Sinn 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary Watch Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- Sinn
Table of Contents
Sinn 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary Watch
DEAR CUSTOMER,
Since the company was founded in 1961, high-quality mechanical watches have
been at the heart of our work. Today, watch lovers associate the name Sinn
Spezialuhren with a passion for innovation, patents and functional design.
We are often asked how new products are created in our workshop. The
inspiration for this comes in a wide variety of ways. A very important
prerequisite is that we listen carefully to our customers and partners and are
open to their wishes and ideas.
This is how the 356 series came into being 25 years ago.
In 1996, our partner for the Japanese market wanted a more elegant version of
the 256 pilot chronograph. Initially exclusively for the Japanese market, we
developed a variant based on this model without a rotating bezel and with
high-domed acrylic glass. Due to the great success of the 356, we introduced a
production model in 1998 that has become a much-loved classic in our range.
This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of this series with the
extraordinary 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary. Be inspired by the interplay of
the satinised case, combined with an elegant grey dial and matt silver
counters in bicompax arrangement.
Discover the many fine details that have been incorporated into this special
model and rest assured that you are wearing an exceptional classic watch on
your wrist – this edition is limited to 500 watches.
I am delighted that you have chosen the 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary and wish
you a lifetime of pleasure with it.
Yours,
It was back in 1961 that pilot and blind-flying instructor Helmut Sinn founded
the company. Since then, we have been committed to producing high-
specification mechanical watches. In 1994, the graduate engineer Lothar
Schmidt took
over the company. This marked the beginning of a new era for the SINN brand,
because the new owner took a decisive step towards more innovation. Under
his leadership, new technologies and materials were introduced, thus providing
the crucial incentives for our company’s evolution and gradual emergence as an
insider’s tip for lovers of fine watches. Today, our name stands for technical
innovations – much to the delight of both the trade and our customers alike.
Technical innovations
Take, for example, the absolutely condensation-free, anti-reflective,
German Submarine Steel diving watch – made possible by HYDRO Technology. Other
examples include a chronometer chronograph fashioned from a 22-carat
gold alloy that is as hard as stainless steel and a chronometer with a
magnetic resistance of up to 100 mT (= 80,000 A/m). There are also watches
with a clockwork mechanism optimally protected from aging by an inert gas and
integrated dehumidifying capsule. The list would not be complete without
mentioning the development of mission timers (Einsatzzeitmesser or EZM in
German) for firefighters, for special police units and border patrol guards.
DIAPAL is one of our most important technological developments, with oiling no
longer needed for the most important functions in the watch thanks to the
materials we select. This technology was first used in 2001. With the aid of
TEGIMENT Technology, we achieve greatly increased scratch resistance through
surface hardening.
Ongoing advancement in technology and quality
Our top priority has always been to develop watches that offer superior
performance – both in daily and in professional use. Which is why our
engineers are working continually to identify which innovative methods,
materials and technologies are best suited for optimising our watches. Each
new development has to first undergo rigorous practical tests before being
incorporated. And no watch leaves our workshops before it has been subjected
to thorough checking and fine adjustment by our master watchmakers.
Innovations in endurance testing
The world’s largest classification society for maritime safety DNV (formerly
Germanischer Lloyd, Hamburg), has been testing our diving watches for pressure
and water resistance since 2005. As part of DNV’s official certification
process, our diving watches have been treated as part of diving equipment
since 2006 and tested and certified in accordance with European diving
equipment standards. This is unparalleled in the watch industry. Selected
pilot watches are tested and certified by independent institutions according
to the DIN 8330 Horology – Aviator watches in an extensive and complex type
and unit verification process. This ensures that a DIN 8330-compliant pilot
watch is not only a suitable all-round replacement for the on-board
timekeeping instruments available to pilots, but is also capable of remaining
unaffected by the physical stresses of flight, posing no risk potential for
the crew or aircraft, and demonstrating compatibility with other on-board
instruments.
Workshop modifications
From the robust case and the polished crystal to the exquisitely decorated
movement, we make sure that each and every detail in our watches is fit for
purpose. In addition to our technology, the heart of any SINN watch is the
fascinating mechanical movement. That is why we rely only on selected renowned
manufacturers.
“SZ movements” is the name given to our movement modifications. The results
are high-quality calibres characterised by impressive features. An example of
this is the SZ04 with regulateur for the 6100 REGULATEUR series.
The model series 140 and the model 717 uses our proprietary chronograph development, the SZ01. It was modelled on the Lemania 5100 calibre used in the EZM 1. One of the biggest differences between the SZ01 and the Lemania 5100 is the former’s stopwatch minute display. This feature now makes it even easier and quicker to record stop times more accurately. The aim of this modification was to significantly improve the readability of the chronograph function.
The SZ calibres 02, 03, 05 and 06 are a modification of the SZ01 movement, characterized by an off-center 60-minute counter. The 60-minute scale of the stopwatch minute counter is much simpler and more intuitive to read than the 30-minute scale commonly found in other watches.
356 PILOT CLASSIC ANNIVERSARY
Whether it is the aesthetic appeal, technical finesse and the associated craft of watchmaking or the limited edition of 500 watches, the 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary embodies timekeeping in its own unique way – the ideal watch to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this model series.
Bicompax arrangement of the counters
Classic chronographs fascinate many watch lovers – not least because these
timepieces often have a number of unique features. The same can certainly be
said for our 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary model. For the first time in this
model series, we have exquisitely decorated the dial at six o’clock with the
unmistakable “FLIEGER KLASSIK” lettering as a special tribute. As a
counterpart to this, we attached the SINN logo as an appliqué at 12 o’clock.
Another novelty relates to a complication that is also unusual for this model
series: the bicompax arrangement of the silver matt counters. For a balanced
overall appearance, they harmoniously match the anthracite electroplated dial.
In the interest of visual perfection, the hands for the hours, minutes and
stopwatch seconds are rhodium-plated and lined with luminous paint, while the
silky-matt anthracite-coloured design of the small seconds and 30-minute
stopwatch
are eye-catching. As a useful feature, we have equipped the dial with a fine-
minute dial, divided into quarters of a second, for fast recording of short-
time measurement.
High-domed sapphire crystal glass
The high-domed crystal featuring an anti-reflective coating on both sides
ensures a clear view of the striking dial – even under extreme lighting
conditions. In keeping with this, the case back – also made of sapphire
crystal – makes it easy to catch sight of the limited-edition identifier on
the rotor. To truly appreciate the value and quality of this special material,
it is important to know that the glass is ground out of a solid blank that is
around 5 mm thick with five different curvature radii and is then carefully
polished. Connoisseurs are left impressed by the result, as the procedure
preserves the classic appearance.
The 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary is powered by a high-precision mechanical
movement that guarantees an improved power reserve of over 56 hours.
Look forward to an extraordinary timepiece with two locally manufactured
straps made from nubuck boar leather.
A look back at history
The 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary model is a fine example of how every watch –
or chronograph – tells a unique story. This timepiece, too, stands on the
shoulders of an entire generation of successful watches from the 356 series.
It’s worth taking a look back at history. At the very beginning, there was a
special edition in an exclusive range of 300 pieces. Made especially for the
Japanese market, we developed an elegant and slimmer version of our 256 pilot
chronograph without a rotating bezel in 1996: the 356 with the characteristic
“FLIEGER” imprint on a matte black dial, bead-blasted stainless-steel case and
shock-resistant acrylic glass. This first model was equipped with the Valjoux
7760 hand-wound movement.
Classically elegant appearance
The great success of this watch on the Japanese market prompted us to include
the chronograph in our collection. In December 1998, the time had come: as
expected, the 356 PILOT, now featuring an automatic movement, bead-blasted
casing, acrylic glass and a solid back, was very popular. The fact that this
watch is still one of our most popular chronographs worldwide shows how
timeless it is. These first chronographs also defined the parameters that
characterise this model series to this day: classically elegant, with a clear,
aesthetic appearance, where nothing distracts you from the essentials, because
form and design are subordinate to the reliable reading of the time and the
stop times determined by the chronograph.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Winding the watch (crown position 1)
The crown is screwed down (crown position 0). To loosen the crown, turn it
counter-clockwise (crown position 1). The movement is wound manually by
turning the crown clockwise. Under normal circumstances, a few turns of the
crown are enough to start the movement. We recommend 20 full turns of the
crown for the initial use. Simply wearing the watch every day should suffice
to keep the self-winding mechanism wound. The power reserve allows you to take
off your watch overnight without having to rewind it. About 40 turns of the
crown by hand will wind up the watch completely. Because the winding mechanism
of your watch is designed for automatic winding with minimal winding speed,
the watch should be wound at a moderate, consistent speed when winding by hand
to avoid damaging the movement.
Time adjustment (crown position 2)
In crown position 2, the motion is paused. This helps you to set the watch
precisely. Please make sure the date changes at midnight and not at midday.
Just move the hands forward until the date changes. Afterwards you attempt to
set the time. We recommend moving the hands past the desired minute marker and
then adjusting it backwards. The movement restarts as soon as the crown is no
longer in position 2.
Please take care to fasten the crown after making adjustments.
USING THE CHRONOGRAPH TO MEASURE TIME
The chronograph is operated by means of buttons A and B. The measurement starts when button A is pressed once. Pressing this button again stops the measurement. The measurement is resumed by pressing button A once more. This allows you to add up and record the cumulative time. Button B resets the hands of the chronograph to zero.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Watch case
- Case made of stainless steel, satinized
- Sapphire crystal glass in front, anti-reflective on both sides
- Transparent case back made of sapphire crystal glass, anti-reflective on the interior
- Case back screw-fastened
- Crown screwable
- Meet the technical requirements for waterproofness, as set out in standard DIN 8310
- Waterproof and pressure-resistant to 10 bar
- Low pressure resistant
- Case diameter 38.5 mm
- Band lug width 20 mm
Dial and Hands
- Anthracite electroplated dial
- Numbers coated with luminescent colour
- Hour, minute and stopwatch second hand coated with luminescent colour
- Scale for displaying a quarter of a second for short-time measurement
Functions
- Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds
- Chronograph
Mechanical movement
- Self-winding mechanism
- 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour
- Seconds stop function
- Anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309
ADVICE
Water resistance
In its original condition, your watch fulfils the technical requirements of
water resistance according to DIN 8310. The static compressive stress of your
watch is given in bar. Each and every one of our watches is tested for water
resistance. However, in everyday use it is important to note that seals can
suffer from wear and ageing over time due to a wide range of factors which
arise when wearing a wristwatch. We therefore recommend having the water
resistance checked at least once a year. To ensure your watch retains its
water resistance for as long as possible, rinse it with tap water if it comes
into contact with seawater, chemicals or the like. Continual mechanical stress
in the form of shocks and vibrations can also not only reduce water
resistance, but also increase wear and tear of the movement. Care should
therefore be taken to protect your watch from unnecessary impacts.
Accuracy
The measured results of the watch’s rate are always “snapshots” taken under
laboratory conditions. For this reason, we also take each owner’s individual
movements into account when making a specific regulator correction. It is
therefore only possible to judge the accuracy of your watch after it has been
in operation for approximately eight weeks. In the event of a deviation,
please keep a daily record of its timekeeping over an extended period, for
example one week.
Do you have any questions? Our employees will be pleased to advise you.
Telephone: + 49 (0)69 978 414 400
Telefax: + 49 (0)69 978 414 401
E-mail: [email protected]
SERVICE
Does your SINN watch need an inspection, repair, retrofitting or
reconditioning?
If possible, please use our service order form. For information about our
service order form, please refer to the section entitled “Customer Service” on
our website www.sinn.de/en and to the section
entitled “Servicing and repairs” in our general terms and conditions at
www.sinn.de/en. We would be happy to send you a copy
of the general terms and conditions.
Our international partners generally offer on-site service. However, should
they be unable to provide a certain service, they will organise the safe
dispatch and return of the SINN watch to our manufactory in Germany. Please be
aware that our partners will wait until they have a sufficient number of SINN
watches before they post a shipment, in order to keep transport costs and
customs duties to a minimum. This will increase the processing time.
Alternatively, you can send your SINN watch to us directly. You will be
required to cover the postage costs for the delivery and return shipment,
which vary depending on the country. For insurance reasons, we strongly
recommend sending us any return goods by registered parcel post. We regret
that we are unable to accept deliveries with unpaid postage!
In case you have a chance to drop off your watch directly at our office in
Frankfurt am Main we look forward to your visit. Please make a note of our
opening times.
For information about our service, please refer to the section entitled
“Customer Service” on our website www.sinn.de/en or
+49 (0)69 / 97 84 14 – 400.
© Sinn Spezialuhren GmbH
1. Auflage / 1st Edition
07.2023
Technische Änderungen vorbehalten. Technical specifications are subject to
changes.