556 Mother of Pearl; Yay or nay?

So still on the hunt for my first real nice watch, I stumbled across Sinn. Since I am from Frankfurt as well as Sinn is, I thought that I might have a look in their Store. Man I am really in love with the 556. I first thought that they seem to small for my wrist but i think it is still ok and wears nicely. 

BUT I can not decide if I should go for the MOP Version or not. 
I love everything about it! The hands, the indices and of course the stunning dial. The Only thing that is missing is the date window... 

If I would go for Black I would go for the black without the red seconds. 

do you guys own one of these? Will the Black version be nicer in future? Will I miss the date window? or are you guys also as much stunned by this time keeper as I am? 

Thanks again 
Alex 

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Is this an every day watch or more dress watch? If dress, go for the MOP. If every day, + work, + weekend watch go for the regular 556. The second hand on the MOP is close to invisible in silver on the MOP, so not very utilitarian. The regular 556 might also look better on the H link bracelet as it will look sportier and less dressy. Good luck. Either one is a great watch!

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I'd pick the standard 556i, but I'm one of those people that needs a date window on my watch. 

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kromozome

Is this an every day watch or more dress watch? If dress, go for the MOP. If every day, + work, + weekend watch go for the regular 556. The second hand on the MOP is close to invisible in silver on the MOP, so not very utilitarian. The regular 556 might also look better on the H link bracelet as it will look sportier and less dressy. Good luck. Either one is a great watch!

It’s more of a everyday watch. But I am sure there will be more to follow in the future :P 

i thought the same about the black dial one but the MOP one just kinda took my breath when I saw it, since the MOP is so subtle. 

The H-Link looks really nice but the fine link really is it for me. i just love the look and feel of it. Man what a hard decision . why can’t I just have both haha 

would you not say the MOP would make a good everyday one? 
thanks so much :) 

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KristianG

I'd pick the standard 556i, but I'm one of those people that needs a date window on my watch. 

Would that be the only reason or also because of the dial? 

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I wouldn’t go for the MOP version. I love the brand and  own a regular 356 and a 856 B-Uhr. Both have the DNA of ‘tool watches’ that I love in this brand. To me, the dressy dial of the pearl version doesn’t mach the utilitarian spirit of the 556I. I like the red second hand, it gives the watch a tactical touch. Go for that one. Personally better with a black strap.

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I think the MOP is the one for you! The dial and applied indices are really nice. Personally, I never use the date window and prefer watches without it. Here are my three Sinns.

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Every time you mention the MOP, you're like...

Take My Breath Away GIF - Take My Breath Away Shake Head ...

So, obligatory...

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Sinnguy

I think the MOP is the one for you! The dial and applied indices are really nice. Personally, I never use the date window and prefer watches without it. Here are my three Sinns.

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Is it because you saw my other posts, or because the way I talk about it? This one has a lot of what I was looking in watches like,as you mentioned, the applied indices. I am just a little afraid, it like a love on first sight but then in 2 years I wish I had the black version. 

for me the MOP version feels like a very good allrounder that could also be seen still as sporty or wearable for holes and stuff. 

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Alex.Schwebel

Would that be the only reason or also because of the dial? 

Also the dial, I tend to like simple dials. My philosophy is that the novelty of a "cool" dial will fade, but the practicality and timelessness of a simple dial will last for as long as the watch does.  

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I’m probably not the person to ask, but since you put it out there I’ll take a swing. 


First, don’t worry about size, it looks great.  Second, the black is a great looking watch and would probably be my personal choice, but I’d advise the MOP.  If you love looking at that dial, I think it will bring you more enjoyment than the black, and isn’t that the point? As far as the date window, I’m in the “it ruins the esthetics of the watch” crowd. If you need the date look at your phone while basking in the knowledge that your beautiful watch dial isn’t marred by anything unnecessary. 

But as always, only you know what will be most satisfying to you. Its great to hear other people’s takes on a watch, but in the end it’s your money. Either way, you’re looking at a great watch. Good luck!

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Sinnguy

I think the MOP is the one for you! The dial and applied indices are really nice. Personally, I never use the date window and prefer watches without it. Here are my three Sinns.

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I’m not the biggest Sinn fan, but those are three great looking watches. 

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I'm a huge fan of Sinn watches. I have a 104, 144 and 303 in my collection, and would be happy to add a 556 if I ever stumbled upon a good pre-owned deal. I personally think that the inky blackness of the regular black dial might provide a longer lasting appeal, but the subtle MOP dial is very tempting. One of the great features of materials such as MOP is the variation found, in that no two watches would ever be exactly alike. That can turn out to be a negative if the pattern on the particular watch that you end up is one of the lesser attractive samples, or a huge positive if you luck out and get a great example.

I personally prefer the look of watches without a date window, however I also realize the advantage of having a date display available. The date window on the 556 is small enough that it doesn't really mess too much with the symmetry of the dial, but that small size can be problematic if you don't have great eye sight. 

If you expect your collection to grow over time, you will probably end up with several other black dial watches, but unlikely to find another watch with a MOP dial. I suspect that if it was your only watch, you might eventually grow tired of it, but as part of a larger collection, it makes sense, especially if you find yourself really attracted to it. 

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I like them both but prefer a date window

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i'll choose the standard version if i were you

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Alex.Schwebel

It’s more of a everyday watch. But I am sure there will be more to follow in the future :P 

i thought the same about the black dial one but the MOP one just kinda took my breath when I saw it, since the MOP is so subtle. 

The H-Link looks really nice but the fine link really is it for me. i just love the look and feel of it. Man what a hard decision . why can’t I just have both haha 

would you not say the MOP would make a good everyday one? 
thanks so much :) 

Realistically, are you going to buy more Sinn watches in the future? If so, go for the MOP. I don't know how long that version is going to be produced. I guarantee the regular 556 will be produced indefinitely and there are a lot of other tooly Sinns out there if you want full tool credentials.

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I have a 556 Weiss. # 36 of 150. It has a red tip on the seconds hand. They don’t come up for sale very often. I was looking for a white dial watch and saw a picture of one and knew that was the one that I wanted. Lucked out and one came up for sale about a month later. The 556 is an awesome watch. I put a Strapcode shark mesh bracelet on it. You won’t be disappointed with a 556. 

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My friend, get the MOP. I don’t even read the time when I look down, I just admire the dial and the light play. And how many brands can pull off MOP in a masculine way?

I personally hate having the same watch as everyone else, and you know you’ll have something super unique if you buy this. And it goes with everything, T-shirt and jeans, button ups with khakis, etc.

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MOP for sure. Such a beautiful watch!

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I’ve owned a 556i black dial with a white seconds hand for over a year now. I wear it nearly everyday — even though I have other more expensive mechanical watches. It looks great on other straps too. I’d go with the standard, because it’s more varietal. And a damn handsome watch.

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I've owned the 556 twice. First the 556A, then the 556 I RS. Superb watches! If you're looking for a watch for everyday wear that can be beaten up and also suited up, definitely go for the black version. That's also such a basic, proven look, that you won't probably get bored of it. If you want a bit of quirkyness, consider the 556A or the red seconds hand. Then again, if you just like the MOP more and that one really clicks with you, take that and forget all I said. Either way, Sinn is a great watch and think you won't be disappointed. 👌

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The MOP dial is really interesting and quirky, so if you do like the looks of it, go for it!! The lack of date window is only a minor inconvenience, unless you really must have a date on your everyday piece

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KristianG

Also the dial, I tend to like simple dials. My philosophy is that the novelty of a "cool" dial will fade, but the practicality and timelessness of a simple dial will last for as long as the watch does.  

I know exactly what you mean!

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thekris

I’m probably not the person to ask, but since you put it out there I’ll take a swing. 


First, don’t worry about size, it looks great.  Second, the black is a great looking watch and would probably be my personal choice, but I’d advise the MOP.  If you love looking at that dial, I think it will bring you more enjoyment than the black, and isn’t that the point? As far as the date window, I’m in the “it ruins the esthetics of the watch” crowd. If you need the date look at your phone while basking in the knowledge that your beautiful watch dial isn’t marred by anything unnecessary. 

But as always, only you know what will be most satisfying to you. Its great to hear other people’s takes on a watch, but in the end it’s your money. Either way, you’re looking at a great watch. Good luck!

Thanks for the great answer! I think I will have to go to the Sinn store one more time (or 2)

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tempus

I'm a huge fan of Sinn watches. I have a 104, 144 and 303 in my collection, and would be happy to add a 556 if I ever stumbled upon a good pre-owned deal. I personally think that the inky blackness of the regular black dial might provide a longer lasting appeal, but the subtle MOP dial is very tempting. One of the great features of materials such as MOP is the variation found, in that no two watches would ever be exactly alike. That can turn out to be a negative if the pattern on the particular watch that you end up is one of the lesser attractive samples, or a huge positive if you luck out and get a great example.

I personally prefer the look of watches without a date window, however I also realize the advantage of having a date display available. The date window on the 556 is small enough that it doesn't really mess too much with the symmetry of the dial, but that small size can be problematic if you don't have great eye sight. 

If you expect your collection to grow over time, you will probably end up with several other black dial watches, but unlikely to find another watch with a MOP dial. I suspect that if it was your only watch, you might eventually grow tired of it, but as part of a larger collection, it makes sense, especially if you find yourself really attracted to it. 

Yeah I do expect my collection to grow over time. But because I am just finisching my Bachelors degree, It maybe will take some time till the next watch. Currently I am wearing a pagani design, since I thought you get a lot of watch for 100€. And of course the Dial is black. 
One day I got the thought that I'm a bit sad that it doenst pop more in the sun and I said to myself, that my next watch will have something special (sunburst, waffle, etc.). I think thats why I like it so much!

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kromozome

Realistically, are you going to buy more Sinn watches in the future? If so, go for the MOP. I don't know how long that version is going to be produced. I guarantee the regular 556 will be produced indefinitely and there are a lot of other tooly Sinns out there if you want full tool credentials.

Well I hope so, because I think they are making very very nice tool watches. Would love to go for the 104 as well, but I just do not like the flashyness of th polished case... 

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K.evin

My friend, get the MOP. I don’t even read the time when I look down, I just admire the dial and the light play. And how many brands can pull off MOP in a masculine way?

I personally hate having the same watch as everyone else, and you know you’ll have something super unique if you buy this. And it goes with everything, T-shirt and jeans, button ups with khakis, etc.

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That thing with the same watch also goes around in my head. I would say that my stlye of clothing is not the "usual" if you can say it like that. I like wearing colourfull shirts and stuff like that. Thats why I would think that the MOP would fit. 
Biut Black also is such a beauty ...damn

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Watchgeek00810hki

I've owned the 556 twice. First the 556A, then the 556 I RS. Superb watches! If you're looking for a watch for everyday wear that can be beaten up and also suited up, definitely go for the black version. That's also such a basic, proven look, that you won't probably get bored of it. If you want a bit of quirkyness, consider the 556A or the red seconds hand. Then again, if you just like the MOP more and that one really clicks with you, take that and forget all I said. Either way, Sinn is a great watch and think you won't be disappointed. 👌

I want that sweetspot between a nice unique watch and everyday allrounder and thats what makes it so hard for me honestly. I am more of a extrovert, if it comes to clothing that why I thought it maybe could suit well :) 

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Congratulations on discovering Sinn. You won't be disappointed either way. Great watches with outstanding quality.   

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For the ones interested. I found a couple good pictures and a Video on Reddit. I think it will be the MOP one! 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deXdWdeKr7c

Pictures: https://imgur.com/a/OC0kE 

wish all of you a pleasant night/day. 
Cheers from Frankfurt