A $500 vs. $1500 vs. $6500 Watch Comparison - Hamilton, Sinn, & Rolex (What's the Difference?) 

All great choices in each price bracket. That being said and owning both the Explorer and cheaper field watches, the difference in quality, feel and even accuracy is quite significant. The Explorer feels solid, perfect weight, easily legible, comfortable, you can sleep with it without even remembering it’s on your wrist. Mine runs +0,3 sec./day. It’s the watch I go for 90% of the time. Is it worth it ? For me it is, but in truth no one needs to wear anything more expensive than a Gshock to own a good watch. As any hobby, everything comes to personal choice. I do love my Explorer though.

The Sinn is pure class! I have to say I prefer it over the BB36 for aesthetics.. probably the best for the price range

I gotten myself a Seiko I think a turtle on Guam About $87.00 back in 1979 I still wear it till this day it’s great

I'd probably opt for the Sinn between the 3. That being said, my personal everyday Sinn is the 104 white dial.. which I believe you've mentioned you owned before as well.

You are covering the Sinn 556i extensively lately which suits me personally, because that piece tops my otherwise mostly entry-level collection.

Recently purchased the explorer and honestly, I'm thinking of selling all my other watches. !! It's perfect 👍

The one thing that I don't like about (a lot of) Rolex watches is the overkill of text on the dial. The Sinn would be my choice. Very clean dial and bracelet looks awesome.

An awesome video like always Teddy, this clarified a lot of the questions I've been having for a while now. Your comment about the Sinn being more suitable to take on more daring scenarios made me think that I would love to see you do a video in the future on summer holiday watches. I know that most people won't be travelling for a while due to corona but it would still be great to have suggestions for either automatic or higher quality quartz pieces below 500 dollars for your more adventurous backpacking viewers. The kind of watches that are suitable for tropical beaches, hiking, can take a beating and are under the radar enough so that they won't get snagged off your wrist as soon as you walk around in Bangkok. Keep up the good work!

Bulbasaur nation rise up

I think the Sinn looks best of the three watches, but my pick would still be the Explorer or let's say my pick was indeed the 39mm explorer. Mainly because it feels much more solid and thoughtful. It sits at leas twice as comfortable on my wrist and the movement is also running at a higher accuracy than the Sinn's Sellita SW200, despite being 11 years old now. I'm a huge fan of legible watches and the Sinn does a better job there, but in the end it is the overall package that has to impress me and that was the Explorer.

All 3 pieces are great in their own right. I own the Khaki mechanical with the white dial, and yes, it is one of the best everyday pieces for the money by far. Great video Teddy!

I have the Hamilton Khaki in bronze, a genuine field watch, lightweight, highly legible big power reserve. Definitely not for the office but for the country, walking the dog. I have just bought the Sinn 556 and fallen in love. For its type it is light, legible and oozes quality. You can wear it as a sports or formal watch, no need to look at the Rolex.

Own all three watches and enjoy them all. You do get diminishing returns in the watch world I feel like. If you own a 2000-3000 dollar watch a Rolex isn't going to be a monumental difference in quality. To be honest the more into watches I get the more i would rather have a watch with a ETA movement. Anyone can fix them at a much less expensive cost. Their is a surplus of replacement parts to repair them. They can be just as accurate as a in house movement. They are super durable. Ive worn a watch with a ETA movement working as a general contractor everyday for the last 4 year. Its subjected to terrible vibrations from power tools and its totally scratched and dented to hell. Movement still +3 a day. I dont care about power reserves because once i take a watch off its out of rotation for a while anyway. I dont wear the explorer alot anymore because im always cautious about tearing it up to much due to Rolex models soaring in value. Its like having a good reliable pickup truck for the work week and the Corvette is in the garage for that nice summer Sunday.

Tudor black bay 36 has a street price way closer to the sinn than to the rolex, and i think I'll definitely go for a bb 36 over the sinn, and without planning on buying the explorer, to me it's just a great piece in itself

I bought a Sinn 556i purely because it was available to me at a superb price, I didn’t expect to love it anywhere near as much as I do. The proportions are perfect, the dial is incredibly legible and as you say the crystal hardly looks as if it’s there at all. It has a clean, understated look that is very versatile, yet it is as hard as nails and I wear it for outdoor, water and sport activity as well as at the office. The bracelet is really supple and comfy, my only gripe is as you say the clasp is a bit clunky and not in keeping with the quality of the rest of the watch. Sinn could do with upgrading this to reflect the recent price increases, I’ve had $500 micro brand watches with better clasps. That aside it’s an outstanding watch - mine is a slightly older version and therefore carries the ETA movement, and runs at -1 sec per day consistently.

Love the video. I think the Hamilton Automatic with the stainless steel bracelet & 100M WR would be the better Hammy to compare to those other 2.

I'm gonna get straight to the point, I love the explorer, a great all round watch for all occasions. Would I buy one pre-owned, probably not. If I was very wealthy, I probably wouldn't hesitate but as things stand I couldn't bring myself to buying a used watch which costs more than retail. Remember the watch is priced at retail to make a profit and for what you're paying at retail it's probably worth it i.e. the quality reflect the price but when that price is substantially more at pre-owned price, you're no getting an increase in quality. No denying that your money is safe in this purchase as the prices of Rolex are inevitably going to rise.

After getting more and more into watches, you can really tell the difference in build quality as you move up in price.

I'll go with Sinn. One for the quality. Two for the bracelet. Three for the date. I have a number of watches from Seiko to Rolex. I only found out about Sinn from Teddy's videos. And I really like how they look. The design language attracts me the most. And the price is not bad. The reason why I haven't bought one is that I'm thinking of getting a GS spring drive. So maybe I shouldn't spread my money on the road to my Japanese grail.

I went from Rolex and Omega to Sinn. I now have and use an 856 B-Uhr (SW-300) and an 857 UTC TESTAF Lufthansa Cargo Limited Edition (ETA 2893-2.) They have been the best working pilot/tool watches I have ever owned.

Sinn 556. I have the Tudor BB 36, got it 2 years ago for around $1900. I think the SARB 033 fits in this class. I have both 033 and SARB 035. The Explorer price is getting outrageous along with all the other Rolex sports models. Great video as always, very informative.

I have a Sinn 556A its my ideal tool watch, I had a Rolex 214270 but sold it, I didn't love it and I didn't hate it but I'm starting to hate the Rolex brand because of the current supply strategy. For me the Sinn is a better watch than the Explorer, brushed case, crown guards & a discreet date + 100ms more water resistance and a clasp extension (neither of which I will ever use...). Im turning 'watch vegan" I just can't justify another £4000 for some white gold and a logo.

My $30 Timex MK1 aluminum is looking pretty good right now. Love the glossy dial on the Sinn might pick one up used.

I’ve got a Sinn 556a that I’m happy to keep in my collection. Another watch that I hardly wear that I will keep is the Longines Conquest 39mm. Both similar to the Explorer but never intended them as an Explorer substitute. I could never lust after an Explored simply because I don’t like Mercedes hands! Maybe that’s fortunate for me and my bank balance 😂

I loved my Hamilton Khaki King Auto. It went with everything and was the most complimented and recognized watch I've ever owned.

Thank's for this this review Teddy. I own a Sinn 104 a.b.e. limited edition on a strap and have been looking for a bracelet addition and have narrowed it down to two of the three reviewed. All great watches here, the Sinn 556 has a definite sharpness too it and really jumps out with pointed hour/minute markers, and the Explorer is well, the Explorer and one cannot go wrong. Unlike Sinn via Watch-buys, I just wish there wasn't a waiting list for a new Explorer!

I love your use of “grotesque” and Rolex distribution and marketing. So true.

I started with a Hamilton and loved it, and a few years later have recently traded up to an Explorer. I definitely agree that the Explorer can seem a little too shiny and dressy to take hiking or camping. Especially if it truly is your one watch to do everything. At the same time, that’s what this watch is designed to do, so I find it a shame to leave it on the winder when I take to the hills. I had an IWC pilot mkXVIII to try to fill the field watch gap, but I felt it was wasted ONLY using it for expeditions to the woods - it also meant that I would only use the Explorer for zoom call duties. I had to move the IWC on, but I miss it dearly. I am truly torn about fully embracing the Explorer as my field watch. I think the price and the polishing play a large part in this dichotomy. It doesn’t look tough enough to handle what i know it can truly do. I’m sure as it picks up a few dings, and the polish dulls, I will become less precious about it and it will mature into the perfect watch for me.

The Sinn 556i is a great watch and I would own one if I didn't already have a Sinn 104. The Hamilton Khaki's are probably the best bang for your buck if you don't want to go down the Micro-Brand road. Hamilton's are well priced on the used market and there are plenty to choose from. You can grab a nice auto for around 325 bucks. Long Island Watch just introduced an automatic field watch with great specs for $189.00. Probably the best deal on a field watch out there today.

That' a no brainer : Sinn 556

I really like the Sinn's design, and the bracelet is very nice overall. I would avoid the Rolex as I prefer brands that draw attention from people that know watches (for many people, Rolex draws attention simply because of the brand name, which is associated with expensive). Frankly, I liked the Tudor (BTW, the Tudor or Sinn is probably far less likely to get you mugged than that Rolex!)

Other alternatives: Seiko Alpinist Tissot Gentleman (I think would work)

I have both the Sinn and the Hamilton. I want the Explorer... i scratched the Sinn crystal the 3rd time i wore it...

Great insight Teddy! Here are my timing results with these watches Rolex: 55 days, -0.7 seconds per day Sinn: 19 days, +3.7 seconds per day Hamilton: 10.1 days, +1 second per day The Hammy really holds its own against the Sinn. Obviously can’t keep up in the bracelet department (though they are both stamped), but very close. The lume on the Sinn and the Hamilton are also quite similar with somewhat lackluster initial brightness but stellar longevity-3AM glances are easy to read with both watches. The Rolex is the best in every category…but it should be for what you’re spending. Sinn vs. Hamilton would be quite a difficult choice, but having owned both, the Hamilton is the one I still own.

It is very strange that you compare a manual Hamilton with two automatic watches when there is an automatic Hamilton for similar price point.

Teddy why didn’t you compare the Sinn and Rolex to the Hamilton khaki automatic think it probably would’ve been a better match for this comparison? Just curious

You’re absolutely pumping out amazing videos lately! I’m thoroughly entertained and get all my watch content from you now. Just as you release this, I actually have three watches in my possession that fit the bill - an orient defender 2, an Oris BC3 and a Sinn 103. I’ll be letting two of them go, but having three watches just feels right...

All three are great watches and I’m a huge Hamilton fan but I’d take the Sinn 556i on a leather strap rather than a bracelet.

Longines Spirit is a great option, with it's silicon hairspring and chronometer certification from a heritage rich brand

Lol, currently have a khaki field, looking in the direction of a 556, maybe one day the explorer

This is my favorite of your videos-and yes, I have seen them all. Those are three of my favorite watches, two of which I have owned and the other I am working toward. This may be heresy, but I wish the Explorer had a date complication. The Sinn has it and I use the date a lot. Great job! More comparison videos like this please.

I’ve been wanting an explorer for a few years, but really want to try both the older 36mm and newer 39mm on the wrist... but yay covid! Currently have an Airman 18 and Orion, but also lusting after the snowflake and still trying to find a diver that I would actually want to wear...

Holding my breath that Rolex will reduce the dial size back down again but I’ve always thought that Sinn is a gorgeous watch as well.

The Hamilton, with it's bead blasted case, hand winding movement, and traditional field watch dial, actually does more to check all of the boxes for us nostalgia nerds. In fact, Hamilton actually has the history of being a British military issued timepiece. As for the Rolex and Sinn. When your product fetches beyond $1,000.00 we should expect more from them than a name.

What a coincidence - I love all three of these. I own the Hamilton, I'm waiting for the Explorer, and I still want the 556. I must have a type, ha.

I love that Sinn, that would be my choice, in fact, I’m off to see what that costs here, in the uk.😎

Love all three. The competitors you mentioned are certainly on point, however in the Sinn category/1500$, I would say Ball watches offer amazing bang for buck. The finishing, craftmanship, designs coupled with the tritium tubes and rich history represent superior value. Cheers!

After seeing them side by side, I think I prefer the Hamilton.

After watching the video I thought... Wouldn’t be interesting if you could compare in terms of build quality materials and treatments (for example the polish finish effect) between Grand Seiko and Rolex. I would love that.

Re: versatility of the Rolex Explorer: I purchased an Explorer 1016 on a Jubilee bracelet new in 1986, put away my series of Casio's, and the Explorer became my everything watch for many years - until I purchased an Omega Seamaster in the mid-1990:s. The Explorer was good from bathing suit to Tuxedo. It can be worn with anything, or nothing at all.

I always smile when I hear people say that the step up in quality as you go up the price range is mainly in the bracelet. I don't care about bracelets at all, so I'm happy I purchased a Hamilton on a strap and pocketed hundreds of euros.

Have purchased the Sinn 556a which is a great watch, totally fit for purpose. Would also like the Hamilton and the Explorer , but, that's your fault for a great overview!

But interestingly there’s another video where Teddy talks highly of the Conquest at $1k price, close to the Sinn range with possibly less flaws of the 556. So my question is: is Sinn driven by personal preference or is it actually better than a Conquest? Because otherwise the Conquest is a valid alternative for the middle of this comparison

I am quite content with my current collection, but if I were to sell them all and replace them with a single watch it would without a doubt be the Rolex Explorer

556i on wrist currently. I blame you for bringing the piece to my attention lol Absolutely love it

Nice comparison, but why did you pick the mechanical over the automatic version of the Hamilton Khaki 38? I feel like it would have been a better comparison, with the automatic having a brushed/polished case, bracelet option, and automatic movement.

great video teddy! perfect timing as well - I'm actually thinking about adding a "field" watch style to my collection. Currently pending between the Hamilton Khaki Auto/King & the Seiko Alpinist. A date is necessary for me, so the khaki mechanical doesn't fit my personal requirements. The new Alpinists come with a hefty price tag though.. it's almost twice the price of a Hamilton. Which one would you recommend?

I've worn my explorer hiking, mtn biking, out to dinner, and with a suit. It's the perfect watch and worth the money if you've got it to spend. I recognize not everyone does, but it is one of those times where quality follows price point

My entire watch holdings are two slightly different Hamilton Khaki Fields, which I rotate. One cost me $350 and the other $315, new in box from authorized dealers. They keep great time. They have sapphire crystals... I'm a blue jeans-tshirts-and-flannel guy and they fit my look and lifestyle perfectly. Not a single regret. (P.S. A sports watch with a bracelet?!?! Really?!?!?)

I have the Hamilton. Use it for hiking and other activities like that. It's great. I'm looking at a different Sinn. Sinn watches are still very much worth their price for now, but those prices are creeping up, so might want to buy sooner rather than later.

Great video as always, Teddy! Can’t go wrong with any of these options. I own both the Sinn (856 Tegimented model) as well as the Explorer and agree with all of your points. You know you’re a true lover of horology when you can find love for a watch regardless of the price tag associated with it.

Great video idea, teddy! I like this style of video a lot. You should do it with a bunch of different watch brands/price ranges.

Good review. I have owned a Hammy before. Nice, I currently own a Sinn 856 which is 40mm, nicer, and I also own a MKII. Fantastic watch. All very different price points and with the price of the Rolex one really has to be serious about buying that one. The Sinn is superb for the price and they really make a hell of a watch. There are other German's too that deserve a look. I've owned several LIMES, and Archimedes (Same manufacturer). Great watches and very good value too. Many to choose from and consider. Thanks for highlighting these brands.

Hey Teddy have you seen Certina have released some lovely 38mm dive watches!

You should do one comparing iwc, longines spirit, and laco or stowa

Of those 3 I would go for the Sinn, in fact I have an Alpina Startimer reference # AL-525X4SP26 that is similar in design but got applied indices and is one of my do everything watches. Nice video, keep the good work my friend!

Hi Teddy. Would be great to see more Audemars Piguet watches featured on your channel!

Thanks for the overall view. I thank you for getting me to attach sentimental moments to my collection

I bought the white-faced Rolex Explorer II about 12 years ago. It has been bullet-proof; I wear it daily, along with some others. I finally had it serviced by Rolex, and now it is super accurate, and all shined up. I'll send it back for service in 2031. By the way, HP my laptop has a very strong magnetic field on one side. It actually pulled a loose AA battery into the case with a loud snap. Wow! Use a piece of non-stainless steel, like a binder clip, to check your computer. Mark any Mag' spots, as this can mess up your watches, thumb drives, etc. --Old Guy

Just ordered a 556I, very excited!

Great video Teddy. Would be interesting to remove the hammy and put in the sarb033 (if we were to consider it sporty and as a bit of a field watch). Would the sarb challenge and stack up a little more on some of the dimensions you compared like case finishing, dial, water resistance, inhouse movement and proprietary technology? Wondering

They are all solid watches. In fact, I Already own the Hamilton Khaki(Manual Wind) and Rolex Explore(114270 version). Haven't bought a Sinn before, but the 556 I is the only one I would buy if I did. If I had to choose one for best value for money, I would pick the Khaki. It can be had for under $300 on the lightly used market.

There are better looking automatic versions of the Hamilton for the same price you should have included. Also the Black Bay 36 should have still been here. You can get one for $2200-$2700. That's not near the Explorer's price, that's less than half of it. Either way you can't go wrong with any of these 4 watches, they all punch above their price points. It comes down to budget. They all can easily be a one watch collection (add a $100 G-Shock they don't count against the collection lol)

that explorer is such a beauty, best dimensions out of the three

What's your favorite Sinn chronograph?

Cool video! The notion of in-house can be had with a 75 Euro Seiko 5, a 690 Euro Yema, a 3000 Euro Nomos and of course up the ladder all the way to half million dollar watches or more. Similarly, outsourced movements can be had in a 100 Euro Timex, an 700 Euro Baltic (or in a Sinn, in this case), a 3000 Euro IWC and watches that cost significantly more. Rolex, until 2004, bought movements from a supplier, while both AP and Patek have used JLC movements, and everyone under the sun has used a Valjoux at some point in time. :) "In house" therefore, in my opinion, is bunk. It's not a technical argument, it's an emotional argument or worse: A marketing ploy. If you look at the raw specifications of the three watches you mentioned, and the cost of ownership when you start servicing, in use the Sinn is the best choice of these three. The Hamilton is a 50m WR handwinder, and as such it's not acceptable technically in this day and age. The Rolex is fine, but the dial isn't spiffy enough to warrant a 5000 Euro premium over the Sinn. If I really wanted applied indices, I'd pay Sinn 50 bucks more for one of the more spiffy dials. All things being equal, my ultimate one-piece collection watch would either be my Nomos Ahoi Neomatik, my Grand Seiko SBGV245 or my Citizen Chronomaster Washi. The Nomos beats the reviewed watches on charm and the looks of the movement, the GS is exceedingly reliable, waterproof and anti-magnetic, while the Citizen is just technically superior to anything you've shown here, while boasting a level of finish that is remarkable.

When the watches are all together the Time is exactly the same in between them. Nice Touch Teddy. 3:20

I think a better comparison would have been the Hamilton khaki field automatic 38mm on bracelet.

I love the Sinn, but also like the Ball engineer. Great video!

My eyes agree with my budget on Rolex. Generally speaking I just don't think they would be right for me. But I do love the look of the Explorer. I have the Hamilton Khaki automatic, and I love it. But Sinn has been on my list ever since you introduced me to them. I think they are a great company. Not sure I would pick this model, but it might be all that I could afford if I did decide to get one. LOL!

Hey Teddy! Nice Video! I have a question to the Hamilton Khaki Field. Would you recommend the automatic version too? Or is only the one good with the hand winding movement?

I think the Sinn’s dial is fully misunderstood. The markers and the hands are a full hommage to the aviation instruments and especially remind me of the altimeter used by parachutists/skydivers back in the 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s. Beautiful!

Have to say this is probably one of my fave 3 watch collections, only thing missing is a Chronograph

You’re a genius. The exact watches I want currently. Nice work, Teddy!

Would love to see a video about how your business works. Like, what does it mean to be an authorised dealer? Do you have boxes of amazing watches at your home ready to be shipped?

Hi Teddy, a question that I thought you would cover (but didn't) as all watch channels never seem to address is at what price point does the law of diminishing returns start to drastically fall, the guide 1k - 10k.

Personally I think the OP39 in black is a better watch than the Explorer. It is more understated in design, but has a couple of features that elevate it above the Explorer - the domed bezel and subtle sunray black dial are much better than the Explorers flat bezel and matte dial which, optically, make it look quite big and flat on wrist. The two watches share the same movement, case and bracelet. The Explorer has the easy link which weighs in its favour, but I still think the black OP has an edge in dial.

Great video! I enjoyed the format! I feel like taking the Hamilton in the auto version or the Sinn are the choices for me here. That Rolex just doesn't seem "special" enough to me to dump $6500 on it. I'd rather spend less and get a BlackBay 58 which, to me, looks and feels more special than that Explorer. In fact, once could pick up a BB58 and a Khaki Field Auto or Sinn and be in for similar dollars but have way more versitle and better collection than just the Rolex. Just my opinion.

Watchbuys is showing another upcoming price increase for the Sinn 556i. September 1st. Unfortunate. I was interested in buying it but not quite yet. I'm assuming that putting it in a cart and leaving that tab open won't prolong the ability to buy it at 1510 for the strap past September 1st? Watchbuys was a bit unclear. Would appreciate some help

Explorer was the first nice watch I’ve owned. Worn it to Cuba & mountain climbing in Belize. Thing is a beast and looks better with some scratches.

teddy do you think the Seiko King turtle has a good movement compared to the regular skx I've heard that the regular skx has the same movement as the king turtle which wouldn't be good since the king turtle is more expensive also do you think the king turtle is the best quality Seiko that isn't a grand Seiko 😎

So…I’ve been there, done that…with these choices. I’m sure many of us have. What did I learn? Sadly, you get what you pay for. Cheap mechanicals break, leak, and are like throwing $500 in the garbage every couple of years. $1000-$2000 mictobrand watches with ETA-style movements don’t keep good time. In fact they generally keep terrible time, and the movements often need servicing every couple of years. Their bracelets and water-resistance are always questionable. And Rolex? Over-priced. Over-hyped. Blah. Blah. Blah. Wrong. Every Rolex I’ve owned, and I’ve owned seven, delivered on every promise. They keep great time. They don’t leak. The bracelets are comfortable and reliable. I’ve never had one I needed to send in for service because it wasn’t working properly. Ever asked yourself how Rolex became ROLEX? It’s because they deliver on their promises. And if you get tired of it or need to sell it, you’ll get your money back. Try that with any other brand.

In my opinion you simply cannot account for the large price differentials with differences in build quality. It is all about brand positioning and perception, and I would argue perception has little to do with actual quality when it comes to watches. So, I think if you swapped the names on the watches so that the Hamilton is a Rolex and the Rolex is a Hamilton, the prices would stay pretty much the same, and the sales volume numbers would also, so that the Hamilton sells in the same numbers the Rolex does now and vice versa. A related observation: I believe Rolex has so masterfully positioned its brand that the majority of people who want a Rolex and will pay so much for one do so in large part BECAUSE it is so expensive. It creates exclusivity and thus the value attributable to nothing more than the status symbol aspect of the watch. To illustrate this point, what if Rolexes were still made exactly as they are, but only cost a few hundred bucks. I truly believe that most people who own and those who want to own Rolexes now would not be nearly so interested in them at that price, and Rolex consequently, and somewhat ironically, would not sell nearly as many.

Great video Teddy! Advices for a 1000 $ max dress watch with white dial? Undecided between the mido baroncelli Big date and the rado coupole classic at the moment

I love these comparison videos. I do think the Hamilton Khaki Auto 38mm H70455133 would have been a better comparison. Also 38mm, but with a bracelet and more refined finishing than the mechanical.

I can't recommend the Explorer. I was influenced by so many opinions, I bought it, and it simply didn't live up to my expectations. I ended up selling it after a few months. The Explorer simply didn't do it for me.

There was something off about that explorer. I own one and the bezel looked like it had been polished pretty terribly. My bezel is much sharper and more well defined. I also couldn’t spot the laser engraved crown in the sapphire crystal at 6 o’clock in the macros... I’m not questioning it’s authenticity just that bobs watches probably had to polish the hell out of it and replace the crystal with and aftermarket sapphire glass. do not buy used watches unless you know what you’re getting into people!!

I bought a Hamilton khaki automatic and I love it. Best bang for you buck for sure.

My first and only “serious” watch is an Hamilton Khaki field auto. And I was thinking that my next purchase (upgrade) should be a Sinn in a couple years. But seeing how Sinn is increasing their prices, by the time I wanna get a 556I or 856 they probably cost as much as an Omega or something lol

I have 7.25" wrist. Would the sinn look to small?