GMT Battle: B&R V2-93 vs Sinn 856 UTC

[flilow06]

Ignoring any difference in price, and the technicalities of a true GMT vs UTC, which would you pick?

Seemingly similar 40-41mm dual time zone pilot watches with ETA 2893 movements, yet so different. Sinn the quintessential tool watch with its tegimented hardened case, improved anti-magnetism and 200m water resistance, a watch that exudes function over form. B&R the "higher fashion" more aesthetically driven piece, but still with a respectable 100m water resistance.

[ap1]

BRoss

[AEC]

Interesting. Between those, I think I would go B&R. The added dose of elegance matters, I think.

[Psmith]

Out of these two I prefer the B&R (just), but there are other Sinn models that I prefer to it.

[nick c]

Bell&Ross looks better.

[Dan Pierce]

I own and love my Sinn 757 UTC but I'd go with the Bell & Ross GMT. The B&R is a real looker. Plus the rotating bezel is a must for me.
dP

[Psmith]

Another nice pic (not mine) of the B&R. I like the elongated minute hand, and the subtly bi-coloured bezel insert

[Psmith]

.

[ts3]

Bell & Ross for me - very cool looking watch w an individual and vintage touch in my eyes.

You might also consider a pre-owned IWC UTC ref 3251 also w ETA movement. Compared to the Sinn the IWC UTC is the clear winner in my view, the case against the Bell & Ross is less clear. Some of those come on the highly praised pyramid bracelet rather than a strap.

[cvo]

Bell & Ross - love the orange GMT hand and the vintage crystal!

[Golden Ellipse]

Of course....neither of these are GMTs....where the main hour hand jumps and the secondary hour hand stays on base 24 hr time....both are good looking watches though.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Golden Ellipse

Of course....neither of these are GMTs....where the main hour hand jumps and the secondary hour hand stays on base 24 hr time....both are good looking watches though.

These are both GMTs. However, some ironiaously label a true GMT if the 12 hour hand is adjustable vs the 24 hour hand. Any watch identifying 24 hour movement and capable of a second time zone is a GMT.
dP

[flilow06]

Interesting, wasn't expecting a unanimous preference for the B&R!

Maybe it's that Explorer II-esque look.. =)

[JohnnyBoots]

B&R nails the details that make a beautiful watch. Sinn hits all the right places for a tool watch. I think it comes down to the true use you will get out of it. I've debated these same watches as my future GMT but I think I would go for the B&R as I would likely be traveling with it (suit, casual, beach, etc.) and pick up a Sinn 856 non-utc as my SHTF watch.

[scarlet knight]

I was voting Sinn till I saw the pix. Bell wins, Orange Exp II hand clinches.

[belligero]

As a former owner of an 856 UTC, I’d skip both and put the money toward a GMT II or Explorer II instead.

[cvo]

Bell & Ross - the orange GMT hand won me over.

[cvo]

Originally Posted by belligero

As a former owner of an 856 UTC, I’d skip both and put the money toward a GMT II or Explorer II instead.

Yes, I prefer Rolex too but that’s is a big jump in costs x 3x to 4x.

[Db7566]

I would like to bump this thread as I am looking at the same two watches. Comments on brands as well as the watches would be appreciated. I am looking at the ball gmt as well but at that price I may as well go tudor.

[yessir69]

Sinn.

[cosmic2000]

I have a BR 123 - Sinn is just different enough to win this one

My vote

[tahitianmoon]

Two different styles but both great watches. I loved the B&R the second I first saw one and still do. Obviously B&R for me on this choice...

[Latrodectus]

Bell&Ross is very good looking for my taste!

[Tom5518]

I really like both, but the B&R would be, and most likely is, my choice. I have been looking at the B&R's for a while, just haven't decided which one to get. I love the classic look of the case and the domed sapphire crystal.

Originally Posted by Golden Ellipse

Of course....neither of these are GMTs....where the main hour hand jumps and the secondary hour hand stays on base 24 hr time....both are good looking watches though.

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

These are both GMTs. However, some ironiaously label a true GMT if the 12 hour hand is adjustable vs the 24 hour hand. Any watch identifying 24 hour movement and capable of a second time zone is a GMT.
dP

Agreed. If that were true the Rolex GMT-Master would not be a GMT. It wasn't until the GMT-Master II that the hour hand jumps.

[enjoythemusic]

Another vote for B&R.

[ZeGerman11]

I own the Sinn and if we’re going on looks I’d still probably vote for the B&R. However, my Sinn is the watch I throw on when I need to not care what happens to it. Dents, scuffs, etc...it has them all. I really do love it, although I’d probably like it to be 1-2mm larger. It wears pretty small for a 40mm.

So I guess, for my uses, since I already have a “nicer” GMT, my vote is for Sinn for the beater role it fills for me.

[ajw45]

Originally Posted by ZeGerman11

I own the Sinn and if we’re going on looks I’d still probably vote for the B&R. However, my Sinn is the watch I throw on when I need to not care what happens to it. Dents, scuffs, etc...it has them all. I really do love it, although I’d probably like it to be 1-2mm larger. It wears pretty small for a 40mm.

So I guess, for my uses, since I already have a “nicer” GMT, my vote is for Sinn for the beater role it fills for me.

Agreed! B&R for the design/style, Sinn for toughness.... and that's why I would choose the Sinn. Even though I like the B&R more, to me it would always feel like an Explorer knock-off and I'd want to replace it with an Explorer. The Sinn is it's own thing and I could see having both an Explorer and the Sinn.

[Db7566]

Thanks for the replies. I think I am leaning toward the sinn. I like the cleaner look and the smaller GMT indicator.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[wcl884]

Originally Posted by Db7566

Thanks for the replies. I think I am leaning toward the sinn. I like the cleaner look and the smaller GMT indicator.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Semi-bumping this thread since I'm very curious to see if you pulled the trigger on a new watch.

I was in the same boat before - looking for a tool watch or a beater. I was planning on getting Hamilton Khaki Mechanical - but held off with only 50M WR (as we all will be washing our hands so often going forward). Started looking at Sinn again as several novelty model and dial became available in late 2019/2020.