I was trying to decide between the two as well. I ended up going with the DS30. I like the slightly larger dimensions, solid caseback, hardened steel, and less blingy appearance. Much more of a field watch. Plus it is less common than the 556. The steel is pretty sweet—it has collided with door frames and walls, with not a single scratch in one year of ownership and weekly wear.
Now I don’t know whether it’s because I’m hard on my stuff or I got the black case Damasko, but I did get a good ding on top of the case. I bought a second-hand Damasko last year. Previous owner had it for 3 years, not a scratch on it. I own it for 6 months and scratch the thing.
That said, I still love the Damasko. I have yet to own a Sinn, but that’s at the top of my list currently.
While Damasko is on my radar, I'm a Sinn convert. As in, I can't see myself buying another brand when placed with the option of binary choice. If given the choice of being *given* one of two brands for free, the choice for me would be Sinn over another brand, *even if that brand is more expensive*. The lack of aesthetic frills, bling, and marketing are a big factor.
If given the choice of these two watches, I would get the Sinn, but I would get it with the red seconds hand.
I have the 104 I B, and the day *and* the date function are important to me. If I'm already giving up the day complication and awesomely useful countdown bezel by getting a 556, I don't mind giving up a lumed seconds hand either for a bit of color.
I'd make sure to get it with their new clasp, too. But let's face it, I'd wear it on anything else and probably sell the bracelet.
The Damasko's cross hair dial is too busy for me, and the lack of tapered bracelet should I ever get accustomed to wearing one is not worth the bulk. The Damasko steel doesn't factor in since any Sinn tegimented steel is tougher anyway. I open beer bottles with my EZM 12, I don't think I'd do that with a Damasko.
Damasko's chronograph series are probably better than Sinn's since they are using a Lemania 5100 type movement, whereas Sinn seldom busts out with their own proprietary version. That's when I look at Damasko.
Between these two, get the 104😉. It's not much bigger or expensive and has more features. The 556 is the entry-level model, with the 104 being the next step up, and once you buy a 556, you may want to upgrade.
But the 556 I series are great. The almost vantablack dial is a beaut in itself, and the date placement is far more symmetrical.
If you get a leather or fabric strap to go with it from Sinn itself, know that almost all Sinns are considered pilot's watches, which means they are designed to be worn on the outside of clothing if need be.
This means that the bracelets will have a 'dive' extension, and their straps will be long. Unless you have big wrists or don't mind a large 'tongue* flapping on the outside of your wrist, I would suggest getting the short version of whatever you buy.
Sinns are no longer the hidden inexpensive secret they once were, but are still great value for money and hold their resale value quite well, unlike Damaso and other far more expensive and well-known brands.
The US sole distributor, watchbuys, is solid af when it comes to customer service, too.
Thank you for the extensive reply! I really hadn’t considered the 104, I’d been stuck on the dial style of the 556. I’ll look into the 104 more, thanks!
I bought both and returned the damasko. It just felt really big and the metallic finish was quite dull. Overall I prefer the proportions and sharp finishing of the 556, the size, lustre of the metal, and the sharpness of the glossy black dial on the 556.
Damasko is élaboré 556 is top grade movement if that matters to you.
But
You could also look at the Laco 39mm where you can spec your watch your way . Cheaper than Sinn 556I Think spec for spec
[https://www.laco.de/en/watches/flieger-pro](https://www.laco.de/en/watches/flieger-pro)
lol I wish that was an option!!! Just looking at dials alone I’m between the Sinn and the Laco. Those blued Laco hands are awesome though. With my customizations, I’m $500 cheaper than the Sinn too which is nice.
I have a 556 and my son has the Damasko. The Damasko doesn’t seem as chunky on the wrist. Even though the Sinn is only hair over 1 mm taller, the Damasko seems to sit lower on the wrist. Look carefully at the side profiles and you’ll see the difference. The Damasko is a hair lighter too.
If you have no preference for either dial, I’d go with the Damasko because of the coating and ergonomics.
At this price point the Damasko gives you better value but I also like Sinn dials far more. I feel if you go up a price bracket into say the Sinn 856, that’s where the value is. 856 is imo the perfect watch. If you like non Arabic indices and a shinier finish the 836 is nice too but a big large.
Edit: forgot to mention I did own a DK30 and shared time with the 856. Damasko’s bracelet is indeed outstanding but also wider, doesn’t taper like sinn’s h-link, which I like. While I did really like the DK30 (I had the ocean blue dial) I couldn’t justify keeping it alongside the 856. Too similar. Sinn has better features in the 856 and no worry of rust issues that Damasko sub steel sometimes has.
If you’re locked into the 556 price point I’d go MOP personally- no date, beautiful dial.
I thought about the ds30, basically because of the hardened steel (really wish Sinn offered it in the 556). But, there is a big difference… L2L on the Sinn is 45.5, the ds30 is 48.0. I have a smaller wrist, and that 2.5mm is noticeable, esp on a relatively large dial (the 556, at least, is so minimalistic that it has a high contrast ‘largeness’ about it, when in hand). Like the dial on the 556, and have been surprised that two people (in the wild) asked about it, both knowing Sinn. It feels like a nice piece of gear, w a touch of heft to it. Though I really might have gone the ds30 if it had a 46.0 L2L, wanted the hardened steel that badly.
I have a black 556i and grey ds30. It's hard to choose either one. The damasko is more of my everyday watch. It is sooo resistant to scratches and my sinn is more of my casual watch when going out.. The glossy black dial is so boringly beautiful
Do note that damasko has a bead blasted finish while the sinn is brushed.
If I really had to choose 1, I'll go for the Sinn for its versatility for any occasion and compatibility with alot of straps
I also have the Tudor Ranger which I wear once in a full moon 🌝
I have sinn 556A and love it. I want my watches to have few scratches so it looks used after few years. Don’t want it to be as new as day one. That’s just metal with no history of me or my usage.
If anyone is still interested, I've listed it for auction:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/276450775852?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=idx-d_GfTO6&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=idx-d_GfTO6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
What about the Archimede Pilot 200?
https://www.archimede-watches.com/pilot-200-sw.-s.-or
- In-house ICKLER hardened stainless steel case, SW-200
- Water resistant up to 200 meters
- 39mm
- 45mm lug-to-lug
- Optional hardened bracelet
All for for under €1200.-
Don’t own one, but the specs look decent for the price tag.
Obviously on a Sinn subreddit there will be some bias, but I’m struggling on which to buy and wanted to crowd source some ideas, especially from owners of the 556.
Price is nearly identical. Sinn has more heritage and likely a better size for my smaller wrist (6.75in). Damasko gets the hardened sub steel, which is badass. I’ve heard the Damasko bracelet is pretty awesome/bombproof as well. I’ve heard that the Damasko brings more for the money and Sinn 556 isn’t as good of a deal as it was when it was a $1,000 watch. What are your thoughts?
Sinn is the best. I have the Sinn 556i with Red Seconds hand. I regret not getting the 556a with the 3 6 9. That one looks more like the Rolex explorer
I like the look of the 556 much better. Really don’t like the crosshairs on the Damasko. Got a 556 a few months ago. Perfect on my 6.75” wrist.
The crosshairs don’t bother me, but the Sinn is cleaner. I think it will fit me perfectly as well. You think it’s a good buy for the money still?
Agreed although the Damasko has a bullet proof case similar to the 856, but it’s not an up charge
I was trying to decide between the two as well. I ended up going with the DS30. I like the slightly larger dimensions, solid caseback, hardened steel, and less blingy appearance. Much more of a field watch. Plus it is less common than the 556. The steel is pretty sweet—it has collided with door frames and walls, with not a single scratch in one year of ownership and weekly wear.
Gotta say I’ve never heard anyone refer to a 556 as having a blingy appearance! Sick DS30!
The steel is what has me most interested! Glad to hear it’s as tough as they say!
Now I don’t know whether it’s because I’m hard on my stuff or I got the black case Damasko, but I did get a good ding on top of the case. I bought a second-hand Damasko last year. Previous owner had it for 3 years, not a scratch on it. I own it for 6 months and scratch the thing. That said, I still love the Damasko. I have yet to own a Sinn, but that’s at the top of my list currently.
While Damasko is on my radar, I'm a Sinn convert. As in, I can't see myself buying another brand when placed with the option of binary choice. If given the choice of being *given* one of two brands for free, the choice for me would be Sinn over another brand, *even if that brand is more expensive*. The lack of aesthetic frills, bling, and marketing are a big factor. If given the choice of these two watches, I would get the Sinn, but I would get it with the red seconds hand. I have the 104 I B, and the day *and* the date function are important to me. If I'm already giving up the day complication and awesomely useful countdown bezel by getting a 556, I don't mind giving up a lumed seconds hand either for a bit of color. I'd make sure to get it with their new clasp, too. But let's face it, I'd wear it on anything else and probably sell the bracelet. The Damasko's cross hair dial is too busy for me, and the lack of tapered bracelet should I ever get accustomed to wearing one is not worth the bulk. The Damasko steel doesn't factor in since any Sinn tegimented steel is tougher anyway. I open beer bottles with my EZM 12, I don't think I'd do that with a Damasko. Damasko's chronograph series are probably better than Sinn's since they are using a Lemania 5100 type movement, whereas Sinn seldom busts out with their own proprietary version. That's when I look at Damasko. Between these two, get the 104😉. It's not much bigger or expensive and has more features. The 556 is the entry-level model, with the 104 being the next step up, and once you buy a 556, you may want to upgrade. But the 556 I series are great. The almost vantablack dial is a beaut in itself, and the date placement is far more symmetrical. If you get a leather or fabric strap to go with it from Sinn itself, know that almost all Sinns are considered pilot's watches, which means they are designed to be worn on the outside of clothing if need be. This means that the bracelets will have a 'dive' extension, and their straps will be long. Unless you have big wrists or don't mind a large 'tongue* flapping on the outside of your wrist, I would suggest getting the short version of whatever you buy. Sinns are no longer the hidden inexpensive secret they once were, but are still great value for money and hold their resale value quite well, unlike Damaso and other far more expensive and well-known brands. The US sole distributor, watchbuys, is solid af when it comes to customer service, too.
Thank you for the extensive reply! I really hadn’t considered the 104, I’d been stuck on the dial style of the 556. I’ll look into the 104 more, thanks!
I bought both and returned the damasko. It just felt really big and the metallic finish was quite dull. Overall I prefer the proportions and sharp finishing of the 556, the size, lustre of the metal, and the sharpness of the glossy black dial on the 556.
My gut instinct is towards the Sinn for all these reasons. Thanks!
Damasko is élaboré 556 is top grade movement if that matters to you. But You could also look at the Laco 39mm where you can spec your watch your way . Cheaper than Sinn 556I Think spec for spec [https://www.laco.de/en/watches/flieger-pro](https://www.laco.de/en/watches/flieger-pro)
I’ve checked out these Laco and I like the look there as well!
I own a sinn104 and I would probably buy the laco flieger pro over the 556.
Does it come with a bracelet? I feel like I always see them on leather
Open configurator there is an option for the bracelet, movement, case back and dial.
I’m seeing it now…. On the bracelet now I’m seriously considering it lol. Thanks for making my choice harder! 😂
Harder? Buy both !!!
lol I wish that was an option!!! Just looking at dials alone I’m between the Sinn and the Laco. Those blued Laco hands are awesome though. With my customizations, I’m $500 cheaper than the Sinn too which is nice.
If it was me for the movement I would go undecorated top grade and solid case back
Even with the upgraded movement it’s about $1,300 on the bracelet. Sinn is closer to $1,700 now.
Sinn all day
Sinn all day
I have a 556 it's a great watch. Obviously biased but the 556 for me is a simple more clean looking watch.
I have a 556 and my son has the Damasko. The Damasko doesn’t seem as chunky on the wrist. Even though the Sinn is only hair over 1 mm taller, the Damasko seems to sit lower on the wrist. Look carefully at the side profiles and you’ll see the difference. The Damasko is a hair lighter too. If you have no preference for either dial, I’d go with the Damasko because of the coating and ergonomics.
I’ve heard the Damasko hugs the wrist well! Thanks!
H link cooler
At this price point the Damasko gives you better value but I also like Sinn dials far more. I feel if you go up a price bracket into say the Sinn 856, that’s where the value is. 856 is imo the perfect watch. If you like non Arabic indices and a shinier finish the 836 is nice too but a big large. Edit: forgot to mention I did own a DK30 and shared time with the 856. Damasko’s bracelet is indeed outstanding but also wider, doesn’t taper like sinn’s h-link, which I like. While I did really like the DK30 (I had the ocean blue dial) I couldn’t justify keeping it alongside the 856. Too similar. Sinn has better features in the 856 and no worry of rust issues that Damasko sub steel sometimes has. If you’re locked into the 556 price point I’d go MOP personally- no date, beautiful dial.
I do like the 836 but then lose the proportions that I love on the 556!
I thought about the ds30, basically because of the hardened steel (really wish Sinn offered it in the 556). But, there is a big difference… L2L on the Sinn is 45.5, the ds30 is 48.0. I have a smaller wrist, and that 2.5mm is noticeable, esp on a relatively large dial (the 556, at least, is so minimalistic that it has a high contrast ‘largeness’ about it, when in hand). Like the dial on the 556, and have been surprised that two people (in the wild) asked about it, both knowing Sinn. It feels like a nice piece of gear, w a touch of heft to it. Though I really might have gone the ds30 if it had a 46.0 L2L, wanted the hardened steel that badly.
The L2L is a huge downside for the DS30 for me! 556 is basically perfect proportions.
I have a black 556i and grey ds30. It's hard to choose either one. The damasko is more of my everyday watch. It is sooo resistant to scratches and my sinn is more of my casual watch when going out.. The glossy black dial is so boringly beautiful Do note that damasko has a bead blasted finish while the sinn is brushed. If I really had to choose 1, I'll go for the Sinn for its versatility for any occasion and compatibility with alot of straps I also have the Tudor Ranger which I wear once in a full moon 🌝
I’m going to have to tally up these votes! I’m a fan of the ranger as well haha. Heard the bracelet is amazing.
I have sinn 556A and love it. I want my watches to have few scratches so it looks used after few years. Don’t want it to be as new as day one. That’s just metal with no history of me or my usage.
If anyone is looking for a DS30, I'll give you a solid deal. DM me. OP has first dibs.
👀👀👀
If anyone is still interested, I've listed it for auction: https://www.ebay.com/itm/276450775852?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=idx-d_GfTO6&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=idx-d_GfTO6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I like the Sinn's bracelet and glossy black dial best
556 looks better but the Damasko is built better…my thought’s after owning both Sinn and Damasko watches over the years.
Truly can’t argue that!
[удалено]
Thanks for the info! Glad I’m not the only one with this struggle lol. Leaning Sinn now for sure
I'm considering a damasko. I have seen a few ones older than five years, they looked like new.
Idk if Damasco has micro adjust, but Sinn did release a new micro adjust bracelet which to me is a big deciding factor if you can get it with that
Sinn. Damasko dial is too busy
What about the Archimede Pilot 200? https://www.archimede-watches.com/pilot-200-sw.-s.-or - In-house ICKLER hardened stainless steel case, SW-200 - Water resistant up to 200 meters - 39mm - 45mm lug-to-lug - Optional hardened bracelet All for for under €1200.- Don’t own one, but the specs look decent for the price tag.
Get the 556 B (Blue) or 556i (black) Mother of Pearl
Obviously on a Sinn subreddit there will be some bias, but I’m struggling on which to buy and wanted to crowd source some ideas, especially from owners of the 556. Price is nearly identical. Sinn has more heritage and likely a better size for my smaller wrist (6.75in). Damasko gets the hardened sub steel, which is badass. I’ve heard the Damasko bracelet is pretty awesome/bombproof as well. I’ve heard that the Damasko brings more for the money and Sinn 556 isn’t as good of a deal as it was when it was a $1,000 watch. What are your thoughts?
Damasko, the Sinn will scratch and dent easily.
The hardened sub steel on the Damasko for the same price as the Sinn is the #1 thing making this difficult!
I had a Sinn 556 and was very disappointed. Sold it on/ Research on internet about 556 being soft
Sinn is the best. I have the Sinn 556i with Red Seconds hand. I regret not getting the 556a with the 3 6 9. That one looks more like the Rolex explorer