Germans are all about standards. This March, a new German standard for pilot’s watches was published: DIN 8330 Horology which is similar to the TESTAF (Technischer Standard Fliegeruhren) guidelines. The first and so far the only German watchmaker to pass the stringent criteria and requirements is Sinn Spezialuhren zu Frankfurt. German DIN standards (the Deutsches Institut für Normung, or “German Institute for Standardization”) are well respected and known for the quality and the series of their certifications. The new DIN 8330 standard is for pilot’s watches, while DIN 8306 is for diving timepieces.
Sinn DIN 8330 Watches
A world renowned manufacturer of high class pilot and aviation watches has just unveiled a trio of new pilot watches: Sinn 103 Ti IFR, Sinn 103 Ti UTC IFR, and Sinn 857 UTC VFR. They are all purpose-built and officially certified to be functionally safe and reliable in the cockpit.
Sinn DIN 8330 Watches – Sinn 103 Ti IFR and Sinn 103 Ti UTC IFR
Sinn’s new DIN 8330 watches have been tested to resist thermal shock in temperatures spanning –45°C up to +80°C, as well as to be water resistant up to 200 meters, but the scope of watches that can chase the new certificate has been expanded to include quartz timepieces, which is a main difference between DIN and TESTAF certification. Also, various testing criteria have been strengthened and a new test was also developed specially for DIN 8330, which subjects the timepieces to repeated, prolonged air pressure changes that simulate the differences between pressures at sea level and those inside a pressurized cockpit.
The first DIN 8330 certified watch is the Sinn 103 Ti IFR which is based on one of the most famed and iconic watches of the German manufacturer, the 103 St. Compared to the original model, it has been slightly modified and reworked. For instance, the new chronograph is housed in a matte titanium case which measures 41mm in diameter and 17mm in thickness. The case incorporates a rotating bezel, with a 60 minutes scale printed in an anti-clockwise way. It cannot be used as a timer, but only as a countdown.
Sinn DIN 8330 Watch 103Sinn DIN 8330 Watch – 103 TI UTC IFR – Night
Underneath the front sapphire glass lies a matte black dial with highly luminous and large hands and a slightly different display when compared to its predecessor (for example, it gets rid of the 12-hour counter at the 6 o’clock position). The beating heart of the watch is a classical Valjoux 7750 with a date function. The retail price starts from $2,630 for the versions mounted on a leather strap, and $2,990 for the model attached to the bracelet.
Sinn DIN 8330 Watch 103Sinn DIN 8330 Watch – 103 TI UTC IFR – Back
The second version of this trio, the Sinn 103 Ti UTC IFR, features the same titanium case. The key difference between the two is in their functionality. While the first features only a chronograph function, the latter is also equipped with a UTC function. The second time-zone is shown by a centrally mounted gray hand. The variant with a leather strap can be purchased for $3,220, while the bracelet model is priced $3,580.
Sinn DIN 8330 Watch – 857 UTC VFR
The last member in the Sinn DIN 8330 range is a non-chronograph watch dubbed the 857 UTC VFR. This interesting novelty features a rotating pilot bezel and a UTC/second time-zone function. It is housed in a sturdy, stainless steel case measuring 43mm in diameter and 12mm in thickness. The sporty case is treated with TEGIMENT Technology. It is a chemical process that hardens the surface layer of the steel to circa 1200 vickers (the normal steel is approximately 220 vickers).
Sinn DIN 8330 Watch – 857 UTC VFR – Steel Bracelet
The matte black dial comprises large Arabic numerals colored in white. In the center of the dial there is an orange 24-hour scale which shows a second time-zone via an orange arrow hand. The 857 UTC VFR is powered with ETA 2893-2 automatic movement. The price for the version teamed up with the leather strap is $2,390, while the model attached to a steel bracelet is priced at $2,670.
Sinn DIN 8330 Watch – 857 UTC VFR – Back
The new Sinn watches can be ordered via their official website. It is expected to be delivered during the 4th quarter of 2016.
