A few weeks ago, my latest purchase finally arrived - the Sinn 103 St Ty Hd watch.
Over the years, I have frequently browsed Sinn catalogs, both on the brand's official website and in the printed versions that are mailed annually. The company from Frankfurt holds a special place in my heart. For me, models like the 103, 356, EZM1, and 142 are classics. Unexpectedly, I found myself purchasing this special version of the 103.
Sinn's Presentation at Watches and Wonders 2026
Sinn Spezialuhren from Frankfurt participated for the first time in the world's largest watch exhibition - Watches and Wonders. I was curious to see how the brand's booth would appear. Previously, Sinn was a regular at Baselworld, and after its closure, they attended several local events where they showcased new models.
Sinn 103 St Ty Hd - First Impressions
On the first day of this year's Watches and Wonders, I visited the Sinn booth. While examining the latest models, one caught my attention - the Sinn 103 St Ty Hd. This model debuted in 2024, but I had never seen it in person. I was allowed to try it on, and within seconds, I knew I wanted to purchase it. Rarely does a model resonate with me like this, but these watches did just that.
History of Sinn 103 C and Mathey-Tissot Chronograph
As mentioned, the Sinn 103 is a brand classic, present in the collection since the late 1960s. According to Michele Tripi, author of the Vintage Sinn Collector website, Helmut Sinn introduced the first 103 models between 1966 and 1968. The first Sinn 103 models were based on designs and components from other companies such as Mathey-Tissot (not to be confused with Tissot), LeCoultre, and others. Vintage models 103 are designated as A, B, and C. My model is a clear reference to the Sinn 103 C from the 1970s, which were produced in very limited quantities.
The Sinn 103 C model was equipped with the Valjoux 726 movement and was based on the Mathey-Tissot with the same movement. Sinn has often paid tribute to the 103 C, but the Sinn 103 St Ty Hd I own is the closest to the original. As a result, it is also very similar to the Mathey-Tissot chronograph (also with Valjoux 726) from the late 1960s - early 1970s. Sinn and Mathey-Tissot release reissues of these chronographs. Sinn uses a manual Sellita SW510 M movement, while the Mathey-Tissot "1968" uses the Landeron 73B (unrelated to the original Landeron movements).
Differences Between Sinn 103 St Ty Hd and Other 103 Models
The Sinn 103 St Ty Hd (St - steel, Ty - tachymeter, Hd - hand-wound) differs from most 103 models that have ever been in Sinn's catalog. Compared to the standard 103 St, the dial has changed: instead of the typical Valjoux 7750 subdial layout at 12, 6, and 9 o'clock, a more balanced arrangement with registers at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock is used, known today as "tri-compax." Although technically not entirely correct, this term is widely used to describe such a layout. Additionally, instead of traditional cathedral hands, the 103 St Ty Hd features baton hands.
Manual Wind and Sellita SW510 M Movement
While most Sinn 103 models are equipped with automatic movements such as the Sellita SW510, Concepto CC99001, or La Joux-Perret L100, this model, as well as a special edition for Armbanduhren, use the manual Sellita SW510 M movement. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hz) and has a power reserve of 58 hours. The movement features a hacking seconds function and is anti-magnetic up to 60 gauss. The case back is solid steel, so the movement is not visible. The winding through the crown is smooth, and the chronograph pushers have a precise action. It's a simple but reliable execution. Personally, I enjoy the feeling of connection with the watch during daily winding, and my collection includes several manually wound models.
My Sinn 103 St Ty Hd arrived in early May, and I have been wearing it almost daily. When tested on a chronometer, the watch shows an average gain of about +6 seconds per day and an amplitude of 298 degrees. While this does not meet chronometer standards, it is quite acceptable for me.
Features of Sinn 103 St Ty Hd
Sinn created a version of the 103 with many vintage elements, including acrylic glass. The "panda" dial (black and champagne) pairs excellently with the tachymeter scale on the wide rehaut. The champagne subdials are adorned with fine concentric circles, adding depth. On the subdial at the 3 o'clock position, in addition to the small red hand, there are black and red minute blocks. The main dial's minute scale is complemented by red and white (with lume) markers next to the faceted hour indices.
The chronograph second hand is red, aligning with the original Sinn 103 C, although there are slight differences in hand shape (the original had less luminous surface) and in the logo (it was slightly larger). The bi-directional black bezel lacks a luminous dot, using a luminous triangle instead. Despite minor differences, the new Sinn 103 St Ty Hd can easily be mistaken for the original 103 C - it's a commendable execution.
The case back differs from the original: it has more engravings, and the notches are arranged differently. The center is engraved with "Eine von 1000" - one of 1000 pieces worldwide. Considering my admiration for the watch, it's surprising that they are still available for sale. Although Sinn does not disclose the exact number of watches produced annually, 1000 pieces is a significant run for the brand.
Wearing and Comfort
The watch dimensions - 41 mm in diameter, 48 mm lug-to-lug, and 14.7 mm thick - are perfect for my 18 cm wrist. The case is polished on the top of the lugs and sides, while the case back has a satin finish. The black bi-directional pilot bezel creates a pleasant contrast with the polished steel and is easy to use.
The Sinn 103 St Ty Hd is very comfortable on the wrist. The thickness seems substantial, but about 3 mm is due to the acrylic glass. I always pay attention to the case, bezel, and case back thickness as they form the watch profile. The appearance and comfort are top-notch. The package includes two perforated calf leather straps - black and green. I chose the black one. Both straps feature a classic clasp, so there's no need to change it. The box also includes a tool and spare spring bars. When ordering, you can select the strap size (mine is M) or specify wrist circumference.
Final Impressions of Sinn 103 St Ty Hd
In the past month, the Sinn 103 has become my most frequently worn watch. Of course, I'm still in the "honeymoon phase" with this model, but it truly is an everyday versatile watch. They feel reliable, have a water resistance of 200 m, and yet maintain the vintage charm of the Sinn 103 C. The matte black dial with champagne subdials and tachymeter rehaut is a beautiful tribute to the original 1970s model. These watches can easily be mistaken for a vintage prototype.
I wasn't entirely sure about the fully polished case (except for the case back and bezel), as I prefer a combination of polished and satin surfaces for contrast. But the black bezel somewhat mitigates the shine. The only thing that bothers me is the need to frequently wipe fingerprints off the top of the lugs.
Strap and Clasp
Some might find the lack of a quick-release strap system a downside. It doesn't bother me as I rarely change straps and can use a Bergeon tool or the one included in the set. To avoid scratching the lugs, I recommend taping them from the back.
The perforated calf leather straps are very soft and comfortable. The only thing I dislike is the Sinn clasp. I prefer a more rectangular shape, but this is easily fixed. Sinn also offers separate bracelets available on the official website.
Price and Conclusion
The retail price of the limited edition Sinn 103 St Ty Hd is €2590 plus €80 for shipping, which I consider a fair price for this watch. Would I buy them again? Without a doubt - yes. Now I'm more confident in this than when I placed the order. The Sinn 103 made a strong impression on me, and I'm already eyeing the next model from this Frankfurt brand. For instance, the U50 with Tegiment coating...
More information about the Sinn 103 St Ty Hd can be found on the official Sinn website.