If one had to choose a wristwatch from the entire Sinn Spezialuhren collection that exemplifies the history of the Frankfurt based watch brand, the 103 model series would undoubtedly occupy a leading position. The pilot's chronograph was already part of the brand's programme in the mid-1960s.
During our considerations for a special model, the series quickly became our favourite. We decided on the 103 Classic 12, equipped with a ceramic rotating bezel with a 12-hour-scale that can be used to display a second time zone. The Classic 12 was first launched in 2021 in a limited edition of 600 pieces to celebrate Sinn's 60th anniversary. It enjoyed great popularity and sold out in no time. Since then, this modern classic is out of stock.
Or rather: it was out of stock, because on October 20th, another 300 copies of the time zone chronograph will be launched, offered as part of a close partnership to commemorate our 30th anniversary and the almost equally long shared history of ARMBANDUHREN with Sinn Spezialuhren.
With our special requests for the colouring of the bezel, which was executed in maroon ceramic, and the dial in beige with orange hands, we achieved a completely new look for the Classic 12.
The maroon colouring of the bezel inlay is also found on the turned-out subdials of the small seconds and the chronograph, which allows short-time measurements for up to 12 hours. The hands and the applied, rhodium-plated hour markers are equipped with SuperLuminova.
The brown cowhide strap with beige contrast stitching picks up the colours of the dial and gives the 103 Classic 12 H a noble look. In addition, a textile strap in the same colour as the hands of the chronograph function is included in the large Sinn case, which also contains a spring bar tool.
In addition to the captive rotating bezel, the case with a diameter of 41 mm is also equipped with Sinn's Ar-Dehumidifying-Technology, which ensures increased functionality and provides an anti-fog-effect. Like the crown, the push-pieces for controlling the chronograph are screwed down, making the pilot's chronograph water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar.
The Sellita SW510A calibre with automatic winding also has a date display located between 4 and 5 o'clock. The high-quality mechanical movement is revealed through the see-through case back, which, like the cover glass, is made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. All examples of the 103 Classic 12 H are engraved with consecutive numbers on the rotor.
The special edition 103 Classic 12 H will remain an even rarer sight, as the chronograph will be issued in only 300 pieces to mark our 30th anniversary and will be delivered in a double case with an orange textile strap and a cowhide leather strap at a price of 3590 euros. The model will be offered exclusively via our website armbanduhren-online.de, starting from October 20th. It is also possible to experience the watch up-close at Sinn Spezialuhren's Frankfurt headquarters.
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When we joined the European association of the magazines Orologi da Polso, Heure Internationale and International Wrist Watch in 1993 - at that time still known as Armbanduhren International - the watch industry was on the verge of an unprecedented upswing.
With their proverbial reliability and functionality, the pilot watches of the Sinn brand from Frankfurt am Main had long since acquired a very good reputation, even if only in insider circles. In 1994, a change of ownership was imminent, the effects of which on production techniques, product quality and technology some people could not even imagine. The new owner, Lothar Schmidt was by no means unknown in the watch industry: the mechanical engineer from the Saarland enjoyed the highest recognition in the industry for the development of titanium as a case material, with which he once gave the Swiss watch brand IWC Schaffhausen a new identity.
We were allowed to get to know the new owner of the Sinn company better during his first days "Im Füldchen", and already after the first conversation it was clear that more than a generational change had taken place. The change of name to «Sinn Spezialuhren zu Frankfurt am Main» can be translated to Sinn Special Watches of Frankfurt am Main and stood for a new orientation. The name says it all.
Our editor-in-chief Peter Braun was able to see this for himself in 1998 when he travelled with the Sinn development team to the Yukon Quest in the Arctic Circle to assist with the timing of the famous dog sled race - at temperatures as low as -30 °C! The 303 crystall model, specially developed for these harsh conditions, could be worn by timekeepers and mushers over their padded jacket sleeves without any problems. Firstly, because a new temperature-stable lubricant and secondly the Ar-Dehumidifying-Technology, which keeps the case's inside completely dry thanks to a protective argon gas filling, was deployed. Both of which ensured full functional reliability between -45 °C and +85 °C.
We have also followed and commented on many other technologies developed by Lothar Schmidt and his engineers - hydro, tegimentation, diapal, submarine steel - in our magazine. Accordingly, we are very pleased that Sinn Spezialuhren has agreed to create a special edition in collaboration with ARMBANDUHREN.
Text: Tobias Schaefer, Peter Braun
Pictures: Sinn, Tobias Schaefer
Reference: 103.182
Movement: Automatic, Sellita calibre SW510A; Ø 30 mm, Height 7,9 mm; 27 jewels; 28.800 A/h; Power reserve 56 hours.
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds; chronograph; date
Case: stainless steel, Ø 41 mm, Height 17 mm; sapphire crystal ; see-through case back; screw-down crown and pushers; rotating bezel, with 12-position graduation; water-resistant to 20 bar
Straps: Textile, pin buckle; additional cowhide strap, pin buckle
Note: Limited to 300 pieces
Price: € 3590,–
