A Closer Look at the Sinn 104 St Sa
The Sinn 104 St Sa is a watch that neatly fits within the under $3,000 category but it doesn’t sacrifice on aesthetics or function. The model is suitable for casual wear but it comes across with a unique balance for a multi-functional timepiece that could easily be mistaken as busy in its appearance. The watch embodies a well-thought-out approach to the crafting of a high-quality pilot’s accessory with good looks and purpose rolled into one. The Sinn 104 is one of those unique examples that deserves a second and much closer look to appreciate all aspects of its form and function.
The case
We begin with an examination of the case which is made of stainless steel with a polished finish. The diameter is 41mm with a thickness of 11.5mm and a lug width of 20mm. The case back is also made of stainless steel with a brushed finish and engravings that give information about the mechanical workings inside. A partial section of the very center of the case back is open and sealed with a sapphire crystal to give onlookers a view of the movement and a gold-tone metallic half circle is screwed in at the center to partially occlude the mechanics. The Sinn 104 St Sa is one of those watches that you want to turn over just to show off the intricacies and careful attention to detail paid to the back of the case.
The bezel
The bezel is a minute ratcheting style in matte black with lume applied markers that show the 5-minute increments in bold white along with the individual minute indications with a lovely contrast against the black background.
The dial
The dial of the Sinn 104 St Sa is a solid black color and it sets the ideal backdrop for the three hands which are brightly colored in a smooth and bright white color providing high legibility. On the outer ring of the dial just on the interior of the bezel are the split second indicator marks along with seconds and a graduation outward to the larger seconds, minutes and hour indication markers. The Sinn name is printed in vivid white just below the 12 o’ clock position with “made in Germany” just above the 6 o’clock position. The Day and Date windows are neatly paired together in a rectangular box located at the three 0’clcock position.
The movement
The Sinn 104 is powered with a caliber SW220-1 movement which is a premium chronometer quality but is not COSC certified. It’s a self-winding movement that has anti-magnetic properties and is resistant to shock as well as low pressure. It’s a reliable movement that offers a dependable portrayal of the time. The power reserve is approximately 38 hours. The Sinn brand is displayed on the rotor which appears in the transparent sapphire crystal case back.
The strap and other features
The Sinn 104 St Sa attaches to the wrist via a dark brown calf leather strap. It is water resistant up to 200 meters. The day display alternates between English and German. We promised that the Sinn 104 St Sa would be in a price range under the $3,000 mark and we kept our promise. The watch retails for less than half of that amount at $1,300 which seems more than reasonable. It is light and comfortable on the wrist and easy to read in a variety of lighting situations, especially in dim lighting.
Final thoughts
The Sinn 104 St Sa is a robust looking pilots watch that offers the details expected in a more expensive offering. Quality and performance are hallmarks of the Sinn name. Although the 104 has design cues found in chronograph style watches, it’s not a chronograph. It offers the rotating bezel with day and date and it does so with a classic stylishness that takes a multitude of functions and arranges them in an orderly and aesthetically pleasing fashion. All things work together in a symphony of balance and useful functions. The watch is attractive in a bold and powerful fashion and it’s suitable for casual and sporty wear. Sinn is pleased to report that the 104 St Sa is one of their best selling timepieces and it’s so well received that although one of the newer additions it has already carved a place in the history of the company.
