Sinn 103 St Classic C Owner’s Manual
- October 27, 2023
- Sinn
Table of Contents
103 St Classic C
Owner’s Manual
103 St Classic C
DEAR CUSTOMER,
We know from numerous conversations that the people who buy our watches do
so out of conviction. This includes people with a pronounced affinity to
technology who are fascinated, for example, by the solutions we have devised
for protection from magnetic fields and scratch resistance. Some of our
customers, such as divers, pilots and the German GSG 9 special police unit,
rely on their watches in their respective careers because their lives depend
on it.
They all swear by the performance, resilience and durability, as well as the
quality and precision of our watches. That is why the world’s largest
classification society DNV
(formerly Germanist Lloyd, Hamburg) regularly tests and certifies the water
and pressure resistance of our diving watches.
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 a suitable all-round replacement for the on-
board timekeeping instruments available to pilots. Functionality is our top
priority and ultimately determines the design. Only the technical features
that are really needed can be found on our watches. Because we believe that
products have to speak for themselves.
The basic question that we ask ourselves is: which innovative technologies and
materials can be employed for our craft and provide solutions for rendering
our watches even more practical for everyday use? It is often worth indulging
in a little lateral thinking to see what is going on in other industrial
sectors or fields of science. We repeatedly go to the limits of physical
resources to upgrade our watches with the aim of making what’s good even
better. Most of our best developments are yet to come!
I am delighted that you have decided to buy a SINN timepiece and hope that it
will continue to give you pleasure for many years to come.
Yours sincerely,
FOREWORD FROM JENS KOCH
Congratulations on purchasing a 200-piece limited-edition Sinn 103 St
Classic C! The C in the model name stands for the watch magazine Chronos,
which joins Sinn in celebrating the brand’s classic pilot watches with this
limited-edition model.
Its design is based on a rare Sinn 103 model from the early 1970s. The Viljoen
72 hand-wound caliber used at the time featured the attractive Tri-Compacc
style, with subsidiary seconds on the left, minute counter on the right and
hour counter on the bottom.
The clarity of the dial was ensured by dispensing with date or weekday
displays. With the SW 510 automatic caliber from the Swiss movement
manufacturer Sillito, we were able to revive the historic Panda dial with Tri-
Compacc arrangement.
We have also adopted another special feature of the model: the bidirectional
rotating bezel with countdown hour scale. For example, if you have fuel for
four hours at take-off, you turn the four of the bezel onto the hour hand and
then, during the flight, the scale indicates how long the fuel will last.
On the back, the old models were engraved with their unusual waterproofness: 4
ATM (equivalent to 40 meters). It’s the reason why this model was nicknamed 4
ATM. Staying true to the original, we opted for high-domed acrylic glass and
non-screw push-pieces. Since Sinn is synonymous with functional and robust
watches, the 103 St Classic C, despite its retro look, is waterproof up to 20
bar, or a corresponding depth of 200 metres, and is resistant to low pressure.
SINN SPEZIALUHREN ZU FRANKFURT AM MAIN
It was back in 1961 that pilot and blind-flying instructor Helmut Sinn founded
the company. Since then, we have been committed to producing highspecification
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 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 9 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 Reminiscer 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 10 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
8330compliant 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.
The Temperature Resistance Technology keeps mechanical watches performing at
temperatures ranging from – 45 °C to +80 °C. This technology has proven its
worth in the EZM 10 TESTAF, for example, used as part of the official
approvals procedure for Airbus Helicopters (formerly Neurocomputer) EC 145 T2
high-performance helicopter. The 303 KRISTALL is impressive proof of the
functional reliability of our watches under the toughest climatic conditions.
Equipped with Temperature Resistance Technology, the chronograph passed the
acid test at the Yukon Quest, the world’s most demanding dogsled race. The 203
ARKTIS passed its Arctic endurance test on the wrist of extreme diver Mario M.
Weidner, withstanding all dives in the freezing cold waters of the Arctic
Ocean above 81 degrees latitude. Both watches were worn on top of protective
clothing. The real test was in the extreme temperature fluctuations between
water and land a test that the 303 KRISTALL and the 203 ARKTIS passed with
flying colors.
Image: All of the technical details of our watches are documented by tests.
This system of assessment has been specially designed for certification of the
pressure resistance of our diving watches by DNV (formerly Germanist Lloyd,
Hamburg), the world’s largest classification society for maritime safety.
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 calibers characterized by impressive features. An example of
this is the SZ04 with regulate for the 6100 REGULATEUR series.
The model series 140 and model 717 uses our proprietary chronograph
development, the SZ01. It was modelled on the Melania 5100 caliber used in the
EZM 1. One of the biggest differences between the SZ01 and the Melania 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 12 than
the 30-minute scale commonly found in other watches.
Image: SINN-Caliber SZ01. 103 St CLASSIC C
On the one hand, an eye-catching dial contrast, a matt black anodised,
unusual aluminium rotating bezel and a highly domed shock-resistant acrylic
glass. On the other hand, technical features such as low pressure resistance,
water resistance and pressure resistance up to 20 bar: the 103 St Classic C
model effortlessly balances historical design with contemporary technical
values.
This special edition, which is limited to 200 pieces, has become a true
favourite, thanks primarily to its appearance. Experts classify timepieces
such as the 103 St Classic C, which combine black totalizers with a bright
in this case silver-electroplated dial, as “Panda watches”. The models from
the middle of the last century achieved a cult-like status among many watch
lovers also because their striking contrast was entirely in the service of
optimised readability.
In terms of construction, the 103 St Classic C achieves this with the
symmetrical Tri-Compax division of the totalizers for the subsidiary seconds
at nine o’clock, the stopwatch minute at three o’clock and the stopwatch hour
at six o’clock. Another important tool for measuring time intervals is the
12-hour countdown rotating bezel with luminous key mark, which rotates in both
directions. Speaking of luminescence: for clear readability, even in the dark,
the rhodium- 15 plated indices and hour and minute hands are also filled with
luminous paint. A brown horsehide strap with a pin buckle deliberately
contrasts the vintage design of the dial in colour and thus completes the
iconographic overall appearance of this unique watch.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Winding the watch (crown position 1)
The crown is screwable (crown position 0). To loosen the crown, turn it
counterclockwise (crown position 1). The movement is wound 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
selfwinding 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. 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.
USING THE COUNTDOWN BEZEL TO MEASURE TIME
The rotating bezel with countdown hour scale can be moved manually in both
directions. The triangle glows in the dark. It can be used in a number of
ways, including to measure important lengths of time. For example, you can set
the marking to the beginning of the time span to be measured, or you can use
it to indicate the end of a given span of time.
Luminous design
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Mechanical Movement
- SW 510
- Self-winding mechanism
- 27 bearing jewels
- Seconds stop function
- 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour
- Anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309
Functions
- Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds
- Chronograph
- Rotating bezel with countdown hour scale with luminous key mark
- Hands and indices coated with luminescent colour
Watch Case
- Stainless steel, polished
- Shock-resistant acrylic glass on front
- Case back screw-fastened
- Crown screwable
- Meet the technical requirements for waterproofness, as set out in standard DIN 8310
- Waterproof and pressure-resistant to 20 bar
- Low pressure resistant
- Band lug width 20 mm
- Case diameter 41 mm
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)69/97 84 14-400
Telefax: + 49 (0)69/97 84 14-401
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 25 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 10 2022
Technische Änderungen vorbehalten.
Technical specifications are subject to changes.