Sinn Spezialuhren Celebrates 20 Years of Dive Watches Made from Submarine Steel with U15, U16 and U18

To commemorate two decades of diver's watches made from submarine steel, Sinn Spezialuhren introduces three special editions, each limited to just 1,000 pieces, in the U15, U16 and U18. In addition to their innovative cases made from recycled submarine steel, the watches offer impressive water-resistance ratings and a unique dial design.

With the U15, U16, and U18 models, the German watch brand brings the history of submarines to the wrist. Their cases are made of the high-strength, seawater-resistant steel of three U-boats (U 15, U 16, and U 18) which served for 40 years in the Baltic Sea with the German Navy. Like their submarine counterparts, the diver's watches boast a remarkable pressure resistance: the U15 is rated to 500 meters (50 bar), the U16 to 1,000 meters (100 bar), and the U18 to a stunning 2,000 meters (200 bar).

All three models meet European diving equipment standards and are equipped with the technology-focused brand’s "Captive Safety Bezel" with a 60-minute graduation, Tegiment technology, which raises the hardness level of the cases, and a sapphire crystal. To prevent any pressure onto the wrist or discomfort, the crowns are positioned at 4 o'clock. Additionally, the U18 model features Sinn’s AR-Dehumidifying technology, enhancing both function and anti-fogging performance.

20 Years of Diver's Watches Made from German Submarine Steel

For two decades, Sinn has used submarine steel for its U-diver's watches, convinced by its extraordinary performance. Developed by ThyssenKrupp, this specialized steel used for the hulls of the 206 submarine class and the most modern-day non-nuclear submarines, the 212 class, has been the foundation of Sinn’s U-models since 2005. Delivered as semi-finished material with the required structural properties, the steel is free from any signs of use. This marks a key difference with the new U15, U16, and U18 models, whose base material was used in active maritime service for decades— imbuing the watches with a sense of living history.

The professional processing of this steel was done by Sächsische Uhrentechnologie GmbH Glashütte (SUG), a renowned expert in case construction and a long-time partner of Sinn. The U15 has a diameter of 41mm, while the U16 and U18 each measure 44mm wide. The U15 and U18 are powered by the Sellita SW 300-1 caliber, while the U16 is driven by the Sellita SW 200-1.

The luminescent dials are protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Their dark blue to dark green gradient evokes the mystical depths of the ocean at depths of around 30 meters—a reference to the eponymous submarines U 15, U 16, and U 18, which operated up to 100 meters deep. Stylized air bubbles symbolize the ascension through the water, giving them a dynamic touch.

As a tribute to the history, they feature the distance traveled in nautical miles and the model type of the submarines they are dedicated to. The caseback is adorned with the silhouette of the U-boat 206 class, adding a final nod to the watches’ military heritage. All three models are equipped with a solid stainless steel bracelet that offers fine adjustment for a perfect fit.

The watches come in a sustainable double case, which includes a linen pouch with a metal tag engraved with a piece of the original submarine steel, a strap change tool, stainless steel spring bars, and a brochure. The U15 and U16 are priced at €2,900 each or approximately $3,040 when converted to USD, while the U18 is available for €3,230 or $3,350.

To learn more, visit Sinn Spezialuhren, here.