Sinn - Fashion Brand? Ask the GSG9

Enter The Sinn EZM1 - Made for Special Forces
The Sinn 503 EZM1 (Einsatz Zeit Messer) was specifically designed for the elite German Grenzschutzgruppe (GSG-9) Federal German Border Commandos. The watch is also utilized by the specialized Zentralunterschtutzunsgruppe (ZUZ) Unit.


The GSG-9 was formed after the terrorist attack at the Munich Olympics in 1972. Since that time, the elite unit has been called out to handle many terrorist incidents including the hijacking of a Lufthansa jet by the an offshoot of the infamous Bader Meinhof terrorist group. The EZM watch was designed for functionality under the harshest of conditions, and is actually worn by members of elite units. [This is unlike the alleged "Navy Seals watch," which is not worn by any Seals].



The EZM1 has a number of very unique features:
Readability was important, all other aspects were irrelevant. This is why the date function of the EZM is very discretely placed at the "4" o'clock position, it is very small and printed in red.

All other printing on the dial is also done in red, so not to distract from the readability. The elapsed chrono minutes can be read very quickly because the minute pointer is placed central of the dial. The chronograph function can show a maximum elapsed time 1 hour. There are no sub-dials showing the elapsed hours. This would only distract from readability.

This is a typical feature of the Lemania 5100 movement, and this is also one of the main reasons why this movement is so popular with the military watch enthusiasts.

The bezel is bi-directional, like on most watches, the elapsed time, but it is used here as a count-down timer. You can quickly synchronise the normal-time minute hand with the number of minutes you want to count down from, once the normal-time minute reaches the triangel or "0" on the bezel, that number of re-installed minutes have passed.

A special manufacturing process is utilized, and the entire case is filled with argon gas. The argon gas helps to eliminate any ambient moisture that may be present in the manufacturing environment. The gas also minimizes surface corrosion and helps to keep lubricants from breaking down over time. The gas can prolong the time between service intervals. The watch is also equipped with a copper sulphate dehumidifier device. This exclusive system eliminates condensation under temperature extremes.


Good night visibility is also important on this type of watches. With specific regards to the luminosity of the dials, as of ~2002, the "3H" logo has been replaced by an "Ar" logo (i.e Argon gas filled watch). The hands and dial no longer contain tritium (3H), having been replaced by Luminova (Strontium Aluminate). It is recommended for tactical operations or for any use where a tough and accurate watch are called for. The Sinn EZM1 is no exception to this as it a watch that exuded German practicality, precise engineering and precision.

Rare versions...... the EZM1 ZUZ & ZTZ
Reportedly very rare and these watches were issued to ZUZ and ZTZ units. The numbers are believed to be: Original ZUZ issue EZM1 - 22 specimens, Original ZTZ issue EZM1 - 9 specimens.



Zentrale Unterstützungseinheit Zoll (ZUZ)
Increasing violent crime in certain areas led to the 1995 creation of a special task 'zolleigenen' group in German Customs, the Central Support Group (ZUZ). ZUZ the main task is to protect in situations in which you encounter particularly high risk.

In this ZUZ training members of the ZUZ are made ready for all situations on land, water or air. ZUZ members acquire more knowledge and skills in various fields, such as in legal, psychological, sociological, tactical and technical areas. These are absolutely necessary conditions to the proposed tasks.



Zentrale Technikgruppe Zoll (ZTZ)
Customs Central Technical Support Group (ZTZ) was formed in 1997 to mainly support the regional Zollfahndungsstellen in the technical aspects. The ZTZ directly supports the ZKA and the ZTZ.

From Decksurgeon on the Singapore Horology Club site.

Sinn is NO fashion Brand...