Sinn 103 St Classic C Owner’s Manual

October 27, 2023
Sinn

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: service@sinn.de

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.

References

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