German watchmaker Sinn Spezialuhren has unveiled three new limited-edition diver’s watches—the U15, U16, and U18—each restricted to just 1,000 pieces. Crafted from recycled submarine steel, these timepieces combine historical significance with cutting-edge engineering, boasting exceptional water resistance and a distinctive dial design.
A Legacy of Strength and Seaworthiness
The cases of the U15, U16, and U18 are forged from high-strength, seawater-resistant steel sourced from three German Navy U-boats (U 15, U 16, and U 18), which served for 40 years in the Baltic Sea. Mirroring their submarine origins, the watches offer impressive depth ratings:
U15: 500 meters (50 bar)
U16: 1,000 meters (100 bar)
U18: 2,000 meters (200 bar)
All three models comply with European diving equipment standards and feature Sinn’s Captive Safety Bezel with a 60-minute scale, Tegiment technology for enhanced case hardness, and a sapphire crystal. To ensure comfort, the crowns are positioned at 4 o’clock, minimizing wrist pressure. The U18 also incorporates AR-Dehumidifying technology, improving fog resistance.
Two Decades of Innovation in Submarine Steel
Since 2005, Sinn has utilized submarine-grade steel from ThyssenKrupp, originally developed for the 206 and 212 submarine classes. Unlike previous models, the U15, U16, and U18 are crafted from steel that saw active naval service, infusing them with a tangible historical connection.
The cases were expertly processed by Sächsische Uhrentechnologie GmbH Glashütte (SUG), a leader in precision case manufacturing. The U15 measures 41mm, while the U16 and U18 each span 44mm. Powering the U15 and U18 is the Sellita SW 300-1 movement, while the U16 runs on the Sellita SW 200-1.
Aesthetic Nods to the Deep
The gradient dials, shifting from dark blue to deep green, evoke the ocean’s mysterious depths at around 30 meters—a subtle tribute to the submarines’ operational range of up to 100 meters. Stylized air bubbles on the dial symbolize ascent, adding a dynamic visual element.
Each watch displays the distance traveled in nautical miles and the submarine model it honors. The caseback features an engraved silhouette of the U-boat 206 class, reinforcing the military heritage. All three models come with a stainless steel bracelet featuring fine adjustment for optimal fit.
With these releases, Sinn continues to blend historical reverence with modern horological excellence, offering collectors a rare piece of naval history on their wrists.
