SINN 156.1 Pilots Bezel Watch Owner’s Manual
- September 11, 2024
- Sinn
Table of Contents
SINN 156.1 Pilots Bezel Watch
Specifications
- Model: 156.1
- Brand: SINN SPEZIALUHREN ZU FRANKFURT AM MAIN
- Features: Pilot’s bezel for measuring time, anti-magnetic, scratch-resistant
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. This is why independent institutes regularly verify and certify 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-around replacement for the onboard timekeeping instruments available to pilots. Functionality is our top priority and ultimately determines the design. Only the technical features that are 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 – to make 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,
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 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 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 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 REGIMENT 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. This is why our engineers
are working continually to identify which innovative methods, materials and
technologies are best suited for optimizing 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
Independent institutes have been testing our diving watches for pressure and
water resistance since 2005. As part of further official certification, our
diving watches have been treated as part of diving equipment since 2006 and
are tested and certified
by 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.
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 Eurocopter)
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 colours.
Image: This system of assessment has been specially designed for the pressure resistance of our diving watches by an independent institute.
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 a regulator for the 6100 REGULATEUR series.
- The model series 140 and model 717 use our proprietary chronograph development, the SZ01. It was modelled on the Lemania 5100 caliber 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. This modification aimed to significantly improve the readability of the chronograph function.
- The SZ calibers 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.
MODEL 156.1
- A unique combination of past and present: this is probably the essence of the unmistakable charm of this historic pilot‘s chronograph. Responsible for this is a contemporary interpretation that skilfully picks up and conti- nues the traditional thread of a timepiece that is very popular with watch enthusiasts.
- In order to correctly categorise the historical lineage of the 156.1 model,
it is important to know that the original predecessor is the 155 model. As the successor to this timepiece, our company developed the 156 and 156 MILITARY models – all watches that are now true icons.
Contemporary interpretation
- A look at the present reveals the innovative character of the 156.1 model, which is manifested in our in-house SZ01 chronograph movement, which is designed so that the timepiece has a jumping 60-minute stopwatch hand from the centre. The plus point: stop times can therefore be recorded more easily, quickly and accurately – a clear gain in terms of clear readability.
- This movement is integrated into a newly designed case with a screw-in back, which is aesthetically modelled on its historical predecessors with a 43 mm-diameter case. However, the 156.1 now has a sapphire crystal, which is more scratch-resistant than the acrylic glass used in the original model.
The pilot‘s bezel is captively connected to the case and can be rotated smoothly without detent – another innovation that we have implemented in this form for the first time in a SINN chronograph in series production. The tegimentation of the pilot‘s bezel is also an important prerequisite for the application of the Black Hard Coating, which proves to be extremely durable as a result. In contrast to the historical models, the pilot‘s bezel has a luminescent fixed point as a striking symbol in the marking at twelve o‘clock, so that the position of the set reference time can be clearly identified in the dark. The numbers as the hour and minute hands are also luminescent and therefore perfectly legible.
The design philosophy for the 156.1 model is to continue tried and tested elements while utilising the potential for change. The result is a fascinating timepiece that is as historic as it is contemporary.
USING THE PILOT’S BEZEL TO MEASURE TIME
The pilot’s bezel 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.
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 3)
In crown position 3, 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 backward. The movement restarts as soon as the crown is no
longer in position 3.
Quickset date adjustment (crown position 2)
Do not use this function between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Set the crown in position 2
and turn it clockwise until the correct date appears in the date display
window. Please do not use the date-setting function between 9 p.m. and
3 a.m. Between these times, the gear wheels used for changing the date are
engaged, and the movement could be damaged.
Please take care to fasten the crown after making adjustments.
ASSEMBLING AND ADJUSTING OF STRAPS
If you are not sure how to assemble, shorten, or lengthen the watch straps, please contact your specialist SINN retailer directly or one of our watchmakers in customer service in Frankfurt am Main. We would also be happy to help you over the telephone.
Assembling the textile strap
- Place your watch on a soft cloth with the dial facing down.
- Fold over the shorter side of the textile strap with the two metal loops pointing to the left. Then bring the longer side of the textile strap through the spring bars on the left and right, as illustrated in figure 1 (steps A to C).
- Fold over the shorter side of the textile strap to the right over the case back and bring the longer side through the two metal loops. Tighten the textile strap carefully (figure 2).
Length adjustment of the solid bracelet
Step 1: Opening the folding clasp
You open the folding clasp by pressing the two push buttons on the side at the
same time. While holding the push-buttons, pull the folding clasp upwards.
Step 2: Adjusting the strap length
Turn the solid bracelet over. Press the button marked green in the diagram.
While holding down the button, you can slide the part of the solid bracelet
marked in red back and forth to adjust the length.
Optional: Removing the strap links
If you are not sure how to assemble, shorten, or lengthen the watch straps,
please contact your specialist SINN retailer directly or one of our
watchmakers in customer service in Frankfurt am Main. We would also be happy
to help you over the telephone. Contact details can be found at
www.sinn.de/en.
Determine the relative lengths of the two sides before adjusting the length of the bracelet. To ensure maximum comfort, both sides of the bracelet should contain the same number of links. If this is not possible, the top bracelet strap (above the 12 on the clock) should be longer.
- Loosen the screws on the side of the bracelet link which is to be removed or added.
- Remove the superfluous bracelet link or insert a new one.
- Before screwing tight, add a small drop (no more!) of the thread-locker (AN 302-42 medium-tight) to the thread of the bracelet screw.
Safety note!
- Warning: Thread-locker (AN 302-42 medium-tight) contains: 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, cumene hydroperoxide.
- May cause an allergic skin reaction. May cause respiratory irritation.
- Wear protective gloves. UFI: 51T6-80C3-800Q-SCR2
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Mechanical Movement
- SINN Movement SZ01
- Self-winding mechanism
- 28 bearing jewels
- 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour
- Seconds stop function
- Anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309
Watch Case
- Case made of stainless steel, bead-blasted
- Sapphire crystal in front, anti-reflective on both sides
- Case back screw-fastened
- Meet the technical requirements for water resistance, as set out in standard DIN 8310
- Water-resistant and pressure-resistant to 10 bar
- Low pressure resistant
- Case diameter 44 mm
- Band lug width 22 mm
Functions
- Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds
- Date display
- Chronograph
- Pilot’s bezel with minute scale and luminous dot in the triangle
SINN Technologies
- Captive bezel, sliding rotatable
- Bezel with Black Hard Coating on a REGIMENT Technology basis
Dial and Hands
- Matte black dial
- Numbers coated with luminescent color
- Hour and minute hand coated with luminescent color
ADVICE
Water resistance
In its original condition, your watch fulfills the technical requirements of
water resistance according to DIN 8310. The static compressive stress of your
watch is given in the bar. 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 aging over time due to a wide range of factors that 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 not only reduce water resistance but
also increase the 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 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 organize 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, 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 returned 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
08 2024
Technische Änderungen vorbehalten. Technical specifications are subject to
changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How can I ensure the water resistance of my diving watch?
- A: Our diving watches are regularly verified and certified for water resistance. Ensure that the crown is fully screwed in and avoid operating any buttons underwater to maintain water resistance.
- Q: Can I replace the straps of my watch on my own?
- A: While it is possible to replace the straps on your own, we recommend seeking professional assistance to ensure proper installation and avoid damaging the watch.