Sinn 158 Limited Edition Watch Review
Friday - 16 April 2021
Sinn have revived a little-known relic from its history, the “Bundeswehr Chronograph For Pilots” for its latest re-edition, the Sinn 158. The limited edition of 500 pieces revives a legendary military chronograph from the German watch manufacturer’s archives, known under two references: the 1550 SG when made my Heuer or the 155 Bw when engineered by Sinn.
The History of the Sinn Bundeswehr
Known as the ‘wristwatch with double stopwatch’ by the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces during the 1960’s, the original Sinn 158 was designed for military pilots and was initially conceived by a company called Leonidas. This company was later brought out by Heuer who manufactured the first Heuer-Leonidas SA 1550 SG watch, shortened to the Heuer 1550 SG. It’s rugged, military pilot’s aesthetic incorporated a flyback function and hacking feature, a large black rotating bezel and the Valjoux manual-wind calibre 222 with a power reserve of 36 hours.
It wasn’t until during the 1980’s, however, that German watch manufacturer Sinn got involved. Founder of Sinn, Helmut Sinn, decided to purchase several phased-out watches from the inventories of the Bundeswehr and reconditioned them with added Sinn lettering on the dial. It was here that the Sinn military chronograph was launched under the label ‘Bundeswehr Chronograph for Pilots’ as model 155 Bw. It was sold only in very limited quantities during this time and is now one of the most sought-after collector’s watches in the company’s history. Those still seeking its vintage appeal may just be satisfied with the new Sinn 158 Limited Edition watch.
The Sinn 158 Limited Edition
The design of the new Sinn 158 Limited Edition is thankfully very much in keeping with its historic ancestor. The bead blasted case still measures to 43mm in diameter, a size that was considered overly large back in the 80’s, but now seems very much appropriate for modern day wrists. The case also measures to 15.15mm in thickness and features the familiar black matte coated adonised aluminium pilots bezel with bi-directional rotating capability and a 60 minute scale. Even the glass, which we would have expected to be improved to modern sapphire crystal, remains the same as domed shock-resistant acrylic.
Like all of Sinn’s legendary pilots instruments, past and present, a large winding crown equips the case at 3 o’clock alongside two push pieces for controlling the chronograph complication on the matte black dial. Again, the dial is remarkably close to its 1960’s counterpart dressed in black with a classic bi-compax display. At 9 o’clock sits a subsidiary dial for small seconds and a 30 minutes counter is placed at 3 o’clock. Some of its most notable updates include a date window at 6 o’clock, a more detailed minutes track and white luminous hands to replace the beige colour of the original. The chronograph seconds hand has also opted for a bright red colouring, giving the Sinn 158 Limited Edition a slightly sportier and more contemporary feel.
Housed within the Sinn 158 Limited Edition is the SW 510 automatic winding calibre produced by movement manufacture Sellita. It’s horizontal bi-compax layout and central stopwatch seconds display is paired with classic central hands for hours and minutes and a power reserve of 48 hours. The Swiss made movement also delivers 27 jewels, beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and is kept protected by a screw down case back which meets the technical requirements for waterproofness, as set out in standard DIN 8310, to 100 metres.
There are a total of 500 Sinn 158 Limited Edition watches being produced, each beautifully engraved with their own unique limited edition marking on the case back. If you’d like to order your own Sinn 158 watch or learn more about the interest free finance and free next day delivery available, head over to the Jura Watches website here or get in touch with the team on 01335 453453.
Specifications: Sinn 158 Limited Edition Watch
- Case Size: 43mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Bi-directional, 60 minute scale
- Glass: Shock-resistant acrylic
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Screw down
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: SW 510, self-winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, central chronograph seconds, small seconds, 30 minutes counter, date
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Jewels: 27
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Matte black with luminescent hands and numerals
- Strap: Available on several leather, textile or rubber straps
- RRP: £2,575
- Release Date: Available now
- Limited Edition: 500 pieces
