Nearly a year ago, Guinand Watches announced it would be closing its doors. For the average non-watch person, that sentence probably means literally nothing. However, for watch nerds, it meant we’d be simultaneously losing a great value proposition brand and the legendary Helmut Sinn (easy, he only retired; he’s still alive and kicking). Thankfully, at Baselworld 2015, we learned Guinand was purchased and would remain open under new management. We’d love to hear Herr Sinn is returning to the watch industry, but this is the next best thing; plus, he’s probably earned a retirement by now.
At the moment, the website is, well, scheisse, but that will likely change in the near future. If you’re interested in one of their watches, they’re very much available through email communication while the website is re-tooled. Expect to see a fully re-launched effort both via web and actual corporate offices sometime this year (we’re getting more info on this at the moment).
Guinand Series 40 on the wrist
Now that it looks like the future is bright for Guinand, at least for the time being, it’ll go back to being one of our first recommendations for someone looking for a quality watch under $1500. We write about Sinn rather often, and they really make some great watches. However, on the lower end, it’d be hard to choose the basic Sinn 103 over the Guinand Series 40, if only because it’s several hundred dollars cheaper. You don’t get the bells and whistles Sinn adds for watches that break the $2,000 mark, but you get a well made, tough tool watch for not a lot of money.
For those of you on the market for a beater auto-chrono, we highly recommend sending an email to sales@guinand-uhren.de to at least see what they have in stock. We’re curious if Guinand will look to expand the lineup, or try something new, but for now, we’re just excited they’re staying open. May the spirit of Helmet Sinn live on.
by 
Teeritz
I was happy to hear that Guinand didn’t totally disappear off the radar. I was tempted to get a Series 40 chronograph about ten years ago, but was reluctant to purchase a watch off the web sight-unseen. As it turned out, Sinn watches became available in Australia a few years later, so I snapped up my original grail model, the 103 St Sa chronograph, even though it was pricier than the Guinand equivalent.
However, knowing the type of collector I am, I just may crack and wind up with a Series 40 chrono one day. Glad to hear that this company will be back in business.
Great website you have here, too! I only found it earlier this month and have added a link to it on my blog. Keep up the good work!
Shane Griffin
Thanks for reading! We will certainly do our best to keep up the good work.
John P.
I hope they continue with Helmutt Sinn’s philosophy…
“As perfectly as possible, but only as expensive as necessary.”
I look forward to Guinand offering the Flying Officer again.
Shane Griffin
Agreed on the Flying Officer — great piece.