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

[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!

[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...

[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.

[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..

[MarkS3]

CardShark said:

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

Yes I may well do that. It's a shame an otherwise great watch is spoilt by something which really looks like either a quality control issue, bad design or a some sort of weakness.

[MarkS3]

TheJimi said:

Sinn, without question - I'd sooner wear a casio taliban special than buy anything from CW

I'd avoid anything from Timefactors too; it'll get incredibly tiresome pausing after every glance at the watch, to quietly say "Thanks to Eddie for the facility!"

Explain both those points.... CW get some good reviews, well made, fair prices and excellent service. ....


And what's the issue with Timefactors/ Eddie?

[MarkS3]

akirk said:

I have been wearing my CW Makaira Pro today... having owned a number of CW watches, it is one of my favourites...
and with a 60 day return it is no risk, buy it, if you don't like it send it back!

Yeah, good point, not many companies would offer that service!

[MarkS3]

TheJimi said:

Have a look at Creation for Hamiltons - much cheaper than the UK high street.

[MarkS3]

SickFish said:

I have a CW C60 with Orange Bezel that I (used to) wear as a bit of a work watch, I wore it to a meeting once and the guy I was meeting, when seeing my watch said....

"Hey, nice Seama..... oh..... what watch is that then?"

For this reason, I am VERY wary when looking at new watches from CW. Take their new maroon/ red bezel C60, it's blatantly trying to pass off as a Tudor BB.... and it's not alone, there are MANY watches in their line-up that fit into the "homage" category.

Don't get me wrong, CW make a fine watch for the price you pay, but, I feel if they made their designs a bit more unique then they would be more in favour with most watch lovers.

I do believe, however, the Makaira is a unique design (please correct me if I am wrong) and did contemplate making a purchase until my eyes were cast towards a nice GMT II

Fair point. Yes I think the Makaira is fairly unique although it has similarities to the Bell & Ross but I think the Makaira looks better.

Edited by SickFish on Thursday 26th February 14:32

[MarkS3]

Hi, it's been a while so I thought I'd update you, I ended up getting the Christopher Ward C11 MSL at a bargain £250 in their sale. I'm very pleased with it, it's a lovely looking watch, very nicely made and great value at the price I paid.

Then........ About 2months later for a 30th wedding anniversary present I got the Stowa Flieger no logo, no date a type dial. This is a lovely watch, very understated, great quality and very accurate timekeeping. The more I wear it the more I love it, especially the blued steel hands. Seemed small compared to most of my other watches at first but very quickly realised its actually a perfect sized watch in every way. The detailing on the movement is nice too especially the blued screws and the engraved rotor. Great quality riveted leather strap too and additional straps cost an amazing €20, less than £15!!

Here's a couple of quick iPad photos, hope you like.

[MarkS3]

Z

CardShark said:

Great watch the Flieger, looks pretty good on a NATO as well. Here's mine -

It sure does