Sinn is a cult brand with a unique quality (ok, several) – each of their watches also has a cult following. Are you a 556-head" A U1 kind-of-guy" No" How about a 103-fiend" Or, do you like the 70s vibe of the 144 the most" No matter what, there?s a Sinn line you can geek out over, as over the years each line has had several to dozens of variations and special editions created under it. But, there?s been one model that has felt somewhat ignored over the last several years. A line that is actually a bit of a favorite around at Worn & Wound and on my perennial ?someday I?ll pick one up? list – the 356, Sinn?s most compact automatic chronograph.
At 38.5 x 46mm for a long, long time, the 356 was one of the smallest automatic, or even mechanical, chronographs you could find for a reasonable price. Powered by the venerable Valjoux 7750, it blended a classic military pilot chronograph layout, one that pulled from Type 20s and the like, with a case that felt more like a field watch in its size and stripped-down appearance. The result was rugged, understated, and altogether charming. Check out our review from 2014.
While variations of the 356 exist or have existed, including different crystal options, a stunning model with a salmon stamped-guilloche dial, and an elusive 12-hour UTC model, it?s not a line that has gotten much attention recently. This is why today?s announcement, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 356 with three n...