« Sinn Mission Watches for Special Forces »
When an elite special unit like the GSG9 of Germany's Federal Police procures its equipment, there is no room for compromise. Alongside training, precise weapons and functional clothing, its timepieces must also meet the highest standards. How about, for example, a pressure resistance of 12,000 meters, a liquid filling to eliminate reflections and an ultra-robust hard coating? Just a few of the highlights that make the instruments of the Sinn UX collection stand out.
Large, Quartz-Powered and Nearly Indestructible
For decades, Sinn mission watches from Frankfurt have been known for their professional focus. In addition to numerous pilot's watches, the brand, founded in 1961 by pilot Helmut Sinn, offers dedicated timepieces for emergency physicians, hunters, firefighters and other extreme professions. Anyone searching the down-to-earth manufacturer's catalog for maximum water resistance will inevitably come across the UX special-purpose watches.
[box type="note" align="" class="" width=""]Ten variants of the quartz-powered diver are available, five of which are dedicated to the GSG9 and differ only in their surface finish.[/box]Let's start with what they have in common: a hefty 44 millimeter diameter, a matte black dial for perfect legibility and an unrivaled 12,000 meter depth rating (certified by the Norwegian classification society DNV) define these mission watches. Important: the stated 12,000 meters refer to the case; the ETA 955.652 quartz movement inside offers a pressure resistance of "only" 5,000 meters. But even that is enough to effortlessly withstand any conceivable GSG9 operation. Fans of the traditional Frankfurt brand will rightly ask why the manufacturer didn't opt for a mechanical movement, as it does with most Sinn watches.
The reason is simple: no common automatic movement would withstand the required pressure. Its temperature resistance from -20 to +60 degrees Celsius also makes the quartz caliber the ideal partner for the GSG9 watch.
Made from German Submarine Steel
The cases of these water-resistant GSG9 heavyweights are not made from the usual 316L stainless steel, but from submarine steel, which is 155 percent stronger.
[box type="info" align="" class="" width=""]This is the same material used in the outer hulls of the German Navy's Type 212 submarines, and it is known for its outstanding resistance to saltwater. The material also achieves top marks for crack resistance and antimagnetic properties.[/box]Yet it doesn't sit on the wrist in excessive bulk: a moderate case height of 13.3 millimeters and a comfortable weight of 105 grams characterize the UX mission watches. A distinctive detail is the crown positioned at 10 o'clock, which sets the GSG9 watches apart from the classic UX with its crown on the opposite side at 4 o'clock. Both layouts prevent the screw-down crown from digging into the back of your hand.
Speaking of rotation: the steel case is topped by a captive diving bezel with 60 click positions, an ascending minute scale and a luminous triangle at the 60-minute position. Among other features, this is required for the UX to qualify under the DIN 8306 dive watch standard.
[box type="success" align="" class="" width=""]The hardcore GSG9 model also passes the European diving equipment standards EN250 and EN14143 with flying colors.[/box]Five Variants Are Available
If you're considering buying a UX, you're spoiled for choice: five versions of Frankfurt's toughest diver are available, and fortunately they are easy to tell apart.
- First up is the classic UX GSG9 (Ref. 403.031), which features the scratch-resistant TEGIMENT treatment on the bezel only. TEGIMENT is not a coating but a hardening of the steel, which forms its own protective layer.
- If desired, the entire case can be TEGIMENT-treated in addition to the bezel (Ref. 403.041).
- The Sinn UX SDR GSG 9 (Ref. 403.051) offers an exciting contrast, with a bezel featuring a black hard coating over a tegimented base. The big advantage of the dark bezel is the outstanding legibility of its white markings; it also results in a sportier look.
- If you want the Sinn UX SDR GSG 9 with a fully "tegimented" case, Ref. 403.081 is the right choice.
- The most striking of these special-purpose watches is the Sinn UX S GSG 9 (Ref. 403.062), whose case and bezel feature full TEGIMENT treatment plus a black hard coating. A menacing, professional look that commands a dominant presence on the wrist, both inside and outside special forces.
Perfect Legibility, No Reflections: HYDRO Technology
The dial of the Sinn mission watches, identical across all GSG9 models, is quickly explained. Executed in the brand's signature EZM design ("Einsatzzeitmesser," or mission timer), its outstanding legibility means it can be read even from several meters away. This is due not only to the strong contrast between the white hands/indices and the matte black background but also to the sheer width of the markers, which are generously coated with luminous material. The date at 3 o'clock is integrated stylishly, as its date disc matches the dial color. Red accents give the GSG9 watch excitement and character. Not only the UX lettering next to the date but also the prominent activity badge of the German special unit at the lower center stand out against the black surroundings.
All models, including the all-black Sinn UX S GSG 9, also feature red markings on the rotating bezel. And then there's the red HYDRO lettering, which reveals one of the biggest secrets of these special-purpose watches. The in-house technology is ingenious: the movement, hands and dial are immersed in a crystal-clear liquid whose refractive index matches that of sapphire crystal. The result is perfect, reflection-free legibility from any angle. Not to be forgotten is the positive effect of the liquid filling on the pressure resistance of the mission watches; without HYDRO, a depth rating of 12,000 meters would be out of reach for the GSG9 watch.
GSG9 Watch: Straps, Prices, Availability
Depending on your preference, the GSG9 watch comes on a solid bracelet or one of several leather and silicone straps. All variants are readily available and, despite their monumental technical achievements, sit in a moderate price range - currently (as of October 2021) you should budget between €1,990 and €2,730. If you're fascinated by special forces, the military and professional instruments but don't necessarily need a mechanical movement, you won't find a tougher companion than the UX.
[box type="note" align="" class="" width=""]Keep in mind: the GSG9 had hundreds of models to choose from when selecting its timepiece – and the decision fell on the Sinn mission watches of the UX series.[/box]
