The Sinn 10x Family#
The Sinn 104 St Sa I W and Sinn 105 St Sa
New in version 2021.10.23.
Changed in version 2022.12.31.
In short#
My daily driver is the Sinn 105. It is robust, has a timing function and second timezone using the bezel and an easy to maintain yet accurate Sellita™ movement. Design wise the dial stands out while providing very good legibility, the date on the 6 o’clock position maintains symmetry. Good lume, a display caseback and 20 bar water resistance complement the package.
Fig. 88 Sinn 105 St Sa on a parachute strap by Bilun™. The bezel is set to UTC.#
The Sinn 10x family in general is arguably the most pragmatic and versatile watch in my collection.
It has a case with a diameter of 41 mm that wears more like something around 39 mm and a height of just under 12 mm which sits perfectly on arguably almost any wrist. The bezel is 60 click onmidirectional thus perfect for every-day timing needs. The movement is a Sellita SW 220-1 “Top” grade which makes it as accurate as easy serviceable by any decent watchmaker. Water resistance is great at 20 bar and you got a display case-back if you’re feeling lonely.
Sinn 104 St Sa I W#
The Sinn 104 entered my collection in 2020, the Saturday before the start of the first Corona lockdown.
Sinn 104 on a (wet) canvas NATO strap on a hiking tour
Sinn 104 comfortably on a canvas NATO strap
Fig. 89 Sinn 104 St Sa I W#
Straps are the 104’s best friend: You can totally change the look and feel of the watch by using different straps, from formal to casual. Just take a collection oft 20 mm NATO straps with you on your journey and you’ll have a watch you can perfectly wear on the beach and on a dinner date.
Sinn 104 on a canvas NATO strap while studying for my final specialist examination in Anesthesiology
… and on a more colorful NATO strap
Sinn 104 on the 5-link-bracelet
Fig. 90 Sinn 104 St Sa I W#
Tuning: Changing the 104 bezel for the 105 version#
The 104 proved to be a reliable companion. However I wasn’t to fond of the aluminium bezel, especially concerning the fontwork that clashes with the calendar font in my opinion. The countdown bezel didn’t rock my boat either. On the other side I really liked the 12 h plus minute marking bezel of the successor model, the Sinn 105. When I finally discovered that the 104 and 105 basically use the same chassis, all be it with a different finish (polished vs. brushed), but with the same dimensions nonetheless, I ordred a 105 bezel as a spare part and simply did a switch.
Flipping the bezel was in fact pretty easy: Just open the screws, exchange the bezel and screw the screws back in (don’t lose the ball bearings!).
The new lock was fabulous and far better than the original aluminium bezel:
Sinn 104 St Sa I W with a Sinn 105 bezel
Sinn 104 St Sa I W with a Sinn 105 bezel set to UTC.
Sinn 105#
Although my “white-dial-with-105-bezel” 104 looks great with it’s black and white color theme with the polished surfaces, I also wanted a black dial with a little color in my life.
So I once again had a look at the successor model, the Sinn 105. Having basically the same technical specs as the 104 the main difference is the brushed finishing, the 12 h/60 min bezel and the dial design: Somehow inspired by Bauhaus design principles, however quite different from the well known Max Bill designs, maybe sharing some design traits with the classic Braun clocks, the dial is utilitarian with playful hints. The day/date placement at the 6 o’clock positions achieves symmetry and the orange seconds hand provides a subtile but well received color contrast and the mat finished 12 h bezel allows for tracking a second time zone.
Fig. 91 Sinn 105#
I really like to wear the 105 on an orange elastic woven nylon strap (e. g. from Bilun™ or Islander™).
Sinn 105 St Sa
Sinn 105 St Sa on an orange elastic woven nylon strap (by Bilun). The bezel is set to UTC
Fig. 92 Sinn 105#