This is the best of all the 556i vs 556a comparison video I’ve seen on RUclips. I can’t understand that I’ve never seen it all the times I’ve searched!
Ok, I never found reason to put the following advice onto actual words so forgive the protractedness. Furthermore, whereas this is the “definitive” comparison vid, I think it warrants a “definitive” explanation. You’ve gotta, gotta, gotta clean the crystal so the viewer doesn’t have to suffer (and suffer indeed) by having the oil smudging. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, please be aware that whereas the smudging is caused by oil films, and whereas one’s skin produces oil, wiping the oily crystal with oily fingers will only worsen the already hideous problem. While wiping with any textile fabric on planet Earth will be an improvement over fingers, a microfiber cloth is ideal. But again, one could use anything from a shirt, a pant leg, a nearby tissue (it should be noted here that the tissue should be unused as any nasal exudate will only worsen the condition of the crystal), or even the soft inside material found on one’s underwear (mentioned for those watch enthusiasts who are often still only in their underwear well past noon). I hope this comprehensive and rarely written explanation helps the community.
To summarize; 556i / 556a Gloss dial / matte dial No arabics / 3-6-9-12 'automatic' writing / no additional writing Date at 3 / (smaller) date between 4 and 5 The RS is an option for both (Red Second hand)
My pleasure. You’re right about the A appearing to be a larger watch. A few viewers have pointed this out and after re-watching the video it’s absolutely true!
I only briefly had both and you’re right theirs lots of differences and there is certainly room for them. Ultimately I just have a 556a and oddly not the one pictured.
Still deciding between the I and A. The I looks smaller which might fit in more with my small wrist and the minimalist design is more consistent with the theme of the case design but im worried if I would get bored with the I.
I’m definitely an Arabic fan when it comes to the Sinn 556. I recently got a 556A plain white and tbh I think that’s better than the RS. On the RS it’s hard to pick out the seconds hand sometimes because they use an almost-maroon color paint and it’s too dark at times.
Got the 556ars because it is the iconic sinn dial as you said. Saw both at the ad before ordering mine and that date placement is really interesting. There is only there when you realy look for it. But yeah don't touch the crystal with your fingers! Skinoil reflect alot on the ar treatment on those. Only usage drawback for me.
Yes agree. I was cursing myself for not having one handy! 😂 all my vids are just a couple of long takes so I was high and dry…in fact the video ends abruptly because I edited out a long tirade about how the Sinn is better than the Explorer 😅
I noticed this in person as well, and it was one of the factors in my choosing to order a 556A RS over an I. Also with the excellent double AR coating on the crystal, I thought the matte dial worked better. Also the hands appear to float more over it whereas there seems a little less perceived depth on the I. These are just my thoughts.
@@soundsoserious I've heard people criticize this but I actually like the way the seconds hand just barely kisses the smallest markers, and the minute hand points to them without touching. I like the minimal overlapping of the hands and markers--just a personal preference.
@soundsoserious indeed they do. That was an informative video, and very pleasing. Trouble is, I'm still stuck between the 'a' and the 'rs'. I was planning to get the wife to treat me on my birthday to one, but still undecided...
@@markstarmer3677i would recommend the regular ‘a’ with white seconds hand if i could only have one, the red gets lost sometimes and is hard to see, the all white on black background is iconic Sinn 👍🏽
Well it’s nice to have choices but, I think the A is the one that makes the most sense. The gloss dial and extra “Automatik” on the dial are love-or-hate differences. Having them side bY side though the difference in the date size is absolutely glaring. I’d have the A if forced to choose but as you can see I’m such a fan of the watch I have one of each!
I am the opposite. I think the glossy black looks better than the washed up black. If Sinn wanted it to be grey, they should have gone with a grey-er tone like a gunship grey.
Great videos on the sinn watches. Really enjoyable but I’m still struggling. Keep going backs me fourth. I said to myself today if the A dial had the glossy dial that’s the one I’d go for. Does that mean I really should go A? Is the glossy dial really special? Is it worth going for the i purely based on the dial?
Appreciate it! I fell fortunate to have both at the same time because a lot of people have this dilemma about the 556. It comes down to personal choice but I am firmly in the A camp. Sometimes the glossy dial is too “shiny” and that effects readability. YMMV
I appreciate informative content and the fact that watch enthusiasts participate in the medium. However, there is always room for improvement. Please, for the love of watches, do not swipe the crystal with your fingers. The greasy smears on them both is very disruptive to your video.
Thank you! This is a brand called Rios 1931. They aren’t real alligator but are super high quality stamped leather. Honestly they’re better than most OEM straps. And not too pricey either!
Thank u very much! This is a Rios 1931 strap and there are several dealers online. It’s a German company, it’s embossed leather, and comes in multiple colors. Runs about $30 and you ain’t going to find a better strap for double the money imho.
I still want a Sinn, but am looking at used ones. Watches with the same movement and build quality can be had for much less, but they don't carry the same brand heritage. Enjoy the watch though! After all, money is just money ... @@soundsoserious
@@soundsoserious I think the version with numerals - but I hope to see them both at a dealer and see them on the wrist. I am also looking at the Black Bay 58 as an alternative - so tough decisions ahead!
Check out my BB58 video! I’ll be honest: if money was no object I’d take the Black Bay (in blue). But if you’re on a budget the 556 is all the watch you’ll ever need
I just got a 556i with a misaligned dial and Sinn and watchbuys claims it's within tolerance. A misaligned dial for a $1400 watch is absolute horrible quality control, BUYER BEWARE! There is a reason why tons of them are for sale in the after market, because they have tons of issues.
I believe both perform just about identically…in fact aren’t parts interchangeable? Someone might chime in on that. I wouldn’t choose one “over” the other I think.
Yes, the SW does have one more jewel compared to the ETA. I’m pretty sure it’s a jeweled arbor barrel the SW has but the ETA lacks. Other than that, the movements are identical with interchangeable parts.
![Megan Thee Stallion - Mamushi (Remix) [feat. TWICE] [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5c0_u9PsrsQ/mqdefault.jpg)
This is the best of all the 556i vs 556a comparison video I’ve seen on RUclips. I can’t understand that I’ve never seen it all the times I’ve searched!
I prefer the “I” version by far, although I’m considering the mother of pearl version to for my big birthday 😅
Thank you for the kind words!
The MOP certainly looks interesting.! I’ve also owned the blue and brown dial versions, all have their own charms. Great watxhes!
Ok, I never found reason to put the following advice onto actual words so forgive the protractedness. Furthermore, whereas this is the “definitive” comparison vid, I think it warrants a “definitive” explanation. You’ve gotta, gotta, gotta clean the crystal so the viewer doesn’t have to suffer (and suffer indeed) by having the oil smudging. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, please be aware that whereas the smudging is caused by oil films, and whereas one’s skin produces oil, wiping the oily crystal with oily fingers will only worsen the already hideous problem. While wiping with any textile fabric on planet Earth will be an improvement over fingers, a microfiber cloth is ideal. But again, one could use anything from a shirt, a pant leg, a nearby tissue (it should be noted here that the tissue should be unused as any nasal exudate will only worsen the condition of the crystal), or even the soft inside material found on one’s underwear (mentioned for those watch enthusiasts who are often still only in their underwear well past noon). I hope this comprehensive and rarely written explanation helps the community.
🙏🏼(👉🏼💦🚫😢)
Stole every word right out of my mouth! Bless your soul!!! 😂
Agreed....was making my heart palpitate....
"...nasal exudate..." Oh, my!!
To summarize;
556i / 556a
Gloss dial / matte dial
No arabics / 3-6-9-12
'automatic' writing / no additional writing
Date at 3 / (smaller) date between 4 and 5
The RS is an option for both (Red Second hand)
Very helpful thanks for doing this!
Great comparison thanks. Fascinating how the numerals of the “a” seem to make the watch look larger than the “i” somehow. Both look fantastic though.
My pleasure. You’re right about the A appearing to be a larger watch. A few viewers have pointed this out and after re-watching the video it’s absolutely true!
Fun and thorough review. Appreciate it.
My pleasure!
The I must be harder to read in the dark, with all identical hour markers…
Hm, interesting observation. 🤔 I wouldn’t say it’s difficult to read in the dark but I understand your point. May have to reevaluate these now.
MAJOR KUDOS for the time sync. I feel like NO ONE else does this when handling multiple watches. Thank you for scratching the neuroticism itch in me.
Haha I try! Check out the Sub vs. Seamaster video.
How was your neuroticism itch when he repeatedly smeared his thumb across the crystals? 🤣 Just kidding-nice video.
Thank you so much. This is just what I was looking for! Confidently going with the 556i thanks to this video. Subscribed.
I’m glad it was useful! Thanks for the kind words! 🤜🏼🤛🏼
I have both and I think, there's enough difference to manage different tasks and looks. Enjoy them both each time!
I only briefly had both and you’re right theirs lots of differences and there is certainly room for them. Ultimately I just have a 556a and oddly not the one pictured.
I really like the A, I would love a version without a date. Nice video 👍🏻
I think there’s a Japan special edition without a date? 🤔
Great video! I wish you had cleaned the glass with a lens cleaner and cloth tho haha
Yeah I know lol. That’s the most common complaint I get about this vid 🥲
Still deciding between the I and A. The I looks smaller which might fit in more with my small wrist and the minimalist design is more consistent with the theme of the case design but im worried if I would get bored with the I.
Both are great options. I’d say the I is more “dressy” and the A is more “sporty” to summarize them. As you can see the best answer is: BOTH! 😂
Love the A. It adds a needed dash of color with the seconds hand and the I think the I is just a bit busy. Something about too many bold indices.
I’m definitely an Arabic fan when it comes to the Sinn 556. I recently got a 556A plain white and tbh I think that’s better than the RS. On the RS it’s hard to pick out the seconds hand sometimes because they use an almost-maroon color paint and it’s too dark at times.
Got the 556ars because it is the iconic sinn dial as you said. Saw both at the ad before ordering mine and that date placement is really interesting. There is only there when you realy look for it.
But yeah don't touch the crystal with your fingers! Skinoil reflect alot on the ar treatment on those. Only usage drawback for me.
Appreciate the thoughtful comment. And you’re right about the crystal!
Yeah thanks for pointing this out. Maybe a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth before filming would help (and less touching the crystal during).
Yes agree. I was cursing myself for not having one handy! 😂 all my vids are just a couple of long takes so I was high and dry…in fact the video ends abruptly because I edited out a long tirade about how the Sinn is better than the Explorer 😅
@@soundsoserious Would love to see that outtake!
@@justthisguyyouknow42 it was an inarticulate profanity riddled tirade….you’re right, should have left it in 😂
Really wish they added "automatik" to the "A".....
“I’ll take things I never thought I’d ever hear for $500 Alex.”
Thank you very much. Your video is really helpful. It helped me to take a decision. 😊
My pleasure! Thank you for watching and commenting. 😉
Good comparison vid. Thanks!
You are very welcome! 😘
Why does the 556A look a bit larger than the 556I? I know they're not. Maybe it's just me.
Very good question. It does look a tiny bit larger in some angles doesn’t it? 🤔
I noticed this in person as well, and it was one of the factors in my choosing to order a 556A RS over an I. Also with the excellent double AR coating on the crystal, I thought the matte dial worked better. Also the hands appear to float more over it whereas there seems a little less perceived depth on the I. These are just my thoughts.
Interesting, but I do think this is one thing I’d critique: the hands are a smidge too short. See my video of the Damasko DS30 to see what I mean.
Because the camera has the 556i in the middle. The A is to the right, and our brains says it is further away, and try to compensate. Fascinating
@@soundsoserious I've heard people criticize this but I actually like the way the seconds hand just barely kisses the smallest markers, and the minute hand points to them without touching. I like the minimal overlapping of the hands and markers--just a personal preference.
Sorry if I missed this in the video, but what is your wrist size? Mine is 6.25" and I feel like a 556 would be a great option for me.
Hi, mine is the same size and I agree: 556 would be perfect !
Honestly if I had the money I would get the A RS and the I B. Maybe in the future lol
Makes sense, those two are different enough to work together in a collection. Prices on 556 are definitely coming down.
Isn’t the ‘a’ actually a ‘rs’. The ‘a’ has a white second hand, the ‘rs’ has a red second hand.
Both the ‘i’ and ‘a’ versions have an ‘rs’ variant.
@soundsoserious indeed they do.
That was an informative video, and very pleasing.
Trouble is, I'm still stuck between the 'a' and the 'rs'.
I was planning to get the wife to treat me on my birthday to one, but still undecided...
@@markstarmer3677i would recommend the regular ‘a’ with white seconds hand if i could only have one, the red gets lost sometimes and is hard to see, the all white on black background is iconic Sinn 👍🏽
@soundsoserious thanks. That is also the one the wife said.
Sorted. Appreciate your input.
I used to prefer the I. Now I prefer the A. I have thought about purchasing one, but worry that I may get bored of the dial after a while. Nide review
Well it’s nice to have choices but, I think the A is the one that makes the most sense. The gloss dial and extra “Automatik” on the dial are love-or-hate differences. Having them side bY side though the difference in the date size is absolutely glaring. I’d have the A if forced to choose but as you can see I’m such a fan of the watch I have one of each!
I am the opposite. I think the glossy black looks better than the washed up black. If Sinn wanted it to be grey, they should have gone with a grey-er tone like a gunship grey.
@@soundsoserious the ink black is amazing ! That alone makes the I the winner IMO.
@@jessfraser8743 right on! but…do you find it to be too reflective at times? I think the matte has some advantages too…
Great videos on the sinn watches. Really enjoyable but I’m still struggling. Keep going backs me fourth. I said to myself today if the A dial had the glossy dial that’s the one I’d go for. Does that mean I really should go A? Is the glossy dial really special? Is it worth going for the i purely based on the dial?
Appreciate it! I fell fortunate to have both at the same time because a lot of people have this dilemma about the 556. It comes down to personal choice but I am firmly in the A camp. Sometimes the glossy dial is too “shiny” and that effects readability. YMMV
Get a cleaning cloth for heaven's sake?
Sorry! 😅
I appreciate informative content and the fact that watch enthusiasts participate in the medium. However, there is always room for improvement. Please, for the love of watches, do not swipe the crystal with your fingers. The greasy smears on them both is very disruptive to your video.
Appreciate the kind words, and also the constructive criticism. 🥰
Looks like they have different movements-the I with the ETA and the A with the Sellita (indicated by the different rotor shapes).
Whoa. Okay thank you very much for that! This makes sense since the A is the newer watch right? Really appreciate that Insight.
Didn’t expect to run into you here, David. And I didn’t realize you were horologically inclined but it makes perfect sense
@@theloneliestmonk Well, hello there! One more thing we have in common? Had no idea...
@@soundsoseriousthey both have the selitta movement now :)
Très bonne vidéo, cela m’a beaucoup aidé. Prononciation très facile à comprendre pour un français comme moi. Top 👍
je ne parle pas francais mais merci beaucoup🥰
The A psychologically looks bigger.
Definitely agree with that.
Love the strap, who makes it?
Thank you! This is a brand called Rios 1931. They aren’t real alligator but are super high quality stamped leather. Honestly they’re better than most OEM straps. And not too pricey either!
Good video, where did you get that strap?
Thank u very much! This is a Rios 1931 strap and there are several dealers online. It’s a German company, it’s embossed leather, and comes in multiple colors. Runs about $30 and you ain’t going to find a better strap for double the money imho.
@@soundsoserious Thank you for the reply. I'm going to buy one.
Highly recommend. The small size works well for my wrist if that helps.
Maybe invest in a microfiber cloth instead of smearing finger oils all over the crystal....
Yessir.
Good watches, but too much money for a sw200 in a simple case …
You make a good point honestly. These are great watches but they have been outpaced I recent years by more nimble brands.
I still want a Sinn, but am looking at used ones. Watches with the same movement and build quality can be had for much less, but they don't carry the same brand heritage. Enjoy the watch though! After all, money is just money ... @@soundsoserious
Absolutely buy used if you can. A 556 in good enough condition with strap is a $750 watch now. That’s tough to beat.
What's with those straps? It's like wearing a tie with a tee shirt 😮
lol, thx. 👨🏻💼
very helpful!
I’m glad! Which do you prefer?
@@soundsoserious I think the version with numerals - but I hope to see them both at a dealer and see them on the wrist. I am also looking at the Black Bay 58 as an alternative - so tough decisions ahead!
Check out my BB58 video! I’ll be honest: if money was no object I’d take the Black Bay (in blue). But if you’re on a budget the 556 is all the watch you’ll ever need
@@soundsoserious I’ll check it out. I think over time the BB will age better than the Sinn and hold its value better.
thank you
welcome! :)
I RS gang
gang gang gang! 🤜🏼🤛🏼
I just got a 556i with a misaligned dial and Sinn and watchbuys claims it's within tolerance. A misaligned dial for a $1400 watch is absolute horrible quality control, BUYER BEWARE! There is a reason why tons of them are for sale in the after market, because they have tons of issues.
Very interesting! You’re right that more i’s are for sale at any given time. How is it misaligned? I wonder if this is also an issue for the a?
That sucks. Just picked up the I RS and it’s phenomenal and flawless. Sucks you got a lemon.
I’ve heard that the ETA has 25 jewels, the SW has 26 jewels
I believe both perform just about identically…in fact aren’t parts interchangeable? Someone might chime in on that. I wouldn’t choose one “over” the other I think.
Yes, the SW does have one more jewel compared to the ETA. I’m pretty sure it’s a jeweled arbor barrel the SW has but the ETA lacks. Other than that, the movements are identical with interchangeable parts.
I want the 556a since I already have a damasko ds30.
They are very similar. Size and specs are both really close. I’d bet you’ll eventually decide on one of the two and move the other.