Sinn 556 I vs Rolex Explorer

Both are field watches. In short: the Sinn 556 I takes more water (200m) — both are fine for swimming, but it has more margin if you dive. The Sinn 556 I is automatic, 200m water resistance, 38.5mm, sapphire crystal; the Rolex Explorer is automatic, 100m water resistance, 40mm, sapphire crystal.

Last verified 2026-06-27 · specs from manufacturer data · tier = price band, confirm the live price at the retailer

Spec	Sinn 556 I	Rolex Explorer
Movement	Automatic	Automatic
Water resistance	200m	100m
Case size	38.5mm	40mm
Crystal	sapphire	sapphire
Style	Field / explorer	Field / explorer
Price tier	Upper	Premium

Which should you buy?

The Sinn 556 I takes more water (200m) — both are fine for swimming, but it has more margin if you dive
The Sinn 556 I sits in the lower price tier (Upper) if budget leads

Where to buy

Sinn 556 ISee price on AmazonCheck price

Rolex ExplorerSee price on AmazonCheck price

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links never affect our specs or which watches we compare.

Ordering a watch? Amazon Prime includes fast delivery on eligible items, and eligible new members may be offered a free trial. Delivery speed and return terms vary by item, so check the listing when sizing is a gamble. See if you can try Prime free →

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.

Neither of these quite right? Answer five questions — wrist size, what it's for, battery or automatic, whether it gets wet, budget — and see which of the 128 watches actually fit →

FAQ

What's the difference between the Sinn 556 I and the Rolex Explorer?
Both are field watches. The Sinn 556 I is automatic, 200m water resistance, 38.5mm, sapphire crystal; the Rolex Explorer is automatic, 100m water resistance, 40mm, sapphire crystal.

Which has better water resistance, the Sinn 556 I or the Rolex Explorer?
The Sinn 556 I, rated 200m, versus 100m on the other. Pick 100m or higher for swimming and 200m+ for diving.

Which is better value, the Sinn 556 I or the Rolex Explorer?
The Sinn 556 I is the lower-priced tier; the other steps up in build for more money — confirm both live prices at the retailer.

Citing these specs? Go ahead — manufacturer data, last verified 2026-06-27. Copy a ready-made reference:

More field comparisons: Seiko Alpinist SPB121 vs Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical · Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical vs Sinn 556 I · Vaer C5 Field vs Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPG35 · Vaer C5 Field vs Lorier Falcon · all field watches · all comparisons