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The Watch Community’s Burning Questions Answered About The Handsome New Sinn 103 Classic 12

Editor’s note: We recently reviewed the new Sinn 103 Classic 12, and you can check out that review here. But post its release, we noticed a number of queries from watch enthusiasts. So we sat down with the brand, and have some answers for you. Hope this helps… And yes, we also have more pictures for you too. 

Sinn 103 Classic 12

What are the basic measurements (incl. lug-to-lug)?

42mm diameter, 17mm thick, 47.5mm lug-to-lug, 20mm interhorn spacing, 88g weight without strap

Sinn 103 Classic 12

Will a bracelet fit?

Yes, we have confirmed with the brand, and a 103-series bracelet will fit. Sadly, the 104-series bracelet even though is polished to match the case of the new Sinn 103 Classic 12 features different (height) end-links and will not fit.

Sinn 103 Classic 12

Why choose the name – Sinn 103 Classic 12? 

  • Sinn 103 is the series; 
  • Classic refers to the re-issue of the 1960s original Sinn 103 Compax models that followed alongside the design of the LeCoultre and Mathey-Tissot chronographs of the time that featured the 3,6,9 tri-compax layout;
  • 12 is a nod to the brand using for the first time a ceramic bezel insert that features second time zone display on a 12-hour basis with hour ratcheting
Sinn 103 Classic 12

Why so thick?

The 1960s original Sinn 103 Compax measured around the 12mm mark, while the new Sinn 103 Classic 12 is quite chunky, coming in at 17mm thickness. For a lot of people, not only is this on the larger side, but also puzzling as watches with similar movements are available with slimmer bodies.

Sinn 103 Classic 12 6
Sinn 103 Classic 12 5

My first reaction was maybe it’s due to the fact that this features a display case-back. But that’s not why. The brand across the 103 series has a thicker profile, purely thanks to the 3.65mm thick sapphire crystal. And that’s the measurement on top of the bezel. 

So while it might have a hard time slipping under the cuff, visually, given its a transparent crystal, and the watch case is only 47.4mm lug-to-lug, it should not look obtrusive even on the slimmer wrists. 

Sinn 103 Classic 12

What movement and why not the original’s hand-wound?

The Sinn 103 Classic 12 uses the Sellita SW510 movement with a Sinn personalised rotor. The originals used hand-wound movements such as Valjoux 72, and the simple reason for not using those is that the brand’s present portfolio doesn’t feature hand-wound movements currently. Since the brand relies on ETA and Sellita movements, the SW510 has been used to replicate the original’s 3,6,9 counter layout. 

Sinn 103 Classic 12

The SW510 features 27 jewels, 4Hz frequency, anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309, offers only a date complication, and provides decent higher power reserve of ~60-hours.

Why only 600-pieces?

Just like in 2011 Sinn released a very similar reverse panda 103 (with a modified Valjoux 7750) LE of 500-pieces for its 50th anniversary, so to celebrate the brands’s 60th anniversary, we have the Sinn 103 Classic 12 in 600 pieces worldwide

Sinn 103 Classic 12

Why the screw down pushers?

Because Sinn is fundamentally a practical tool watch company and when it issues a timepiece with 200m water-resistance, it wants to make sure it does the job. And also the brand informs us that all their 103 series watches have screw-down crowns and they would like to maintain the uniformity 

Sinn 103 Classic 12

What Is the cost?

The Australian RRP is 4’650 AUD (incl. GST)

Sinn 103 Classic 12

When are more Sinn novelties being released?

Sinn is now a part of Baselworld 2022, so you can expect more in March next year.

Sinn 103 Classic 12

Well, that’s that 

The Sinn 103 Classic 12 is a fantastic remake; it is modern yet features classic features; it is bold but thanks to the under 50mm lug-to-lug is not huge; features a highly legible black electroplated dial with sunburst decoration and rhodium-plated appliqués coated with luminescent colours; comes in a fine case with a dark green strap of wild boar leather and an additional cowhide strap with alligator embossing in black; matches the date wheel to the dial colour; and most importantly, looks cool while not breaking the bank. 

Sinn 103 Classic 12 7

Hope these answers helped in your quest to acquire this watch and if you wish to read more about the new Sinn 103 Classic 12, please check out our review here.

Sinn 103 Classic 12

To find out more about other Sinn watches, please head to their website here. All images unless otherwise stated are © Sinn / Copyright Sinn Spezialuhren. 

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