Founded in 1961, SINN’s first watches were aviation chronographs. This will come as no surprise as Helmut Sinn, the father of the brand, was an ex-WW2 fighter pilot and later a flight instructor. With no small measure of delight, we announce the latest release from this German powerhouse, and that watch is a beautiful vintage-style pilot chronograph. You can view the whole Sinn collection here on the WatchGecko store.
Limited to just 500 pieces, the new 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary (or Klassik as it is titled) has been crafted to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this model genre.
Sinn 356 PILOT Classic W (356.0201) - Credit Sinn
The new chronograph loses the traditional three dials and is a Bicompax arrangement that takes inspiration from other functional models in this class, some as old as manned flight. Positioned at the 6 o’clock marker, there is the classic German phrase “Flieger Klassik” as a tribute to all flight chronographs that have gone before. The SINN logo is an applique at the 12:00 o’clock marker.
SINN have spared no effort to keep all the colours and metal tones in harmony which starts with the Bicompax silver matte sub-dials matched with the anthracite electroplated dial. The hands for the hours, minutes and stopwatch seconds are rhodium plated and lined with luminous paint and share the anthracite tone, still allowing exceptional legibility but retaining an overall aesthetic of harmony.
Sinn 356 PILOT Classic W (356.0201) - Credit Sinn
An impressive dome of sapphire crystal protects the watch and benefits from anti-reflective coating on both sides to offer SINN’s typically excellent and unobscured optics in any lighting condition. As with any professional Flieger it is important to retain the look of an instrument lifted direct from the cockpit of either a vintage or modern aircraft.
The main lens is ground from a solid blank 5 mm thick with five different curvature radii and then carefully polished to SINN’s exacting standards. The exhibition case back is also made from the same sapphire crystal and gives an uninterrupted view of the limited-edition identifier on the rotor, and movement which has a power reserve of 56 hours.
Sinn 356 PILOT Classic W (356.0201) - Credit Sinn
The 356 limited editions have been a huge historical success for SINN and their previous models told unique stories. We have previously seen a three-dial range limited to 300 pieces and a reduced size variant made especially for the Japanese market – the 256 pilot chronograph without a rotating bezel. Early models also had a high-end movement and were equipped with the Valjoux 7760 hand-wound.
The new 2023 model benefits from a Nubuck boar leather strap with a 20 mm lug width. The surface of the leather is gently napped to create a velvety, soft texture. This makes the fine roughness of the nubuck leather visible, creating its characteristic look and giving it a fitting patina. The individual appearance of these straps results from the leather surface with its firm bristles, which can be distinguished by fine, dark dots known as hair holes. Nubuck leather is known for its high durability, suppleness and shape retention.
Sinn 356 PILOT Classic W (356.0201) - Credit Sinn
All models are water resistant to 100m and have a proprietary low-pressure resistance which pays homage to their aviation heritage.
A non-limited version of the watch is also available with a bead blasted case and matching bracelet or leather under the designations These models differ very little from the limited editions other than they are equipped with shock-proof acrylic glass.
The price of the 500-issue Anniversary edition is EUR 2,990. The non-limited models are the following prices depending on spec; leather strap EUR 2,390, silicone strap EUR 2,600, solid stainless steel bracelet EUR 2,615.
Sinn 356 PILOT Classic W (356.0201) - Credit Sinn
WatchGecko thoughts: SINN Fliegers are some of the clearest and most sought-after flight watches made today. They are a paragon of legibility and command a great deal of respect from professional users. Their provenance in this genre is without question so it is always exciting when a unique limited edition model is released.
