Chronograph - Fortis or Sinn
Chronograph - Fortis or Sinn
Author
Discussion

Smalleyboy

Original Poster:

40 posts

200 months

Wednesday 18th April 2012
quotequote all
I currently have a 2004 Tag Aquaracer automatic which I have worn every day and it has served me well. I am thinking of upgrading to a chronograph which again will be my daily watch. I am currently considering a Fortis B42 Official Cosmonaut http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/fortis-wa... or a Sinn 103 ST SA http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/products/sinn-flieger...

I have been eyeing up a Fortis for a while and I do like the rugged look of the watch, the link to space and the fact that you don't see very many of them. I like the engineering of the Sinn, the screwed down bezel, the allen screws in the links, the bezel acts as a count down timer. They both appear to us the same Valjoux 7750 movement although the Fortis has the incabloc shock absorber and the Sinn has the GMT/UTC function.

The Sinn has a display back which is a nice touch but not sure how often I would look at it after the initial few weeks of excitement. However the Sinn has slightly domed glass to the front which I worry will attract scratches.

So what do you all think or is there another watch I should be considering????


Hoofy

80,167 posts

313 months

Wednesday 18th April 2012
quotequote all
For that money... IWC chrono?

Smalleyboy

Original Poster:

40 posts

200 months

Wednesday 18th April 2012
quotequote all
Have looked at IWC and like the IWC Aquatimer Chrono but that is circa £4k. More than I want to spend.

Hoofy

80,167 posts

313 months

Wednesday 18th April 2012
quotequote all
Oh, try Damasko, too.

Justayellowbadge

37,057 posts

273 months

Wednesday 18th April 2012
quotequote all
I had the 103 AR Ti, with COSC upgrade and it is in the list of pieces I most regret selling.

Smalleyboy

Original Poster:

40 posts

200 months

Wednesday 18th April 2012
quotequote all
I have had a look at the Damasko DC56 and DC66 which look very nice and get good reviews. However I want a watch on a bracelet and would prefer a more main stream manufacturer for peace of mind.

huytonman

341 posts

225 months

Thursday 19th April 2012
quotequote all
If you buy a Sinn you are getting into some excellently engineered watches. I've had a couple (currently have a diapal 756 GMT) and think it offers good value when compared to more well known brands. I've also had a few Damasko's and they are also good but as you say no bracelet. The hardness of the Sinn steel is impressive and my bracelet and case show hardly any signs of wear so if cosmetics are important bear this in mind. If you can though see if you can get a used recent model (thats where my diapal came from), mine was about 6 months old so still under warranty et (In fact i think the diapal has a 5 year warranty) and I paid £1200 for it with a few bits and pieces such as rubber straps thrown into the deal...Shop around though unless you like the idea of interest free credit.

Hoofy

80,167 posts

313 months

Thursday 19th April 2012
quotequote all
Smalleyboy said:
I have had a look at the Damasko DC56 and DC66 which look very nice and get good reviews. However I want a watch on a bracelet and would prefer a more main stream manufacturer for peace of mind.
What does peace of mind mean? They're well-established in horological circles. I'd take one over a Police or Armani!!

Smalleyboy

Original Poster:

40 posts

200 months

Thursday 19th April 2012
quotequote all
Hoofy - I understand that Damasko is a small family run business which I am all for. However, I read a comment on a different forum that someone had a problem with their Damasko and it took several months to get a reply to emails, let alone to get the issue resolved.

There is also a question over availability as Time Factors state on their website that due 'to availability issues, enquire before ordering'. This of course would only be a concern if I wanted to go down the Damasko route which due to lack of bracelet and preferring the Sinn or Fortis, I won't be doing.

Smalleyboy

Original Poster:

40 posts

200 months

Thursday 19th April 2012
quotequote all
Huytonman - I am keeping a look out for second hand examples (of different models) but this might be for an additional watch. If I opt for the Fortis or Sinn, I will likely buy new, wear it for 8-10 years and then put it away for my son for the future.

Hoofy

80,167 posts

313 months

Thursday 19th April 2012
quotequote all
Smalleyboy said:
Hoofy - I understand that Damasko is a small family run business which I am all for. However, I read a comment on a different forum that someone had a problem with their Damasko and it took several months to get a reply to emails, let alone to get the issue resolved.

There is also a question over availability as Time Factors state on their website that due 'to availability issues, enquire before ordering'. This of course would only be a concern if I wanted to go down the Damasko route which due to lack of bracelet and preferring the Sinn or Fortis, I won't be doing.
Fair enough. I didn't notice a lack of bracelet. nuts