Field Watch Friday Match Up - Hamilton Murph 38 vs Sinn 556 A RS

Voted for the Murph. Because you can't convince me that the 556 is twice the watch at twice the price.

Hey Ron, thanks for your time! I can see that, I think the Murph is one of the best priced watches available right now. Unlike say the Hamilton Dune Ventura, the price differential between the standard KFA and the Murph is only $150 or so.

Had the Murph, kept it for only a couple of weeks. Really couldn't handle the lack of AR coating. Combined with the flat printed fauxtina numerals I found the reflections really, really annoying. Gutted, I liked it very much otherwise (& Interstellar is one of my favourite films) but it was pretty useless in anything other than perfect conditions.

Not owned a Sinn, but I have seen & handled one in the flesh - the difference in quality is noticeable. Much clearer & just feels nicer.

Quite a price jump tho.

Murph is nice to look at, but does not have a screw down crown. For me and my idea of a robust field watch, this is a no-go.

The Sinn has a few extras (super hard, scratch-resistant case and a higher-quality movement, if I remember correctly).

The lume of the Sinn could also be better

To my eye, the Murph has character, the Sinn is blocky, rigid, and sterile. The latter is an aesthetic some people go for, I suppose, but it leaves me cold.

Voted Murph but I own the 42mm and have a bias. 😁

On the strap the Sinn is about $400 more. For better finishing, movement, regulation, water resistance, anti reflective, and lume I’d say it’s well worth $400 more

Hey Steve,

You know that lack of AR affecting visibility is what’s kept me from buying a Murph (so far). I love Interstellar movie and I’m a big fan of field watches so the cathedral hands and oversized arabics are a win. But those reflections are annoying.

Hey Friedrich,

Good points, I don’t personally mind the lack of a screw down crown but I can see how having one makes it more water resistant and therefore hardier.

You’re right Sinn has tegimented steel or something like that, that definitely is a plus for a rugged field watch. I think the lume is better on the Sinn as well. I think overall, Sinn is better, whether the variance is enough to justify the 70% higher price, I guess that is the more challenging question.

Hey Weiben,

The Murph definitely is a stunner. Love the oversized arabics and cathedral hands. The clearly field watch aesthetic without the inner 24h ring also makes the dial super clean. The faux patina is prolly good for the movie but sacrifices legibility in day-to-day conditions.

I can see how the Sinn is clinical and sterile. I personally like it’s no frills design but on wrist, it does look very bare so I can see why most people recommend the RS version over the plain one.

Hey Evan,

That’s a good point hence why I compared the Murph with the Uncle bracelet add-on bec a simple comparison of the two disregards the fact that most of the time people think bracelet with the Sinn.

If cost is the pure motivator, you could actually cut the 700 price differential quoted in my original post to closer to 550ish if one opted for the Uncle bracelet for the Sinn. The H-Link bracelet is hella pricey haha.

I don't see any need for a screw down crown, short of jumping in the ocean. And even then, with 100m water resistance, it'll do just fine. The only thing you risk is pulling the crown underwater.

Perhaps, but that's $400 the OP can apply towards another watch, lol!

Screw-down crown: Technically not a must-have, but provides extra security 🍻

I gotta learn how to take photos like that! Looks sick (Murph here, I think the Sinn is too simple)

Sinn IMO is the better watch - and at the same time over-priced now (again IMO).

Haha all credits for the amazing photos belong to Dappered and Atelier de Griff.

Hey Salty,

I agree with you, such a shame too bec the Sinn is such a beautiful no-nonsense watch. Unfortunately, it’s not so much a value pick now 😢.

Tricky one. I don’t own a Murph but it is a watch I like the look of. I do own a 556 and it’s a watch I love.

Having had a khaki field mechanical the lack of AR coating was an issue for me particularly for a watch designed to be used outdoors so I guess it would be an issue on the Murph. Therefore I prefer the 556 despite the increased price.

I found it bad enough to not keep the watch which I loved otherwise.

I'd suggest trying to see one in real life before you write it off or purchase it because you may not find it as infuriating & frustrating as I did.

Hey Allan,

Thanks for sharing your experience, your Sinn 556 I with the leather strap photos look awesome.

I agree with you on the lack of AR, such a weird design decision for the Khaki line :(.

Hey Steve,

That’s worrying to hear, I’ve gone to see the Murph a few times at the store. It wears wonderful and looks beautiful under the bright store lights.

That said, I enjoy hiking so poor outdoor legibility is definitely a cause of concern.

Hope you’re having a good weekend bud!

I'm 54 & my eyes are deteriorating through age, so legibility is pretty critical for me - I'm sure it can't be that bad or they wouldn't sell so well.

As you have seen it before then clearly it wasn't an issue for you.

I was genuinely gutted, it's a beautiful watch.

Hey Steve,

That’s fair, it’s probably a bit overblown. I haven’t seen the watch under natural light so maybe I’ll find a watch retailer that isn’t situated inside a mall to get a better sense of how it looks like in outdoor scenarios.

Appreciate you sharing your feedback though, it’s great to hear from people who actually handle a watch. Have a good weekend ahead!