A Sub 40mm Chronograph Built To Last - The Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph: 10 for 10 Review

[@paulhourican9032]

I've had a Sinn Flieger 356 for almost 10 years and having worn it almost every day for that time, I can honestly say its one of the best purchases I've ever made . They look amazing in real life, are super reliable and from my experience (having travelled the world with it) are durable and tough enough for true everyday use. After 8 or so years constant use, I recently sent my watch back for a full service with Sinn in Frankfurt, nothing was wrong (except the main strap clasp wouldn't lock) but I was getting worried as they advise servicing every 2-5 years and I didn't want it to breakdown :) Total cost was approx £400 and to be fair it took a while (approx 6 months) but my old friend was returned to me looking and running like new, and they even sent the old cogs and pushers they swapped out back to me with the watch. I also own an IWC Portuegese Chrono and a vintage Omega but can honestly say the Sinn Flieger 356 is an amazing timepiece and one you won't regret buying.

[@breadbutterwatches4217]

Do you have the plexi or saphhire glass? If plexi: does it look after these years?

[@paulhourican9032]

@@breadbutterwatches4217 I have the Plexi and it still looks really good to me. Sinn polished it up as part of the service (unfortunately it took a scratch around the 12 marker shortly after I got it back - always the way :) however the bonus of plexi to me is that if I do really badly scratch it I can always get it swapped out cheaper. Here's a pic of my Sinn 356 (11 years old, almost daily wear with original plexi and bracelet) against my IWC (3 years old, Sapphire crystal) and it still looks really good IMO. drive.google.com/file/d/1nK93CbJhwdCc99-CuIR7j4jF95usr_gS/view?usp=sharing

[@impact0r]

You paid 25-33% of the value of the watch for a service which took half a year and you are happy about it? Incredible.

[@paulhourican9032]

@@impact0r It's a good question that I hadn't thought about TBH - but on reflection I am happy yes. Firstly, regardless of the price of the watch there will always be fixed costs you can't avoid when sending back to the manufacturer (ie Shipping / Labour). Secondly, I'd prefer (and am fortunate enough to be able too) send the watch back to the manufacturer as I have the piece of mind (and documentation) that the only people who have ever touched it are the makers and therefore are accountable should anything go wrong (as opposed to a local independent who may close / not be helpful afterwards). Based on the total cost of the watch + service over 11 years constant user, it equates roughly to the price of going out to dinner / buying a pair of new trainers once a year which for me is an acceptable cost - not taking into account the re-sale value or enjoyment of owning. Also to note - I just quickly checked the price (www.jurawatches.co.uk/products/sinn-aviator-chronograph-356-watch-356020-bracelet-sn-017?) and it looks like the RRP has doubled in the past decade from approx £1000 to £2000 which is testament to the quality and aesthetic of the watch.

[@Peter-2704]

Loving this Sinn. Not a model I've ever paid much attention to before. Thanks Tim.

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

Aesthetically is a true wonder of pilot chronograph. Thank you so much for share it and congrats for the great vid.

[@watchgecko]

Hi Josep! Thank you for your kind words. We're glad you enjoyed this episode. Don't forget to check out the next instalment in this series coming soon!

[@Lance54689]

That is about as good as it gets. Looks great, practical size. Everything is useful, and it doesn't try to be clever by adding a tachymeter that will never get used. It is hard to find a chronograph that looks better than the Speedmaster, but I think this one does.

[@watchgecko]

Hi Lance, It really is a great timepiece! We absolutely love it in the office.

[@mijomendes1705]

100%true

[@rubenraj3387]

The most finest watch ever than some of expensive swiss. Soon will get one but for now i stick with my SNK809 SEIKO ❤💚

[@hudsontoo1212]

If I can find one new- I’m 💯 buying it. Honestly, I think I’d feel as good having that on my wrist as any watch out there. Just perfect for me

[@maxprivus]

FWIW there are good reasons to use acrylic crystal on a true flyer's watch being that they don't shatter ( crystal shards can enter the movement ) and will flex to absorb extreme variations in air pressure. They're also easier to form for a desired optical effect and less reflective - you'll notice that the sapphire option is custom ground and AR coated on both sides to achieve the same qualities. So while acrylic is easier to scratch, the need to use an external AR coating makes the sapphire version scratchable as well, and you can't polish that out of the coating.

[@Stigstigster]

I love y acrylic crystals. A couple of months ago I had a bit of a disaster at work involving a fork lift and a pallet of concrete blocks. I was wearing my Sinn 356 and badly scratched the crystal whilst hurriedly unloading the blocks after the forklift fell into a trench! I was able to polish the crystal back to near perfection. What happened would have also scratched a sapphire crystal, maybe not as badly but it would have been permanent and an expensive swap on some watches I own. The acrylic saved the day.

[@MegaRichardHoward]

Love your 10 - 10. Very factual and useful.

[@watchgecko]

That really is great to hear! we love bringing this content to you all.

[@tamimaliraqii]

Quality review, both you and “The Watch Finder” do exceptional watch reviews 💯💯

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Your videography is simply amazing - as is the watch! Keep up the great work guys! Best regards from Germany

[@watchgecko]

Thank you very much Daniel, make sure to check out our other videos :D

[@evh4611]

I Already own a Speedmaster and wonder of this Sinn would sit nicely in my collection next to the Speedy.

[@Stigstigster]

I have both. I got a Speedmaster Moonwatch back in 2003 and my Sinn 356 about a year ago. In my opinion and experience they are different enough to justify having both. The Speedmaster is a tough classic historical watch and a grail for chronograph lovers everywhere. The Sinn is a slightly more modern design and ultimately a more practical watch. With the automatic movement, 100 metre water resistance thanks to the screw down crown, day/date and chronograph function, all in 38.5mm case this is a very useful watch. The two have their similarities like the 3 sub dials and 12 hour chronograph, acrylic crystals and all steel cases but as much as I love my Speedmaster, which I will never sell, the 356 has become my firm favourite daily wearer.

[@Jbunag1]

Stigstigster do you wear it on bracelet, nato, or leather most of the time?

[@Stigstigster]

@@Jbunag1 I change between the bracelet which happens to be genuinely very comfortable, and an olive green nato, as the mood takes me. The 356 is as much a "strap monster" as the Speedmaster and is very versatile in what will suit it. The drilled lugs make removing the bracelet very quick and easy. Putting the bracelet on is a little fiddlier but you get the hang of it. I also want to try it on some leather straps.

[@davidbreckler5327]

I saw the while dial version at a road show and it left a lasting impression on me. An awesome watch! The while dial has a lot of detail.

[@watchgecko]

Hi David, that's great to hear!

[@Supercruze]

Love Sinn and the 356 Flieger on leather strap. While not a fan of Sinn bracelet design I know they are solid and well built My greatest regret is Sinn's move away from the ETA 7750 for their chronographs movements but I guess the ETA movements have become increasingly difficult to source due to their ownership by Swatch group. I own a Sinn 103 ST and absolutely love it. Sinn is a fantastic watch brand and one often overlooked by the casual watch wearer but well known by collectors. Thanks for the review.

[@watchgecko]

Thank you for the support, we hope you look forward to the next review!

[@be5952]

@Supercruze --- Although your comment was two years ago, I have to jump in here, for anyone reading it later. Although reliable and apparently easily serviceable, aren't the *Valjoux 7750 and 7751 annoyingly noisy?* And can't the wearer also *'feel' the rotor spinning around* while it's worn? I was gung ho to buy one of several watches (newbie here) all of which had either a 7750 or 7751 movement. But after reading and watching videos about the essential crudeness of these movements, I knew either one would drive me crazy. Still sad :( because I really liked having both a stopwatch and full calendar together in one timepiece. I would use both functions every single day.

[@Supercruze]

@@be5952 The Valhjoux/ETA 7750 is one of the true workhorse Swiss chronograph movements in the industry. Countless mainstream and independent watch brands use the 7750 as the basis for their in-house movements. The core might be the 7750 with the brands own chronograph module added. Others simply take the a base 7750 and decorate the bridges and add their own winding weight for brand identification. Hell, Omega uses ETA cal movements including the 7750 in some of their watches. Most notably the 7750 or variant was used in the Speedmaster Mark II re-issue a few years back. It is truly a legend in the watch movement circles. As for noise, the 7750s I own make no noise. Yes, you can sometimes and I reiterate sometimes feel the winding weight spinning if wearing on the wrist and the rotor is coaxed into a rapid winding action through some exaggerated movement of your arm. Nothing that bothers me in the least.

[@Stigstigster]

@@be5952 I have had my Sinn 356 for over 2 and a half years now. It is true that occasionally feel or hear the rotor spin and once in while a certain movement of the wrist will get it spinning like crazy, enough to give it a small but perceptible wobble, a famous hallmark of this movement. The thing is, I love that quirk! To me it just reminds me of the fact I have a tiny mechanical machine on my wrist. I do not find it annoying at all and unless I trying to make it do that on purpose and concentrating on the watch, it is seldom that I even notice it. When I do, it makes me happy for some silly reason. Everyone has their own opinion on this but I think it's not a good reason to reject a beautiful watch like the 356 and other chronographs employing this movement type. Also, you'll never need to worry about finding spares and someone to work on this movement. Finally, mine has been running at a very consistent +3 seconds per day, worn every day since I bought it. Pretty good.

[@snuffying]

sorry to revive this from the dead but 3 sec a day sounds a lot for a brand new 2000 euro watch. thats more than 10 minutes per year.. @@Stigstigster

[@autonomy_]

One of the most gorgeous watches I’ve ever seen. Grail Flieger one day.

[@Isahiyella]

Bought this one instead of the Omega Speedmaster. I really wanted a Speedmaster, but I believe that the Sinn 356 is the more handsome option, and to be frank, I am sick of Omega spinning 'First Watch On The Moon'. Its tiresome, and has really lost its charm over the years. Plus, their spokesmodel George Clooney is a douchebag.

[@krit5339]

No, see, you're dead wrong there. George Clooney is a national treasure.

[@mastermastromastello]

Well, the Sinn is a very good looking watch the speedmaster other than a very good looking watch is a legend

[@Not-a-bot222]

Speedy deserves respect but, you don’t HAVE to buy one.

[@aselvagn]

Is the watch thinner if you go with the sapphire instead of the acrylic?

[@riffswatch1559]

really enjoying this series!

[@watchgecko]

Thats great to hear, We're enjoying producing this content! We hope you enjoy the next episode in the series coming very soon.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

Wished it was around 12 to 14mm for thickness and remove the word flieger for cleaner look.

[@shipmate3577]

wish they made this with a box sapphire crystal like Longines does with their BigEye Pilot chrono.

[@TheWayofGrace89]

Watchgecko rubber Zuludiver was one of the best straps I ever owned. Excellent!

[@watchgecko]

Hi Taylor, Thats great to hear! which watch did you partner it with?

[@TheWayofGrace89]

WatchGecko skx009k

[@markyz456]

Can you order this directly from sinn? I tried but when i click add to cart im not seeing a cart?

[@andal7404]

Hello, Do you sell the bracelet? Thanks Andrew

[@razvansuta7122]

What differencees are between acrylic and saphire crystal? Visble depth effect, smaller dome or..

[@cainghorn]

I wish there was a Sinn 3-hander with this case and dial. I'd buy it in an instant.

[@nike3web]

Sinn 556A is similar. Same case size 38,5 mm and shape

[@jasgsxr2726]

Great review, love this watch.

[@watchgecko]

HI Jas, thank you for your support. It really is a great watch.

[@incargeek]

2:25 the chrono seconds hand stutters. Is that the video or the movement? Ive seen Speedmasters do it too ...

[@janesyb]

Probably just the video dropping frames during processing rather than the watch itself.

[@Stigstigster]

Mine at least has no stutter at all, unlike my Speedmaster which certainly does.

[@clo2715]

Your camera work is phenomenal.

[@lolvuzedrago]

Sinn 356 chrono vs omega speedmaster professional? What do you think which one is better?

[@dukeviper8385]

Speedmaster no doubt

[@Davve666]

Have this the same stats as the 103 except for the 200 meters water resistens?

[@photorolensoman8101]

Which one is better the Sinn 365 or Longines Avigation Bigeye?

[@wongcinghong3746]

Photoro Lensoman i have a big eye but wanted a 356 or speedmaster pro.

[@wongcinghong3746]

Both ..but will let go bigeye if I have both. Downside of bigeye lug design and slightly long lug to lug for a 41mm dia watch

[@captainblimp4133]

Its good ,like the metal case back.

[@malthus101]

So the 356 doesn't have the extra hour hand for dual-time?

[@shothorology9183]

I thought it was powered by an ETA Valjoux 7750?

[@tobias_dahlberg]

SW500 is practically a 7750 from Selitta.

[@Csibu89]

When you mention the negatives and thickness comes up, you say "if they could just shave off a few millimeters and come closer to 12-13mm", I just thought to myself, yeah well that's generally the difference between a 10k vs a 2-5k chrono. These movements are way too thick to fit in a watch that is under 14mm usually, let alone 13... You have to consider that these are pretty damn water resistant for a chrono too. At this price, you really cannot ask much more. You could maybe realistically say that they could introduce a similar technique that Tudor uses with their crystals being cut on the inside to fit the hands, and the dial being super close to the crystal with the hands having a very tight tolarence of clearance, but then again that would only save around 0.5-1mm and would cost quite a bit of money. So in this price category, I don't think it is realistic to even mention the thickness as a negative especially when you previously state that for its thickness it wears very well.

[@ronin7106]

Awesome Sinn 356 review! BTW, will it be possible for your to make a review on the Omega FOIS. Its an awesome timepiece to feature. Its a strap monster and a perfect subject to showcase your 19mm strap collections. Cheers!

[@watchgecko]

Thanks for the support! We have many videos planned. so make sure you are subscriber with the notification bell turned on. you'll be updated right away :D

[@camerontait9132]

Nice time piece and strap options.

[@watchgecko]

Hi Cameron thanks for the support! We hope you enjoy the next episode in this series too!

[@craig2100]

Well done mate, cheers, craig

[@watchgecko]

Thank you for the support as always! We hope you enjoy the next episode.

[@miravvyas]

356 utc isn't available on the website Where to get it ?

[@BrewReview]

Good luck, no longer made. The used market would be your ticket, but be prepared. Your wallet may not like what is being asked of it!

[@fantomas9240]

15,5 mm tick, with the glass or without ? This huge dome (sexy) plexy is what, 2mm high ?

[@thorsten9437]

It's with acrylic, the dome is at least 2mm tall!

[@DonAmos_stories]

Why the date of day is not more included in more expensive watches is beyond me!

[@thisisbadstuff]

That minute recorder jumps way too early...

[@TommyRibs]

A Diapal option on the 356 would be great.

[@bio-plasmictoad5311]

I love the look of these types, if I had the money I'd have a few vintage one's.

[@verykeen2please]

Sinn are making some cracking stuff

[@killerofprimes]

But where’s the watchgecko strap?

[@christianoberreiter5011]

Great review loved it!

[@watchgecko]

Hi Christian! That's great to hear, We're sure you'll enjoy the next episode too!

[@nicks6871]

you DIDN'T NOTICE a 15.5mm thick watch...?

[@legendhadi1]

I think a really thick metal slab on your wrist vs a domed crystal wear very differently, which could be why he didn't notice it too much.

[@amg231]

Always loved this watch...but this or a used speedy reduced? 🤔

[@praetor47]

i went with the Speedy Reduced 'cause imho it looks better [and is MUCH thinner!] and you can't really get any other speedy lookalike in that size [other than other smaller speedy variants, of course], particularly for that money :) and then further down the road get a nice but cheap flieger/type XX chrono 2nd hand by "lesser known" brands like Eterna or Revue Thommen for less than half the price of this Sinn

[@amg231]

praetor47 ya I think I am pretty much set on a speedy reduced. Looking at some on the used market and it’s surprisingly more affordable than I thought

[@christianoberreiter5011]

I own a sinn 356 sa, my father a speedy reduced. Both great watches i think you cant choose wrong here

[@watchgecko]

Two great watches! It's great to hear what you all would choose.

[@sledgehammerlion]

I’m going to buy this in about a month.

[@tajger99]

Did you buy it? 😀

[@sledgehammerlion]

@@tajger99 yes! It’s a great watch. There was still this itch though that I couldn’t scratch until I bought a Tudor BB 36. Now I don’t really wear the 356. 😐

[@Ten.to.one.handmade]

@@sledgehammerlion how much do you wear the 356 now? Presume you’ve got over the honeymoon period of the bb36

[@ademerarslan3464]

My only criticism is its thickness and arms are not for me, apart from that it is a nice watch.

[@NathanChisholm041]

The Sinn 356 look nice but on my 8.5 inch wrist would look wrong!!

[@MrNomadness]

Nathan Chisholm look up Sinn 358, same look but it’s 42mm in diameter

[@he214abc]

beautiful

[@joseph_432]

12-13mm - are you sure that is physically possible given the case, glass, and 7750? I'm thinking you are asking for something that cannot be done.

[@jaredmatthews9403]

Would look good in a panda!

[@tantu2395]

This is a better choice compared to Longines big eyes.

[@riseuplight]

Sean bean?

[@AntoDoppiaH]

Bought this beautiful watch for my 25 birthday

[@Stigstigster]

You made a great choice! I got mine for my 40th last year and despite having a few good watches to choose from, I wear this 356 the most. The honeymoon period has still not worn off after nearly a year. It's such a well designed and quality piece and you don't see them being worn, a very niche watch that mostly only "watch people" seem to know about. How did you find out about them in the first place?

[@AntoDoppiaH]

Stigstigster for every single thing i would buy i made a very narrow research, i’m very picky with all the feature, the watch has to be just perfect for my mentality, i see that the flieger and field watch are my favourite design, general look and concept, so the choice it was almost easy ahah, sorry for my bad English. Perfect choice for your 40th birthday wear it in good health!

[@Stigstigster]

@@AntoDoppiaH I'm just like you! I research everything I buy in great detail too. Another thing the same is I also mainly love Fliegers and chronographs and field style watches. The year before last I bought a Hamilton Khaki 38mm Field watch and I really like that one too. The Hamilton is very good value for money, well made and with an 80 hour power reserve! Mine also keeps good time at just -1 or -2 seconds per day! Not bad for a watch in the 300 euro range! The "love of my life" has been my Moonwatch I bought nearly 20 years ago. Only the Sinn has been able to keep it off my wrist for more than a few days. Your English is fine by the way. Very good!

[@AntoDoppiaH]

Stigstigster try to search Myers and Bryggs ENTJ, we share the same view and processing the information, I just LOVE the Hamilton khaki 38mm mechanical and surely will be my next watch, btw my grail watch is the A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph, the moonwatch is a great watch but don’t like the non screw down crown

[@volpicar]

@it's immaterial, has acrylic glass resisted scratches well since you bought it?

[@NbgdStyler63]

14mm thick... is that too thick ?? :) thanks

[@Stigstigster]

It really does still wear well. It's not a dress watch but it's not looking stupidly tall in real life on the wrist either. It disappears under a casual shirt cuff no problem but I think it might struggle with a dress shirt. Fortunately I only wear that kind of shirt maybe once or twice a year. I'm a plumber by trade and this watch is holding up well. I only take it off if I'm grinding something or doing a particularly awkward job with my hands inside a difficult workspace. Other than that I forget it's there until I need to use it. The chronograph function comes in handy for timing flow rates, cylinder recovery times, pressure testing times, disinfection times on storage cisterns and timing jobs for my time sheet. Very useful piece.

[@AcmeRocket]

Its 15.5 mm 😯

[@TommyRibs]

The Narrator sounds like Sean Bean.

[@watchgecko]

:D

[@Capidiego1]

Water resist?

[@evh4611]

Good question

[@lal3061]

a thin outer ceramic bezel with a tachymetric scale would have fited it perfectly

[@Ktc99999-b]

No tachymeter

[@Ktc99999-b]

Same year the omega triple date was borned

[@HoodMaxi]

This or the Sinn 103??? hmm ...

[@budoylanzon1852]

Depends on your personality. Are you a larger than life persona? Get the 103. Are you of a constrained character? Get the 356. And it should also depend on your wrist size. If you have small wrists, Id say get the 356..

[@danielrodriguezsaenz]

Check the Hamilton Khaki Chrono 38 mm, exactly the same watch for a third of the price!!!

[@laurensuyttendaele481]

There's a lot of technologies in the Sinn that you do not get with the Hamilton. And the Hamilton retails at 1.7k. The Sinn starts at 1.7 too. You get a better watch for the same with the SInn. Hammy can't compete. Also, the Hamilton is 42mm.

[@danielrodriguezsaenz]

Laurens Uyttendaele they have the same movement, I don’t know what technologies are you talking about, check the Hammy H71416137, if you can find it really costs a third of the Sinn, don’t get me wrong I know Sinn are great watches, I’m talking about this specific wartch

[@laurensuyttendaele481]

@@danielrodriguezsaenz look on their website, things like shock resistance, accuratcy, how good it handles fluids of different PH levels. It's quite amazing.

[@danielrodriguezsaenz]

Laurens Uyttendaele check the Hammy is 38 mm not 42, and you will have another $1000 for your next watch, I’ll definitely will check Sinn’s page, I love the 104 but it’s to big fir me

[@laurensuyttendaele481]

@@danielrodriguezsaenz mate that's not a Chrono.

[@가동민-u5b]

I want Korean subtitles

[@Indyskater1011]

Deployant

[@jeeperspeepers8323]

Oh, if only the Selitta factory burned to the ground! If it does, the party’s at my house!

[@shothorology9183]

Charles Smith couldn’t agree more!

[@christianoberreiter5011]

I happen to own a sinn 356 sa with the selitta movement. Mine is about +0,5sec a day. Yes it is an eta clone but when it performs like this i couldnt care less. I dont think it is worse than a valjoux. Selitta uses cutting edge production methods and produce, in my opinion a good product attempting to tackle the swatch groups bottleneck in movement supply

[@Billeh556]

Christian Oberreiter exactly. So lame some watch “enthusiasts” 🙄🙄🙄

[@ripperx444]

This is an IWC copy common

[@LinhTran-gf5yv]

Too thick

[@Stigstigster]

The smooth curves do help a fair bit. It is quite tall but it doesn't snag on my cuffs at all. Very comfortable to wear too. The height is more of an aesthetic issue than a practical inconvenience and I like the presence on the wrist but everyone is different when it comes to such preferences of course.

[@danielashleybaker]

Kinda thicc

[@auxiliary4023]

I don't agree with your comment on the size..The 358 was the original Sinn model at 42mm not the 356 at 38mm. It was made that larger size for a good reason, which was legibility. I have a 8+ wrist as do many men I know, not a scrawny sub six as many young men today have due to never doing any manual work even as a child, (such as pushing a lawnmower to earn pocket money) I've noticed that many popular models across many brands are being produced in both sizes to appeal to both the men and todays adult boys.. They make watches large for a reason. 😉

[@SenerS10]

Sinn should decrease their prices. They are not high end.

[@Kacper_Wierzchos]

I would not spend more than 500$ for anything powered by a Sellita movement..

[@praba991ify]

Why ????