Sinn 717vsKobold Polar Surveyor Chronograph

The Sinn 717 is widely praised for its legible, cockpit-instrument-inspired dial and the functional SZ01 movement with central chronograph minute and second hands. Owners appreciate its solid winding action, crisp button feel, and accurate date changes. Despite its 45mm diameter, the Sinn 717 wears well due to its short lug-to-lug distance and comfortable strap options, and its TEGIMENT-treated black PVD case offers significant scratch resistance. Reviewers highlight its robust build quality and 200m water resistance, noting the innovative bezel sealing. Some community members criticize the blacked-out case aesthetic, and one owner finds the bezel action stiff, which they also see as a positive for preventing accidental turns. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Sinn 717 highly for its unique legibility, robust construction, and comfortable wearability at its price point.

Owners widely praise Kobold's robust American styling and build quality, with several calling the watches beautifully made and well-constructed even by independent assessment; one longtime enthusiast wears the Spirit of America daily on NATO and bracelet, describing it as amazing. The ETA 7754 automatic, 300m water resistance, and 41mm case support confident field use. However, significant and persistent concerns shadow the watch: the brand owner faces accusations of scamming, undelivered watches, and poor customer service; service and repair times are extremely long, and parts are reportedly next to impossible to obtain. Pricing is contentious—some owners feel a stock ETA movement in a 15mm steel case at $5,000 lacks value against competing Omega or Sinn models at similar price points, though others find good value on the secondary market.