SINN U16

Product number: 1026.010

Included configuration

• Satinized solid stainless steel bracelet

207,000 nautical miles in 38 years – a proud legacyCommissioned in 1973, submarine U 16 achieved an impressive record: 207,000 nautical miles, meticulously documented by a former crew member. This astonishing figure equals about ten journeys around the globe! After its decommissioning, Sinn Spezialuhren acquired material from the submarine’s outer hull, using it to craft the heart of a unique, limited-edition diving watch. Limited to 1,000 pieces, the watch case is made from high-strength, seawater-resistant steel sourced directly from the U 16 submarine. This makes the submarine not only the namesake of model U16 but also an exclusive material source—and a timeless link to an unforgettable era in German submarine history.

Sinn Spezialuhren has a special, long-standing relationship with submarines. The company has been using submarine steel for its diving watches for two decades - convinced by its exceptional performance. The special grade of steel developed by ThyssenKrupp for the outer hulls of the Type 206 submarine and the world’s latest non-nuclear Type 212 submarines has formed the basis of all of our U series since 2005. It is supplied as a semi-finished product with the required dimensions and structural properties and is therefore free of any signs of use.

The steel of model U16 sets itself apart in one key aspect: this base material had previously clocked up decades of naval use, and that’s what makes it so special! The professional, meticulously intricate finishing by the Saxony-based watchmaking technology company Sächsische Uhrentechnologie GmbH Glashütte (SUG) ensures that it meets our stringent requirements without losing its true identity. The result? A diving watch forged from history, bringing the very soul of naval history to the wrist. Adding to this experience is an engraved steel blank from the original submarine U 16, included with the watch.

The U16´s anti-reflective sapphire crystal guarantees exceptional clarity and provides an optimal view of the high-gloss dial, which echoes the mesmerising blue nuances of the ocean.The dark bluish green base tone portrays the esoteric expanse of the open sea from a depth of around thirty metres, alluding to the operating range of the U 16 submarine, which was able to dive to depths of up to 100 metres.Stylised air bubbles that symbolise the rising air bubbles underscore the three-dimensional effect with metallic blues and greens. This variance brings a unique touch to the dial and catches the eye with an intriguing stereoscopic effect.As a historical memoir of the power of submarines, the dial features the number of nautical miles travelled and the U 16´s type designation. The case back is adorned with a matching silhouette of the Type 206 submarine. The U16 has been tested according to European diving equipment standards and certified by an independent institute, ensuring its durability and reliability.

The submarine flag was hoisted on the conning tower during surface voyages. Traditionally, it was never washed and was only replaced when completely worn out by constant exposure to the wind, sun and seawater. Serving as a proud symbol of the achievements, experiences and hardships that the submarine and its crew had endured, washing it would have erased these valuable traces.

Is there anything more fascinating than wearing a piece of German submarine history on your wrist? The U15, U16 and U18 diving watches embody much more than timekeeping – they are testimonies to a key chapter in the history of the German Navy. Made of steel from the like-named U 15, U 16 and U 18 type 206 submarines, they are steeped in history and are guaranteed to delight naval enthusiasts and watch connoisseurs alike.

These underwater vessels are much more than steel giants. They are veritable legends, shaped by the challenges of nearly forty years of continuous service to Germany – longer than any other type of submarine. Their mission? To protect the Baltic Sea and its access routes. Each submarine churned through hundreds and thousands of nautical miles both above and below the water. Now decommissioned, they become the very essence of these three unique diving watches: the steel for the cases. At the same time, they give the watches their name, presenting a pure source of material and truly indelible link to an unforgotten era in the history of German submarines. After all, each of the watch models is made of steel from their eponymous submarines.

Our diving watches made of German Submarine Steel Looking back: We have been using submarine steel for our diving watches for two decades – and are still in awe of its extraordinary performance today. The special grade of steel developed by ThyssenKrupp for the outer hulls of the Type 206 submarine and the world’s latest non-nuclear Type 212 submarines has formed the basis of all of our U series since 2005. It is supplied as a semi-finished product with the required dimensions and structural properties and is therefore free of any signs of use. This presents a key difference to the U15, U16 and U18 models – their base material had previously clocked up decades of naval use, and that’s what makes it so special! This steel has felt the force of the waves, knows the strength of the storm and is no stranger to the cold silence. It has felt the pressure of the deep, the unrelenting hardness of seawater and the constant assault of fouling and mussels. In short, this steel breathes submarine history.

The professional, meticulously intricate finishing by the Saxony-based watchmaking technology company Sächsische Uhrentechnologie GmbH Glashütte (SUG) ensures that it meets our stringent requirements without losing its true identity.

The result? Three diving watches that definitely have wind in their sails. They bring the very soul of naval history to the wrist. For everyone who values tradition and wants to wear it with pride. An engraved steel blank from the original submarine accompanies every watch, enhancing the sensory experience further.

Designed in the 1960s and constructed between 1968 and 1975, the Type 206 submarines formed the very centrepiece of the German Navy. With their compact design and effective operation, they presented the perfect solution for West Germany’s defence requirements during tense times. In order to meet the ever-increasing technical requirements, some of these vessels were later updated to the cutting-edge Type 206 A standard. Thanks to these modifications, the submarines not only extended their service life, but also kept their pole position at the forefront of technological development. The Type 206 submarines are a remarkable example of German engineering. Their influence on the progress and performance of the modern German submarine fleet remains evident today – proof of the extraordinary innovative spirit that flowed into their construction.

Logged by a former crew member, the U 15 submarine proudly clocked up a total of 200,045 nautical miles over the course of 36 years. A truly impressive number and equal to ten circumnavigations of the world! But this is not the only reason why we responded so enthusiastically when, thanks to our long-standing connections and experience with submarine steel, we learned that the U 15, U 16 and U 18 submarines were to be sold via a public bidding process by VEBEG, a federally owned company that sells surplus equipment for public bodies. The idea of using the steel from these legendary submarines exclusively for three unique diving watches came naturally to us – and the decision to implement it quickly followed. When the submarines finally arrived at Ostuferhafen port in Kiel, it was impossible to ignore the special magnitude of the moment. A deep sense of admiration and respect for their incredible service to the defence of Germany spread through the crowd. Making three exclusive timepieces using the steel from these historic submarines means far more than just honouring the art of watchmaking. It is a tribute to time itself; a unique opportunity to wear naval history on the wrist. With every virtually silent tick, the fascination of the underwater world and the legend of these submarines lives on.

The inner wall thickness of a Type 206 submarine is much thinner than you might think thanks to a sophisticated stiffening structure.

Cut-out plates of non-magnetic German Submarine Steel, which still need to be straightened for further processing.

Statistics on the nautical miles travelled by the U 15 submarine recorded by a former crewmate. This is equivalent to ten circumnavigations of the world in 36 years.

Straightened steel plates from the U 15 submarine and the resulting blanks in various dimensions..

Optimal material utilisation thanks to CAD-controlled water jet cutting system. The leftover pieces are also recycled.

The illuminated triangle of the rotating bezel is set and bonded by hand.

An almost finished case middle on an automatic processing machine at SUG.

A case receives its components, such as the rotating bezel, middle, back, sapphire crystal, crown, seal, snap and spring rings.

The intricate engraving on the screwed back, made using a precision laser system.

Embedded in the legendary history of the Type 206 submarines, these three watches are masterful examples of superlative technical design. Since their material came from the outer hulls of submarines, completely different geometric requirements emerged, which posed new challenges compared to a conventional manufacturing process. The main issue here was that due to the shape of the submarine’s outer hull, the material sheets to be used as the raw material for water jet-cut blanks had a radius of curvature. Unlike the conventional manufacturing process of turning a bar of steel, both for the case middle and back, every blank had to be fed into the machine individually by hand. An increased chip volume due to the different base shape and the higher wear of tools as a result of the water jet cutting edge layer, coupled with more intense inspection effort, led to a 40% increase in machining time. Even during the final case finishing process, new difficulties arose due to the recycled base material. In light of their military use, the steel sheets used in submarine construction were subject to strict quality controls. However, this functional context did not consider aspects of the metallurgical structural properties that matter for the creation of a highly decorative surface finish. The significantly more complex case finish compared to the standard models in our U series also required special material processing. The execution of such a project was and is only possible with SUG, which is part of our group of companies. The passion for making this unique project reality motivated everyone involved, ultimately enabling an extraordinary idea to be transformed into the final product.

The curved sheet material of the submarine hull placed unusual demands on the production process for the rotationally symmetrical casing blanks.

Mechanical Movement

SW200-1 Self-winding mechanism 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour 26 bearing jewels Seconds stop function Anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309 The information on the mechanical movement corresponds to the current production situation in Frankfurt am Main. Due to technical changes, it may happen in individual cases that stock items of our sales partners deviate from this information.

Case

Case made of German Submarine Steel from the decommissioned submarine U 16, satinized Diver’s bezel made of German Submarine Steel from the decommissioned submarine U 16, satinized/polished Sapphire crystal glass in front, anti-reflective on both sides Case back screw-fastened Crown screwable Meets the technical requirements for water resistance, as set out in standard DIN 8310 Water-resistant and pressure-resistant to 1,000 m diving depth (= 100 bar), certified by an independent institute According to the technical demands for the German diving norm DIN 8306 Tested based on European diving equipment standards EN 250 and EN 14143, certified by an independent institute Low pressure resistant

Functions

Hours, minutes, seconds Date display Diver’s bezel with minute ratcheting and luminous key mark

SINN Technologies

Bezel with TEGIMENT Technology, therefore especially scratch-resistant Captive bezel

Dimensions and Weight

Case diameter: 44.0 mm Band lug width: 22 mm Case thickness: 14.7 mm Weight without strap: 113 grams

Dial and Hands

Dial blue-green Indices coated with luminescent color Hour, minute, and second hands coated with luminescent color

Manufacturer product details

Store in a dry place, ideally in a pouch or box to prevent scratches. Avoid water, perfumes, and chemicals. Clean regularly with a soft cloth to maintain its finish.

Standard delivery in 3–5 business days. Express options available at checkout. Returns accepted within 14 days if unused and in original packaging.