The 103 Ti UTC IFR is a pilot’s chronograph by Sinn, complying to the new German standard DIN 8330 for pilot’s watches. It’s a fine combination of features, with time functions given optimum legibility by means of a simple layout and a judicious use of SuperLuminova. The chronograph can likewise be used in low light conditions, with SuperLuminova on the central chronograph seconds hand, and the chronograph minutes counter at 12 o’clock. There is no chronograph hours subdial, but its functions can be performed by the rotating bezel, even though the numbers on the bezel make it better suited for a countdown. An extra hand with grey finish provides a second time zone, though without any indication of day or night.
The watch is very robust, with a bead-blasted titanium case 41 mm in diameter and 17 mm thick. It weighs 69 grams (excluding strap), kept relatively light by virtue of the titanium structure. With screw-down crown and screw-in caseback, it reaches a water resistance of 20 bar, 200 metres, so it will withstand rain, splashes, and light surface swimming. The watch’s technical characteristics are certified by DIN 8330, and include dial legibility by day and by night, easy operation while wearing gloves, accuracy at room temperature and at ranges between -15°C and 55°C, resistance to low pressure and cyclic pressure changes, resistance to aerospace liquids such as fuel, lubricants and de-icing fluid, resistance to vibration, shock, centrifugal force and magnetic fields. Even the strap is tested for strength.
The watch contains a small capsule of copper sulphate, visible through a small sapphire crystal window on the side of the watch. This absorbs any humidity. The colour of the copper sulphate darkens as the chemical becomes saturated. The capsule can them simply be replaced.
Valjoux 7750 movement
The movement is the self-winding Valjoux 7750, running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, 4 Hertz, with the stop-seconds function for accurate time setting. All adjustments are made from the crown, which winds the watch in the first position, changes the date in the second position, rotating clockwise, and adjusts the second time zone by rotating anti-clockwise. Time is adjusted in the third position. As for many movements, it’s important not to use the date-setting function between 9 pm and 3 am.
Price of the Sinn 103 Ti UTC IFR
The Sinn 103 Ti UTC IFR, reference 103.0794, costs €2,880 with leather strap, €3,175 with steel bracelet, and €3,210 with silicone strap.
