Sinn releases the latest model for the 103 collection, this time being the updated heritage-inspired classic 103 St Ty Hd chronograph timepiece.
The 103 collection for Sinn is the brand’s classic pilot’s range, which has been around since the 1960s. The 103 is a characteristic timepiece for the brand, a defining ambassador in a way. Some of the pilot’s watches of the 60s features acrylic glass and even hand-wound movements. In a period of time where automatic watches were the norm, Sinn’s hand-wound timepieces were quite sought after, maybe due to a deeper connection with the timepiece in having to wind it daily.
Sinn’s latest release, the 103 ST TY HD, is a classic hand-wound chronograph that ties back to its heritage roots. The timepiece comes equipped with a shock-resistant acrylic glass and a hand-wound movement. There are two main characteristics of this timepiece that make it special for Sinn. Firstly, it brings back the heritage design with the acrylic glass, and secondly, this is the first time in 20 years Sinn has used a hand-wound movement for the 103 series.
The 1000 limited run 103 ST TY HD comes with a 41mm x 14.8mm thick stainless steel case, a large 60-minute black bezel (with triangular lume pip at “0/60”) counter and the tachymeter scale on the outer ring of the dial. The dial is a silky matte black finish, which matches nicely with the bezel. The beige tachymeter scale also splits up the dial and bezel, making the two parts stand out well.
The red accents add some excitement to what would be otherwise a monochrome dial. The red, however, has been used quite extensively throughout the dial. From the hour indices, chronograph seconds hand to the 30-minute counter hand and markings, the red certainly livens up the dial.
Sinn’s hand-wound calibre movement powers the tri-complex chronograph layout of a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, and a constant seconds counter at 9 o’clock. The hand-wound movement is the sellita calibre SW 510 M. The movement is anti-magnetic (as per DIN 8309) and operates at a high-frequency of 28,800 VpH (rare for manual wind calibres), giving a high rate of accuracy of time measurements. The power reserve is estimated to be approximately 60 hours.
Final Thoughts:
As far as pilot watches go, the Sinn Classic 103 ST TY HD dives into its heritage to create classic timepiece with beautifully contrasting aesthetics, and for the first time in 20-years an manual wound movement in a 103 series timepieces. While the dial does certainly have a lot going on due to the inclusion of the inner tachymeter scale, it all seems to work well together, much like Sinn’s chronograph 903/ Breitling’s own Navitimer.
While the watch’s aesthetics are what we have come to expect from Sinn’s timepieces, especially for their pilot’s range, the elephant in the room needs to be addressed. And that is the thickness of this watch. Personally, 14.8mm (~15) is by far too large in modern-day watchmaking for a chronograph model. Some people don’t mind wearing watches that are a little larger; however, I think the thickness could be reduced, especially considering it’s a manual wind movement.
This being the main downside to this latest 103 edition, the timepiece still offers a lot to make a prospect in pilot watches. With a multitude of functionalities, a colourful dial, 200m of water resistance, and heritage-inspired manual-wound movement, the new Sinn Classic 103 ST TY HD guarantees suitability for everyday use.
Reference: 103.211
Specification
- Case: 41mm diameter x 14.8mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel polished finish
- Dial: black dial with silk matte finish
- Crystal: Shock-resistant acrylic glass with anti-reflective treatment
- Water resistance: 200m (20 Bar)
- Movement: Sellita calibre SW 510 M
- Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Power reserve: Approx 60 hours
- Bracelet: Wild boar green or Black leather strap. Green strap comes with red stitching.
