Watch Duel: Damasko DS30 vs Sinn 556A - The Best Affordable Everyday German Watches!

[@jeffreybowden9835]

Owning both brands, the slightest edge goes to Damasko for the anti scratch - scuff case treatment. After 2 years, not a single blemish which for OCD types, a huge relief.

[@mariog7213]

Then the damasko is the watch for me. I like to keep my watches and bracelets as pristine as possible

[@rhysvanderschelden8222]

I agree. Why buy a slightly more "dressy" watch that will get scratched up. The minute there is a ding or scratch, that becomes all I can focus on.

[@leehazlewoodism]

I've got a DA36 but I'm considering a Sinn 556A RS.

[@timmanning5357]

Have only just seen this video but think if the comparison was done with a Damasko DS30 an a Sinn 556i RS (both in black dial) the Damasko would have been a clear winner. Damasko are producing great products and are steadfastly proud of their Germany heritage and source as much if their materials from Germany as they can. The development of in-house movements is testimony to this. They are built as tough as their cases! I have never been a bracelet man and have always preferred a strap on my watch but have been converted after seeing the Damasko bracelet The fit an finish is first rate. Mind you the cost of the in-house movement and bracelet push the Damasko DK32 into another level. But still very competitive against offerings from the likes of Omega or Tudor. Give me a Damasko any day 👍

[@derekvillorente4334]

I got the Sinn today no regrets at all. I almost bought the Demasko but in the end I thought the Sinn was the better watch.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Enjoy 👍

[@climbingnurse]

I'm hoping to get the Damasco someday soon. To me, if you are going to have another watch (or two) as dress watches and are looking for an everyday/sports watch, the Damasko is the clear choice. If you are trying to build a 1 to 3 watch collection, the Sinn takes it. I'm psyched to have the Damasko as my winter everyday watch to wear under flannel shirts.

[@djomanchester]

I bought a new DS30 in the end which has date. Traditional white second hand. Very nice watch indeed. ETA movement which Sinn have stopped putting into 556. I believe they now use SW200-1. I'm getting about +3 secs a day with Damasko and ETA movement which is incredible. I'm appreciating this watch more every day. Simplicy and beauty. Sinn definitely more dressy. Damasko face matt as is Sinn 556a . Sinn 556i has glossy inky face which too dressy for me. I'm keeping my DS30. Super watch ⌚ Very happy with my purchase.

[@EscapementWatch]

tough call! i'm more into Damasko personally. I can't wait to grab one! this year or next. Not sure!

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Yeah, it's tough to pick just one. Hope you enjoy the future Damasko 👍

[@lamaludwig1470]

I own a Sinn 556i and also like what Damasko is doing. I think in the style department the Sinn is much better, it is an elegant sporty tooly watch. Whereas th Damasko is just sporty/tooly without any elegance.

[@randallhill7979]

Great comparison, I would go for the Damasko. In my price range, thanks for the video.

[@NPrez-cv4jn]

I that very same sinn 556a and love everything about it. That Damasko though is definitely on my wish list. Not sure which Damasko to go for, these ones have caught my eye: DA34, DS-30 blue (exactly the one you show here), DA35, DA36. All similar and different at the same time

[@vinhdattran8466]

Can't wait for my first Sinn 556A arriving tomorrow. Hope it worth the wait 😍

[@johnnybgood7812]

So, was it?

[@vinhdattran8466]

@@johnnybgood7812 became my new daily wear, just cant take it off event in bed. My wife complant alot. Lol

[@johnnybgood7812]

@@vinhdattran8466 That’s good to know. Much as I like my “luxury” watches I wear them so infrequently I kind of wonder what the point of owning them is. Both the watches here appear to be perfect “daily wears” but still with great style.

[@specialkfouryou]

This is a tough one. Sinn really make you pay if you want their tech while Damasko gives it to you on all their watchers. At the same price and tech I would pick the Sinn for design and history but to get a hardened case with all the goodies you are looking at least double the price of the Damasko. I think, on value the Damasko kills it. This is largely thanks to all the price increases from Sinn.

[@fabiandee8178]

sure Sinn go back to the 60s but they were never original, they ripped off Heuer and Omega and a few other brands and even their signature style now is based on that evolution so I wouldn't put too much emphasis on that.

[@Boblw56]

This a very late comment you’ll never read, but while the Sinn is great, ultimately, it’s another Explorer homage. At least the Damasko is distinctive while still retaining style.

[@CVo-qj6yx]

Hello - I enjoyed your assessment. I agree with you, Sinn is slightly ahead of Damasko. My reason for Sinn ahead is due to Damasko’s lack of a bracelet with a clasp. I do not like Damasko’s butterfly design clasp, it isn’t sporty or robust for my preference. Great overall review!

[@ELMS]

I’m considering these two watches! Thanks. Your video is just what I’m looking for. 👍

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

I'm glad you enjoyed the comparison between these two great timepieces

[@mikevandenberg6558]

Sinn gets the nod for me. Thanks for the review!

[@michaelt2571]

I have both Damasko Sub1 and DA 47 on bracelet and Sinn 104 Blue. The Sinn is a prettier watch (especially in the blue😁) Anyone who doesn't think the Damasko is made as well as the Sinn has obviously never owned one. Both great watches from great companies. The Damasko's are Indestructable.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the feedback 👍you should check out my latest review of the Sinn 104 VS Damasko DA47

[@ralphtaylor9968]

Nice review thanks. I've been havering between these two for some time while I am saving the pennies. When that day comes around it will be the Sinn for me. As you say there really is nothing in it, but one category that these watch comparisons never cover is reputation and customer service. I belong to a number of watch groups on Facebook and sadly have read of a number of poor customer experiences with Damasko but never for Sinn and that's what pushed me towards Sinn.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@RobinsWatchJourney]

Sinn 556A-Just received mine yesterday with a red seconds hand.

[@NeemorsWorld]

Same! Love mine.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

I just picked up the 556i with the red seconds hand. A review of that watch is in the works :)

[@benwaddington2475]

damasko's grow on you with ownership.....i like mine more now than i did 5 years ago. Been to Sinn boutique in Frankfurt and fond of them also. Tricky choice....personally i went for damasko (DA37) because it came with all the cool tech, but sinn you needed to go upmarket to get that

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thank you for your insight!

[@jasonriccoboni5931]

Movement should go to the Sinn. Sinn is using a Top Grade moment, while Damasko uses a Elaboré, which is a level below. Bracelet was given to Sinn which I agree, but should have been more than just a point. The 556 on bracelet is about $1300, while in order to get the DS30 on bracelet, one would have to spend an exorbitant amount of money, $700, sourcing a bracelet separately, putting the DS30 price @ $1700. This of course brings me to value. Apples to apples, Sinn & Damasko on bracelet, Sinn takes it, Sinn & Damasko on Strap, both are even, so again Sinn takes this category overall. All of this bring about the same conclusion, Sinn wins, but IMO, Sinn wins by more than just a point.

[@Angry_Gnome]

The Damasko bracelet blows the Sinn’s H-link out of the water. Having owned both, there’s no comparison.

[@MrBacchus18]

I'd go Sinn, I have a white dial 104 and its great. That said I'd love to pick up a Damasko maybe a Da36 or da44

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Agree that a Damasko DA44 would be a nice pick up

[@the_whistling_jay]

For me the issue with this Sinn model is the length of the hands. I’d simply never get it because they are so stubby. The Damasko looks significantly better with just the white seconds hand.

[@itsallrobbish]

The Sinn is potentially a better dress up type of watch, but for me, the Damasko all day long. Loads more tech for the money. I like it so much, I just bought one, it arrived this afternoon, it looks beautifully made. Great comparison.

[@grapevinelover1]

Damasko now has the DK Line with the DAMASKO inhouse movement A26-1, 42 hours power reserve…Damasko hands down offers the best value ✌🏼

[@adamhindle9215]

Great review. Balanced and informative. Personally the Damasko has the edge but both great watches. I think the Sinn 556 offers a better looking, better integrated rubber strap, which Damasko should mimic. As mentioned below, Damasko now uses their own movement in the successor to the DS30, the DK30.

[@brucecameron7172]

Sinn all day long... Thank you for a comprehensive and fair review. Great review thanks

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@david300m]

Great comparison, however I wouldn't compare a metal bracelet with a band. Sinn makes beautiful bracelets, but Damasko's bracelet, although pricey, its an industrial monster by design.

[@mikaelsjobergpetersson3361]

I think I just a pilot watch of some kind. I´m choosing between the Damasko and the Stowa flieger classic 40. The Damasko has the u-boat steal that can be the decision maker.

[@Bobsbargainbasement]

Both Great Watches, I have not decided but one of them will be added to my collection when financially possible😂

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Nice! You can buy my Sinn 556 for $13,000, lol.

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Sinn 556A. But the Damasko DS30 is also worth the interest of the watch aficionados

[@Noahnelson91]

I have deeply researched both and for people who cant decide, you should buy the sinn if you want a bracelet, and buy the damasko if you are going to wear it on a rubber or leather strap. The damasko does not include a bracelet, and the bracelet is $600. I plan on wearing mine on natos and rubber straps anyways, so I bought a damasko.. Even with Sinns price rising it would be $200 cheaper if you include the bracelet cost (maybe even out to $100 if you pay for a fancy strap for a sinn as well?). if you bought a sinn 556 before 2021, you got it for a steal

[@leonardopudicomp3722]

brilliant comparison. thanks

[@ride-paddle-repeat]

Berlin wrist shot with the sinn for the win. Both great but I'd take the classic black dial sinn.

[@djomanchester]

I nearly bought Sinn 556i with bracelet. The dial for me alas when see it up in person too glossy so maybe go for the 556A which has black matt face. I'm torn though between these two brands. Leaning towards Damasko DK30 no date in black 👍

[@kurtlawson9136]

I just ordered the DK30 black case red second hand on leather strap. Omg I can’t wait.

[@MrBacchus18]

This review was helpful because Damasko is my next watch. Probably a ds30 but not sure blue or black. Nice strap on the blue one also.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the feedback. I am working on another Damasko DA47 - Sinn 104 comparison video in the future 👍

[@MrBacchus18]

@@EverydayWatchGuy Please don't lol I have a white dial Sinn 104 and have also been considering a DA44

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

@@MrBacchus18 haha, can't go wrong with Sinn or Damasko 👍

[@PatB413]

Damasko all day. Especially now with their A26 manufacture movement. I think this brand is much stronger. Even younger, Damasko has so many innovations comparing to others, they are amazing. Owning 2 of them, I save already money for the third, propably a DC80. Good video mate, and for the Sinners: Sinn is also an amazing brand, no doubt about that. Love Sinn 556B with blue sunburst dial. To me THE alternative to Rolex OP39 blue :)

[@swabby429]

I've been mulling between the two brands for quite awhile. I'm just about ready to pull the trigger on the Sinn 856 A. I love the style and the slightly larger size. Price is not a major factor, but still important.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Enjoy your new Sinn👍

[@a000ab]

Nice video. I wish you could also make a similar side by side comparison video for this Damasko watch and Stowa Flieger Classic 40 :) Difficult for me to pick one ...

[@Furniture121]

I recently considered these two brands, and ended up with the Damasko DS30 black dial with yellow seconds hand. For me it came down to the Damasko being more of a bomb-proof, slim tool watch at a better price. I don't particularly like bracelets so the Sinn having a cheaper bracelet option wasn't a consideration. I have watches to wear when a more formal look is required, so "versatility" was also not a real consideration for me. Lastly, I also liked the "splash" of colour the yellow gives, while not being obnoxious or overpowering.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for your insight into picking up the Damasko 👍

[@efreutel]

Great review! Thank you.

[@DarthJabba504]

There should be a separate category for lume strength and longevity.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll try and add that category for subsequent videos

[@hjander]

P.S. Enjoy your videos, thanks.

[@bigc208]

Should’ve been compared to the Sinn 556i. I’ve got the 556a on the H bracelet myself. Love the bracelet and basic, very readable dial.

[@nintendokings]

I think Sinn is better at design and style. But Damasko is a more true watchmaker, making their own cases and movements

[@stevejukic8166]

Where can you service Sinn in Canada? Don't you think Tagamet deserves 2-3 points instead of one? Regards from Toronto

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

JVAIR Jewellers in Calgary is a Canadian AD for Sinn. Not sure if there is a service centre in Toronto though. Kind regards

[@paulrobert3284]

I get the impression that pictures don’t do the 556 justice. Am I right in saying that?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Yeah, you are correct. I think the Sinn 556 really pops in natural light, it is extremely ledgabe 👍

[@efreutel]

The only solution? Purchase BOTH watches. Just don’t tell your wife.

[@zogzog1063]

The minute markers in the Damasko are too big.

[@Teddy-fx6fx]

Sinn,think u got it spot on

[@hjander]

Sinn watches are too tall for me. If they offered a solid case back for the 556A, the height would be the same as the Damasko (because both use the same movement), and I would buy the Sinn. BTW the 556A on a bracelet, as of 9/6/2021, costs US$1,530.00. By comparison, the Damasko DS30 costs US$952.00. A difference of US$578.00. Ken NY below is right, Sinn is very aggressive on price. The brand name makes no difference to me because I am not buying it to impress others; what matters to me is the quality and value for the money.

[@malikknows3510]

Wow, I simply don't get that you gave no credit for the display caseback on the Sinn, except to give it a downgrade for durability? Makes little sense. I think most would pay a bit extra for that feature and so the value proposition would go to the Sinn.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

I respect your opinion, and I agree the display caseback does show of the nice Sinn movement. Although, as these are mainly tool watches, I thought it relevant to indicate the differences in durability between a solid (steel) and sapphire (glass) caseback. Sapphire is more fragile (can shatter and be less anti-magnetic) than steel. I think everyone can take away something a little different with these reviews, but I try to be honest/unbiased towards both watches. At the end of the day, they are both great timepieces!

[@malikknows3510]

@@EverydayWatchGuy Fair enough. All the best.

[@sarsiemanuel9229]

Sinn all the way, any day. It has a higher grade movement and is simply more handsome

[@martinspilovsky9071]

Hi nice review, what about Archimede Outdoor 41 antimagnetic?

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Those are also good alternatives, thanks

[@expatcentral]

Did you buy or do you own it Martin? I’m thinking of the same watch.

[@martinspilovsky9071]

@@expatcentral Im thinking about getting the Archimede, love the size, features and price is also fine... but I need to spend money elsewhere :P

[@greenerick]

Damasko Dk has a in-house movement now .Sinn no . DAMASKO I think 🤔 is a better watch

[@adrienne4934]

Nice comparison. I tend to lean toward Damasko. I like the aesthetics a bit more. Thanks!

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Yeah, the Damasko has some nice aesthetic for sure👍

[@tracys2354]

Hard to complain about either one...you can't go wrong...

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

@@tracys2354 totally agree 😊

[@toadamine]

Curious why neither the movements nor performance got a 10 if they're running +1 a day on wrist from the factory... That's about as perfect as it gets...

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the feedback. I was holding out on giving the movements a 10 because, while they run accurately, they are basic 3-hand work-horse movements. Ideally, it would be nice to have in-house movement with extended power reserve and custom part/decoration for a perfect 10 in my humble opinion. Cheers

[@NPrez-cv4jn]

Damasko DA34 thru DA38 including the Damest coating models hands down

[@M82RKY]

Great comparison, the Sinn is a great alternative if you are looking for a Explorer like watch. I have been looking for a cream dial everyday field watch which....... Well the choices are limited. Hamilton Khaki just didn't do it for me, SARB035 was the obvious choice but difficult to get so that left me with 1 choice...... The 2020 Alpinist, yes it has it's issues but still better than other field watches under £1000 with a cream face😂.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the feedback. I think you would really enjoy a Seiko Sarb035 for a cream dial. You can find some preowned for reasonable prices on eBay. Cheers

[@friscokid66]

Sinn all the way--has the look, heritage, resale value.

[@epoxone]

Was going to say the same. Damasko is very one dimensional with their lineup. And if you compare similar models like in this Video, Damasko is missing some spice.

[@stoolpigeon4285]

On ebay, Damasko retain prices better than Sinn

[@stoolpigeon4285]

Damasko is cheaper, Damasko is harder, Damasko clearer in dark, Damasko less common, Damasko crown less susceptible to failure- easy easy choice

[@carniedph]

Thinking of getting a Damasko and then just putting on a treated, stainless steel bracelet- seems like a good way to go do you think that would be a good idea?

[@carniedph]

So you don't have to pay a ton for their bracelet

[@stoolpigeon4285]

@@carniedph Check out their DK32, the same as the DS30 but an open back to their new in-house mechanism. I'd go for a rubber strap personally, as you can swim with it, and is cheaper

[@carniedph]

@@stoolpigeon4285 thanks, will definitely check it out. Definitely bullish on the damasko's right now

[@PatB413]

sooo difficult to choose only 1, but I would take the Damasko: Love that blue dial, the Submarine steel and that bracelet. Perfect summer and/or water activity watch. That said I own a DA36 since years and looks still new, its my daily rocker... Good video!

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thank you for your insight 👍

[@rickchen2081]

Ditto, value and submarine wins !

[@mariog7213]

Shouldn’t value be the sum of all the previous criterion? The Sinn beats it even though you have the damasko a higher value score so if they’re both equally priced and the Sinn is better then it should have more value, no? Anyways. Good comparison buddy. I like both but think I’m going for the Sinn

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the feedback. The Damasko can be had for cheaper on the used and grey market. In addition, the technical features (harden case and level of antimagnatic properties) on the Damasko can be found on all their models, while you have to spend more to get the same features on a Sinn. So that's where I landed on this review. Cheers

[@MikeOBrien1945]

Oops..how much is that Sinn again????

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Haha, yeah not as much as I said ($1300 USD)

[@spring9603]

Me? I'd go for the Sinn 656 ( www.sinn.de/en/Modell/656.htm ) if they'd still make it; otherwise, the Damasko DS30.

[@gregalonzo747]

Both are phenomenal watches and excellent value for money. Frankly, for my needs, I prefer the Damasko. While I think your comparison was fair, I just think these types of ratings are too subjective. Perhaps it would be better to point out the differences and let us decide from there. Just saying. BTW, I recently saw a different review and that gent with Damasko. Like I said, it's all subjective.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks. I agree both are amazing watches and at the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. I just wanted to cover the basic specs most people would want to be informed on.

[@M3LTUP]

I do not care for the cross hairs on the Damasko. Also , up until recent it was hard to get Damasko on a bracelet. I would probably pick the Sinn for those reasons.

[@mondrayuk]

Sinn hands down and no contest.

[@bobchristopher6928]

“Duel” not “dual”

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Yeah, thanks for correction!

[@rascalap2968]

bob christopher pity he can’t correct “preformance” on the piece of paper...

[@graemeblake4358]

Sinn

[@eth2999]

Damasko streets ahead , on all fronts !

[@67tagada]

Il aurait fallu comparer la Sinn 556I.

[@neilredmond1011]

Hustling on the streets 😂😂😂

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

I got a reputation to keep, lol

[@Beck-Stein]

Sinn wins on dial design and Damasko wins on everything else.

[@fredfour0]

Oh it's only 1300 dollars? If you're going to put "affordable" in the title then maybe start with the price

[@nkmsvwde5612]

Dude just skip a couple cars payments and don't tell the wife. MAN UP 👆

[@traquakuppler]

Damasko!! The Sinn looses due to lack of antiscratch treatment AND the midget hands, daaamn those hands look cartoonish being so short

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Haha, thanks for your input

[@Psysso]

Resale value easily goes to Sinn so it wins.

[@philipbanner4642]

Damask0 wins. Sinn looks like a child’s watch.

[@vvvhhhhhbb]

There is no comparison. Sinn blows away the competitor in this comparison.

[@tonyochoa7097]

I just see no point in spending over a grand for a wristwatch,unless it's a grand seiko,or you're just filthy rich,(I have eight watches,with about three thousand in them,and there's really no practical point in that,in fact,I get a headache sometimes,just deciding which watch to wear)

[@deevee8220]

You got some issues man.

[@izphoe]

Sinn is way better no chance for the damasko

[@zerox615]

your point system is wrong. Sinn wins by a long shot. There is no comparison between the two. Don't get me wrong, damasko makes great watches, but quality per price, damasko is no where near sinn. Sinn comes with metal bracelet instead of that ugly looking strap that the damasko comes with. And the damasko bracelet costs nearly as much as the watch itself! It would be double the price if you would to get the bracelet for the damasko. Last but not least, sinn has a beautiful exhibition caseback, where as the damasko has one of the ugliest simple caseback ever. No design effort whatsoever. The makers got lazy and decided to just input some german words. Really, i mean really...

[@UfukArifSahin]

I think you missed a critical point about caseback...the submarine steel is high antimagnetic steel, that is how damasko managed to put the movement in a thin 9mm case...if it has glass case back then it would require another layer of iron for the magnetic protection which would add to tickness...