In this series, the editorial staff of Chronos Japan give their impressions of popular models and discuss them. This time, the four editors - Editor-in-Chief Masamasa Hirota, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Yukiya Suzuki, Hosoyan (aka Yuto Hosoda), and newcomer Yasunori Doi - give their own honest reviews of the Sinn 103.
Text by Yoshiko Agata
Article published on December 18, 2022
This is the current model in a series that has been around for over 50 years since the brand's founding. With changes to the crystal and bezel specifications and the introduction of a SUG case, the quality of the exterior has been improved, as well as scratch resistance. Since 2018, Ar-Dry Technology, which keeps the inside of the watch dry, has become standard equipment. Automatic winding (Cal. ETA7750). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 41mm, thickness 17mm). Water resistant to 20 bar. Price: 484,000 yen (tax included).
How has Sinn's classic model, the 103, evolved?
Hosoda
This time, we're looking at the beloved Sinn. Needless to say, Hakase is a 103 fan, Yukiya has been introducing Sinn since his previous job (at a publishing company with close ties to Sinn), and the first watch I bought when I joined the Chronos editorial team was a Sinn. Of all the Sinn watches, the 103 is undoubtedly the most iconic. Now, I'm taking another look at the new 103, and I've chosen the "103.B.SA.AUTO."
Hirota
The 103 I used and loved had a plastic crystal and solid back case. Well, it's still available today as the 103.B.AUTO, but the case thickness of the model with the plastic crystal is 15.5mm, while this one is 17mm. It's also 14g heavier than the model with the plastic crystal.
(I.e.
The plastic crystal is lighter, but the sapphire crystal is less susceptible to scratches. The head is a little heavy, but adjusting the bracelet can improve the wearing comfort.
The quality of the bracelet has improved dramatically!
Doi
The quality of the bracelets in the Sinn collection has improved overall, but I think the balance of the 103 is significantly better.
HirotaYes. It's not the same crappy brace I had before (laughs).
HosodaAlso, the link adjustment is now done with a hexagonal screw instead of a pin. There are screw holes on both sides, and all you have to do is turn it with two regular hexagonal screws, which I thought was really easy.
DoiMost common screw-fastening types require the use of a flathead screwdriver, but if you're not used to using a flathead screwdriver, it can slip out of place and scratch the bracelet, or if you use the wrong size screwdriver, you can strip the screw, so I think this is a good idea.
HosodaThe links have screw holes on both sides, so they are more susceptible to pressure. The downside is that they make the links thicker. So, while it's unlikely to be used in a high-end watch, it's fine for a tough watch like this.
(I.e.The 103 also has a thick head, so the thick bracelet balances it out both visually and wearingly.
HosodaThe biggest change to the 103 is that the case is now made by the German case manufacturer SUG. The case no longer looks sagging. SUG was hit hard by the 2002 floods, and Mr. Schmidt apparently acquired a large number of shares at that time.
HirotaIt really has gotten better.
HosodaOf course, the relaxed feel of the 103 is also lovely, but this is definitely a 21st century watch.
(I.e.The overall product is sturdy and solid. It also contains Sinn Technology dry capsules and rare gases, which makes it stable inside the case.
HirotaI have nothing to say. The bezel on the plastic crystal model is made entirely of aluminum, so it wears off easily, but the sapphire crystal crystal has a stainless steel frame, so it's less likely to wear off. I think that's a good thing.
HosodaAlso, this is a specially bonded bezel that is firmly screwed down, so it won't come off even if the air pressure changes.
HirotaSimple and sturdy!
