Sinn is a reputable company that manufactures navigational watches and pilot chronographs since the 1960s.
It’s a brand known for creating absolutely desirable and highly wearable timepieces.
So, if you’re looking for a pilot chronograph watch that’s different from the usual brands and styles you see around, the Sinn 356 is a great option to consider.
History Of The Sinn 356 Pilot Watch
The Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph is known for its durability and high-level craftsmanship that’s seen only on luxury watches.
What’s surprising is that the Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph isn’t anywhere near as expensive as timepieces from luxury brands, making it a highly coveted accessory for budget buyers.
The thick profile of the Sinn 356 is reminiscent of the vintage pilot chronographs from the 1990s, although it may not be much of a good thing today when people are looking for more compact wrist accessories.
Design and Movement
The Sinn 356 has a stainless steel case that measures 38.5mm wide and 15.5mm thick.
It has a bead-blasted finish that matches the rugged design of the watch.
It gives you a sense of security that the watch can take on bumps and scratches without leaving a trace on it.
It has a screw-down case back that contributes to the reliability of the watch even when submerged underwater up to a depth of 100 meters.
Even though this feature is not necessary for a 100-meter water resistance rating, it’s a welcome addition that defines how Sinn takes serious care of the quality of their watches.
The watch has drilled lugs to make it easier to switch straps.
You can use stainless steel, leather, or NATO strap and the watch will still look great and classy.
The Sinn 356 has a stepped bezel that makes the watch look tougher than the ordinary casual watch.
It also has angular crown guards that add flair to the watch’s rugged look.
Since it’s basically a pilot watch, it’s not surprising to see large hour markers, oversized buttons, and well-defined edges.
The black matte dial of the standard Sinn 356 is contrasted by the white markers for enhanced legibility.
It has large Arabic numeral hour markers and syringe-shaped hands that are generously filled with luminous material to ensure they glow brightly under low-light conditions.
On the 3 o’clock position, you’ll find a huge day-date window that’s easy to see at a glance.
The chronograph subdials have a clean design that’s easy to read.
They’re slightly embedded into the main dial to give a subtle contrast that emphasizes their function.
They feature 60-second, 60-minute, and 12-hour scales that are useful for accurate time measurements.
The dial is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal instead of a sapphire one as the former gives the watch a look complementing the overall aesthetic of the timepiece.
The Sinn 356 is powered by a Sellita calibre SW 500 automatic movement.
The movement has a 44-hour power reserve, which is around the average of automatic watches nowadays.
Talking Points
Here are some points to consider that will help you decide whether you should buy the Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph or not.
Variants
The Sinn 356 is available in two variants: the standard stock and the limited-edition model.
Sinn’s 40th anniversary was celebrated with the announcement of releasing limited-edition watches, including the Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph.
The no-frills model is limited to a hundred pieces, so it’s not that easy to find nowadays.
The limited-edition model features a dial with an aged finish, while the standard stock has a plain black and white theme.
The subdials of the standard Sinn 356 have plain colors, while the one found on the limited-edition models have concentric circles to emphasize their presence.
Aside from these differences, everything else is the same between the two variants.
Legibility
Despite the smaller size of the watch compared to other chronograph timepieces, it’s easy to read everything on the watch face.
The time, the date aperture, and the chronograph subdials are all very visible at a glance.
You don’t have to squint or spend a few seconds more to read what the watch is telling you.
Comfortability
Although the quality of the bracelet is exceptional, there are still some areas that can be improved.
One is the clunky and stiff buckle.
This is acceptable for a heavy-duty watch but switching to a leather strap may be the better option if you want to wear the watch for a long time.
The watch is quite heavy on the wrist.
It’s comfortable to wear, but you’ll feel its weight especially when you wear the watch for prolonged periods.
Questions About The Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph Watch
Is the Sinn 356 water-resistant?
Yes.
The Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph is water-resistant up to a depth of 100 meters.
It has a solid, screw-down case back which might be overkill since this isn’t a diver’s watch.
Can you adjust the links of the Sinn 356?
Yes, but you might need special tools.
The use of Allen keys on the link suit the Sinn 356’s style, but they make it harder for you to change the links on your own.
A standard screw would have sufficed for this, but Sinn just wants to make your life more challenging.
How much does the Sinn 356 cost?
The Sinn 356 is priced around $1,950 to $2,800, depending on the variant you’re buying.
For this price range, you can consider it a steal because the overall quality of the watch is on par with more expensive watches belonging to luxury brands.
Conclusion
The Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph is an attractive piece of work, celebrating Sinn’s contribution in the horological industry.
It represents the functionality, craftsmanship, and overall quality of Sinn’s watches.
However, the Sinn 356 lacks any significant impact that makes it stand out among its peers.
It doesn’t have the usual elements found in more notable watch brands, but that’s acceptable since this watch aims to cater to more budget-oriented users.
The Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph is a must-have for collectors and avid fans of the brand.
Its rugged design and useful complications help the watch manage its retro-modern appearance.
