A WELLORDERED CELEBRATION

Sinn celebrated 25 years of its model 356 by introducing a handsome version of this pilots' chronograph that has a symmetrical dial with a subtle colour gradient

- Jens Koch

Model 356 has been part of Sinn’s collection since 1998. This classic pilots’ chronograph with a moderate diameter of 38.5mm has set the style for many other watches. The Frankfurt-based company celebrated this model’s anniversary by launching three new versions with symmetrical bicompax dials and without date displays. In addition to the model we tested here, there is also a ‘panda’ version with a white dial and black subdials, as well as a limited-edition variant with an anthracite-coloured dial and silvercoloured counters.

The symmetrical dial layout and the absence of a date window make the 356 clearer and more attractive. Sinn’s dials usually rely on the Valjoux layout, with subdials at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, plus a date display and, where applicable, the day of the week, displayed in a window at 3 o’clock. These new variants don’t have the same range of functions as the classic 356.

Of the three new models, the one we like best is also the variant that we scrutinised for this test feature. It has black grooved subdials on a silky matte dial that gradually changes colour from black to anthracite. Beigecoloured luminous material contributes to the retro look of the hands. And this colour scheme also explains what the final three letters in the model’s name mean—AS E, which stands for ‘Anthrazit-Schwarz und elfenbeinfarbene Leuchtmasse’, which is German for ‘anthracite black and ivorycoloured luminous material’.