Sinn 556 or Christopher Ward Makaira Pro 500

[MarkS3]

I'm looking for another watch for my collection. Budget is about £650 and it must be mechanical, with strap not bracelet. I fancy something a bit like a pilot watch.I'm quite liking either the Christopher Ward Makaira Pro or the Sinn 556i. I like the clear back on the Sinn but not sure if the watch is a bit plain or small, I usually wear quite big watches although I haven't got huge wrists. I'd be interested in opinions from all you watch lovers:

http://www.christopherward.co.uk/watches/dive/c11-...

https://www.sinn.de/en/Instrument_Watches/556.htm

Omega Seamaster Professional
Breitling Steelfish
Breitling Montbrilliant Legende
Seiko Orange Monster
Seiko Sportura Kinetic
Citizen Pro Master
Seiko Premier Kinetic Perpetual
Tissot Quadrato

[mikeh501]

sinn. no question.

[Hoofy]

mikeh501 said:

sinn. no question.

[jackwibble]

I would go for the Sinn it's better constructed and a better brand than CW in my opinion also the CW is more divers watch than Pilots even though it has the look of an instrument , have you thought about a Stowa Flieger of some description they make very nice Pilots watches.

https://www.stowa.de/lshop,showrub,14237747409582,...

Edited by jackwibble on Thursday 12th February 21:01

[CardShark]

jackwibble said:

...have you thought about a Stowa Flieger...

Was going to recommend the same, so I will Here's mine, on a croc as opposed to the more regular studded Flieger style strap.



The Speedbird PRS22 is worth a look (I used to own the GMT, great watch) and, of the two options in the OP, the Sinn wins any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

[benny.c]

Hoofy said:

mikeh501 said:

sinn. no question.

[War Pig]

benny.c said:

[marcosgt]

VERY different watches.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the 556's styling, but I'd agree that Sinn are top notch watches.

I've no experiences of the Makaira (I doubt anyone else who's posted has either, to be honest), but isn't that the one that had the recall? As I recall, my friend who bought one still hasn't got his back yet!

M

[paulg390]

I have the CW C11 titanium elite which is like the Makaira and I love the styling and build quality of the watch but each to their own I suppose. I think the recall Last year was just for those with the helium release valve (as per the Elite) due to potential issue with the seal. Not sure it impacted the Pro.

[MarkS3]

Thanks all of your replies so far. I must say I did/am considering the Stowa as well, really nice watch that Cardshark and I love the 556 Warpig. It's always hard to choose as it's not that often I buy another watch, only every few years or so.

What makes it harder is all the ones I'm looking at aren't in any shops so I have to go buy the pictures and the reviews. I did look at a hydroconquest the other day with red bezel. It was very nice but it didn't feel anything special if I'm honest.

Now of course if the budget was a few grand.....I'd still find it difficult but there's loads I like in the few grand bracket!

I value your opinions, so keep the comments and opinions coming!

[pastrana72]

I bought my Sinn 556 many years ago when it first came out (mine is a very early one), I had never seen one or a Sinn before, so bought it straight off the internet (from Neil at Chronomaster).

It is a absolutly fantastic watch and the build quaility is amazing for the low price. I still wear mine a lot although I have a few other watches. It is a great watch.

[Paul Drawmer]

I have 10 CW watches, but I can't help you as I have never handled a Sinn.

I can vouch for the quality of the CWs though. They have a proper returns policy, so it won't hurt you to get one to look at.

[MarkS3]

Thanks for the views and opinions everyone, great pics Pastrana, the 556 really is a lovely watch and I think its the one I'm leaning towards at the moment. Also considering the Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT but I'm a bit put off by the lack of anti-reflective crystal but for the money the spec is really good....

http://www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/hamilton-khaki-nav...

[beckerman]

Another vote here for the PRS-22 Speedbird III. It's a beautifully made watch with a very high spec, looks great on leather as well as the bracelet and according to most is a steal at £480. I've had mine five years now and it's going nowhere.

[yeti]

Don't rule out Fortis either. Was very impressed with the one I owned briefly, really top notch.

[MarkS3]

Just looked at the Speedbird and I really like it, especially the GMT version. It gets great reviews but..... there seems to be an issue with the crown being off axis which would really annoy me. plus it seems that Timefactors customer service response to this has been poor. That's put me off it a bit which is a shame because by all other accounts it seems like a great watch.

[benny.c]

There's a two week old 556 for £500 on TZ-UK at the moment. Happy to pass your details on if you're not a member.

[CardShark]

My GMT had a wonky crown, it wouldn't screw down flush to the case, though the gap was on the underside so you couldn't see it and it was only slight. I bought and sold it through TZ's sales corner, even though I declared the crown issue it still sold within hours. As you've said, the PRS-22 gets some great reviews and it compares very well compared to the IWC that it's a homage to (non-GMT).

Drop Eddie, Timefactors' proprietor, an email through his site. I'd be surprised if all of them had misaligned crowns.

Edited by CardShark on Monday 23 February 21:38

[CardShark]

benny.c said:

There's a two week old 556 for £500 on TZ-UK at the moment. Happy to pass your details on if you're not a member.

Good price, that.

[MarkS3]

benny.c said:

There's a two week old 556 for £500 on TZ-UK at the moment. Happy to pass your details on if you're not a member.

Thanks Benny.c but I'm not looking to buy until June as its for an anniversary pressie. I've got a few months yet to make my decision..