By John Galt
German watchmaker Sinn have released a limited edition of their 103 series, a classic pilot’s chronograph watch in only 500 pieces with blue dial and bezel. As I’m sure most of you know by now that blue is the in-colour for this year with watch makers ranging from those that produce fashion watches to those making seriously high-end pieces are all getting into the act of making the complicated task of releasing blue time-pieces. Why complicated? Well, making a black watch is easy as there is only one shade of black where as there are many shades of blue and making the tones, shades and finish all come together harmoniously is tough. Sinn have got the blue spot on with this piece.
The case size is 41mm and 17mm thick which I can’t help but think as this is a pilot’s chronograph the size could have been a little more i.e. 43/44mm to give it more presence on the wrist.
The blue bezel features bright white minute markers and easy to grip minute ratcheting giving a nice firm click as you set it. A luminous triangle at 12 O’clock continues the utilitarian theme. The bezel features what Sinn calls a captive safety system which in order to use and set the bezel it must be unlocked by pressing down on opposite sides using two fingers.
The blue dial has a sunburst polish to it giving it a slight glossy look, bit’s not too much as to unbalance the bezel and dial harmony. Three cream coloured sub dials that seem to jump off the blue show the chronograph functions with minutes at 12 O’clock, seconds at 9 O’clock and hours at 6 O’clock with the screw down pushers located at 2 & 4 either side of the screw down crown.
Finishing of the dial is a day & date window at 3 O’clock with white on black letters and numerals, everything you would need is on the dial but it doesn’t feel cluttered or seem messy just all highly legible.
Turning the piece over you are greeted with an exhibition case-back. At the heart of this Sinn beats an ETA Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement which they have decorated nicely. I also quite like the fact that they have not put the limited edition number on the case, but instead it has been engraved onto the automatic rotor. Water resistant to 200 meters this watch also has “AR” dehumidifying technology (a capsule that absorbs moisture that might leak into the case).
The watch comes fitted on a blue cowhide strap with alligator embossing white contrasting stitching, but they also supply a grey NATO-style strap and strap changing kit for you to change it at will. The price for the Sinn A Sa B is €1990.
Conclusion
For the price, this is a good piece with its nice blue tones, bullet proof movement and plenty of functions. I can’t help but wonder that with a few tweaks this would be a great pilots chronograph, by slightly enlarging the case and fitting a real alligator strap with clasp would really finish it off well. For more info, please visit sinn.de
JOHN GALT – CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
John Galt caught the horology bug back in 2010 on his first visit to a London watch show and has snowballed since; John has become an avid writer and blogger of timepieces of all kinds, from everyday timepieces to modern Luxury HauteHorology, his favorite brands being HYT and GreubelForsey that push the boundaries of modern watch-making. John keeps a keen interest in the UK watch scene with their many emerging brands and timepieces. John Galt currently contributes watch related articles for online publications in the UK and USA. You can follow John on Twitter @johng73 Read his articles here.
