Looking to pick up a white diver...which would you choose and why?

I'm totally fan of Ch. ward so the Trident for me. Do you have any other criteria so we can eventually give you suggestions ?

Ideally at least 100m WR, and a design that skews sporty, but can still function as a GADA sort of watch. I've got two young kids, so most of my activities tend towards having a watch that I don't need to baby. Most of my watches up until this point have been around the $500-$750 range, but I've been curious to experience watches in the $1k-$2k range, as I have actually noticed some tangible differences even among the mostly micro brands that I have. I don't really have much more to add to the criteria list (not preferential to automatic/quartz, or chronometer specs, etc). I tend to get watches that hit me with the design first, and feel good on wrist, tho I do like playing with rotating bezels, so maybe not field watches.

Sinn 104 is in a different class vs the Seiko and the CW. Like Mercedes vs Toyota and Honda.

I have owned plenty of Seiko, CWs and own four Sinn models, including a 104. Have never sold a Sinn nor will I ever. All four are marked for my heirs.

Get the Sinn. You will not be disappointed.

I would do the Sinn but not on leather...just a weird thing I have about divers on leather...lol

I’ve heard great things about Sinn…and I’ve definitely got several on my want list for the future. The 104 really appeals because it’s got a really nice design that blends classic elements but in a more modern take that ultimately reads as timeless…kind of rare to find a watch like that that doesn’t lean on fauxtina or a straight up vintage reissue. Despite the price difference I can’t seem to eliminate it as an option 😂.

I’m actually not a huge fan of leather either but I feel like the bracelet options from Sinn make it too dressy for me, so I’d likely want to switch whatever it comes on anyways. Figured I’d save a few bucks too.

If it were my money? Sinn 104. Why? Because it has a better movement - a top grade SW200, so essentially chronometer spec without the certification, compared to the Seiko 6R35 and the CW special/elabore grade SW200. Plus I think the Sinn would "dress up" better.

Full disclosure, I have several Seiko, including divers, the CW C63 36mm, and the Sinn 556i.

Let us know what you get, and pics when you do!

I’m a huge Chris Ward fan and think that as they sell directly to the end user their prices are some of the most competitive for what you get. I’ve got the C60 Sapphire Orange and can’t imagine letting it go.

Yep, always buy on OEM bracelet if available. Straps are cheap, OEM bracelets are not.

Good points. One hesitation I had was whether, despite the better movement, the current Sinn pricing ($1500 USD) still represents a good value. When I originally started looking at the 104 years ago it was probably somewhere around $1200 but I understand that prices have been rising across the board. Will definitely keep chewing on it. And for sure will let you guys know what I end up with! Thanks!

Oh man, that’s a beauty! And it does look fantastic on bracelet!

I recommend the CW C60, but I recommend an Erika's MN strap regardless of which watch you choose.

With CW, their finishing is going to rival anything put out by Sinn at the price point, so you're really buying looks and name. How much does the name matter to you?

I think both the Sinn and CW would be strap monsters…and I’ve heard great things about Erika’s MN straps. I’ve got several Nick Mankey straps which seem to be similar in design and they’re super comfy. I plan on trying Erika’s tho since her designs have a little more style.

I was able to check out CW at Windup for the first time last year but haven’t had a chance to see a Sinn in person, so good to know. I’m not a names guy so would honestly be happy with either…does make a compelling case to get a CW and put the savings towards a future purchase if the quality is on par tho.

The CW60 is just gorgeous, but the Sinn is in on a close second for me 😉 Get both 😂👍

Funny that you are asking this today because...

Anyway, I sorted the 3 watches that you suggested are in my order of preference.

1. Sinn 104. Why? Because it's the better watch, that's why.

2. Seiko SBDC171: It's a typical Seiko so you already know what you are going to get.

3. CW C60: Honestly, the dials and handsets of CW are not doing it for me. I think they are a mess but I'm open to reconsider when CW will stop picking hands from random part bins and will at least make some effort to match them together and with the dial.

Oof, not a fan of the CW then eh? I don’t mind the trident seconds hand personally, tho I would also say that I wouldn’t mind seeing more refinement of the hour hand in a future iteration.

Thanks for the Marathon suggestion…the dial is a bit busy for my taste but they make some solid tool watches!

Idk why but since very recently I have grown to hate watches with day complication. To me it messes up with the balance of all the dial components way too much. Date complication is a must for me but no day complication please.

I can see that, tho fortunately it doesn't bother me personally. In fact, it's one of the cool features that I rather like about the Sinn in that it has the German/English day of the week!

As I don't own any I'm going from looks only so I'd choose the sinn

How about Omega

Oh I’d love to own an Omega, but I think even on the used market it’d be above my budget. Thanks for the suggestion tho!

Im sorry Kevin, I wasnt thinking about budget..But keep your eyes peeled Ive seen this watch around the high 3's.

No worries, appreciate the suggestion nonetheless! It's definitely a stunner that I'd love to own one day!

Bought the white CW and sent it back the next day as just didn't do it for me in the flesh. Now looking for the Sinn104 as seems more versatile and love the countdown bezel, only problem is I love the white, grey and blue dials. Another cheaper white one I'm looking at is the Traska Freediver

If you have your heart set on the Sinn, nothing else is going to satisfy you.

Save up, be patient and get the watch you really long for.

CW are great watches and to me it looks more understated and classy than the other 2 here.