s case water-resistant to any reachable diving depth.

The most modern and precise chronometer quartz movement on the market, ETA 955.652-Movement, keeps the UX’s time, more than fulfilling the especially strict new Swiss chronometer norms for quartz movements. The temperature-stabilized movement is powered by a lithium ion battery, which not only has an exceptionally long life, but can also supply electricity at minus temperatures of up to -25° Celsius. The functionality of this watch is tested in a temperature range of -20°C to +60°C.

Matte black dial with date at 3, Super Luminova on hands and markers, and striking red seconds hand complete the design. Stainless steel bracelet.

This watch measures 44.0 mm by 13.5 mm.

To read all about it and to see a photo that to some degree shows off the 2D effect go here:-

http://www.sinnwatches.com/proddetail.php?prod=si0...

I think I'll have to start saving my pennies.............

Edit:- Damn, it's quartz. Gimme a 44mm 656 quick please Sinn.

The silicone oil filled case ain't going to work with an ETA mechanical is it What you trade off for indestructibility - only a battery powered movement is going to work if the case is filled with something millions of times more viscous than a gas (usually air, though Sinn also have argon-filled cases and completely dehumidified air with copper sulphate capsules). It'll put a lot more stress on the hands, having to 'tick' through oil rather than gas, too... hope they've engineered that in as well I'm sure they have. I've got a Sinn in my collection and love it (not as 'military' as that though!).

Interesting point here. In view of the drag effect how long will the battery last?

Thanks for all the positive comments guys, it's a really special and very individual piece with which I'm completely smitten.

Sinn has actually stopped using silicon oil and moved to teflon oil about two or three months ago, which is said to no longer react with the lume and cause the browning that these models suffered from. My UX is one of these new teflon-filled models.

To this point - I think, but I'm not certain, that Sinn's use of that style of hand predates IWC's use.

E.g. the 856/656/etc.

Fantastic watch - I really like Sinn's extreme watches, they look great.

Took me a bit longer than planned, but here it is:

Very very nice.