Sinn 356 Pilot Classic 25th Anniversary Collection

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of its 356 Pilot collection, German watch manufacturer Sinn has unveiled a captivating trio of timepieces that exemplify the brand's commitment to precision and functional design. This exclusive collection comprises three chronograph models, each offering a unique interpretation of the classic 356 Pilot watch. Among them, the 356 Pilot Classic Anniversary, limited to just 500 pieces, stands as a true collector's item, while the 356 Pilot Classic AS E and 356 Pilot Classic W models offer enthusiasts the opportunity to own a regular edition timepiece that embodies the essence of Sinn's horological expertise.

With a rich heritage and a steadfast reputation for excellence, Sinn has consistently delivered timepieces that embody precision, functionality, clean and minimalistic aesthetics. Renowned for its exceptional tool watches, Sinn has become the trusted choice for professionals across various fields, including aviation, special forces and rescue services, not only in Germany but also around the world.

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 the 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary model. For the first time in this model series, Sinn has exquisitely decorated the dial at six o’clock with the unmistakable ‘FLIEGER KLASSIK’ lettering as a special tribute. As a counterpart to this, the SINN logo has been attached 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, Sinn 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 – available in a fine case 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, Sinn developed an elegant and slimmer version of its 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 Sinn to include the chronograph in its 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 Sinn's 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.

356 PILOT Classic AS E and 356 PILOT Classic W

Bead-blasted stainless-steel case, shock-proof acrylic glass and solid back: three features of Sinn 356 PILOT Classic AS E and 356 PILOT Classic W anniversary models build a bridge to a watch that established this series 25 years ago. 1998 saw the launch of the 356 PILOT model with exactly this equipment.

Unlike the timepiece in the beginning, the 356 PILOT Classic AS E is equipped with a special complication. This refers to the bicompax arrangement of the black, electroplated matt-silk counters. As an appreciative expression of 25 steadfast years, we have enhanced the dials at six o’clock with the unmistakable lettering ‘FLIEGER KLASSIK’, which is also a novelty in this series.

For the dial was chosen an exciting, matt-silk colour gradient from anthracite to black. The hands for hours, minutes and stopwatch seconds are the perfect match: they are rhodium-plated, bead-blasted compatible to the case and lined with luminous ivory-coloured paint. A shade that is consistently reflected in the ten digits. The small seconds and 30-minute stopwatch are also rhodium-plated and create a balanced coherence with their matt-silk anthracite-coloured design.

The matt-silk white dial of the 356 PILOT Classic W model embodies timeless elegance paired with clarity. Perfectly combined with this, the hands for the hour, minute and stopwatch second are shiny black and, like the twelve indices, filled with bright luminous colour.

The watch is powered by a high-precision mechanical movement with an increased power reserve of over 56 hours.

Technical specifications

Sinn 356 Pilot Classic Anniversary

Reference: 356 Pilot Classic Anniversary

Limited edition of 500 pieces

Case

• Material: Stainless steel, satinized
• Diameter: 38.5 mm
• Thickness: 15.6 mm
• Band lug width: 20 mm
• Glass: Sapphire crystal glass in front, anti-reflective on both sides
• Transparent case back made of sapphire crystal glass, anti-reflective on the interior
• Crown screwable
• Water-resistant to 100 meters

Dial and hands

• Anthracite electroplated dial
• Numbers coated with luminescent colour
• Hour, minute and stopwatch second hand coated with luminescent colour

Movement

• Caliber SW 510
• Self-winding mechanism
• Number of jewels: 27
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Seconds stop function
• Anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds
• Chronograph
• Scale for displaying a quarter of a second for short-time measurement

Strap and buckle

• Nubuck boar leather, grey
• Nubuck boar leather, sand-coloured
• Stainless steel buckle

MSRP

• EUR 2'990

Technical specifications

Sinn 356 Pilot Classic AS E

Reference: 356 Pilot Classic AS E

Case

• Material: Stainless steel, bead-blasted
• Diameter: 38.5 mm
• Thickness: 15.6 mm
• Band lug width: 20 mm
• Glass: Acrylic glass in front
• Case back screw-fastened
• Crown screwable
• Water-resistant to 100 meters

Dial and hands

• Matt-silk dial with a color gradient from anthracite to black
• Numbers coated with luminescent colour
• Hour, minute and stopwatch second hand coated with luminescent colour

Movement

• Caliber SW 510
• Self-winding mechanism
• Number of jewels: 27
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Seconds stop function
• Anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds
• Chronograph
• Scale for displaying a quarter of a second for short-time measurement

Strap and buckle

• Stainless steel bracelet
• Nubuck boar leather strap

MSRP

• EUR 2'390 (leather strap)
• EUR 2'615 (solid bracelet)

Technical specifications

Sinn 356 Pilot Classic W

Reference: 356 Pilot Classic W

Case

• Material: Stainless steel, bead-blasted
• Diameter: 38.5 mm
• Thickness: 15.6 mm
• Band lug width: 20 mm
• Glass: Acrylic glass in front
• Case back screw-fastened
• Crown screwable
• Water-resistant to 100 meters

Dial and hands

• Matt-silk white dial
• Indices coated with luminescent colour
• Hour, minute and stopwatch second hand coated with luminescent colour

Movement

• Caliber SW 510
• Self-winding mechanism
• Number of jewels: 27
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Seconds stop function
• Anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds
• Chronograph
• Scale for displaying a quarter of a second for short-time measurement

Strap and buckle

• Stainless steel bracelet
• Leather strap

MSRP

• EUR 2'390 (leather strap)
• EUR 2'615 (solid bracelet)

For more information, please visit sinn.de