I think Audi is the brand to mostly thank for this new Sinn timepiece. Back in 2004 (ish) they worked with Sinn to create a couple of limited edition watches branded “Audi Design.” Those watches (at least some of them) you can see below, and seem to be where this squareish, cushion case style came from. Now at the end of 2010, Sinn revisits this case aesthetic with the Model 902. A very interesting retro-futuristic watch with the heart of an aviator, and a designer body.
At first I was a bit odded out by the case and dial style. It didn’t remind me of the ruthless instrumental looks of Sinn watches that thematically resemble the cold gaze of a Doberman Pincher while on patrol. Rather, the Model 902 is what Hans straps on his wrist after pulling on a black turtleneck and affixing his perfectly round lensed glasses before reading over Teutonic existentialism. The era of idealist futurism from 1971 is where the design of this watch seems to have come from. Like the guy selling timeshares for property on the Moon back then would have worn this watch. Despite the retro naivety, there is a handsome hopefulness to the design. The aviator style hands communicate strength and precision, while the hard Tegimented steel cases gives it that Sinn character the little name on the dial promises.
Alas, for all my hope of wearing this watch and gazing longingly at a future vacationing on the moon, the piece might be sized too small for my tastes. While it is cubic in appearance (often looks larger) a width of just 34.4mm in diameter seems lacking. There is zero mention by Sinn of this watch being intended for women, but it isn’t a large piece. Aside from some modern pieces, Sinn is a brand that doesn’t go large. Those looking for a more petite, but good looking (and original feeling) timepiece will find a good companion here.
Assuming the size does jive with you, then you’ll be happy to hear about the rest of its details. The bezel is polished steel, while the rest of the watch is in a satin finish. Sapphire crystal with very good AR coating, and the environmental resistance that Sinn watches are known for (suitable for low pressure environments, OK between -45 t0 80 degrees Celsius, and water resistant to 100 meters).
The watch crown is cool and looks like the top of a caste tower. The proudly German watch never misses a beat being a functional item – but here plays with a fashionable appearance. There is an interesting addition of the red colored seconds hand to the dial, and the hour markers are partially connected creating a second cushion shape within the dial that matches the case shape. Attached to the case via loop style lugs is a quality black leather strap.
In all, a fascinating design. I would totally wear one if Sinn added at least 4 more centimeters to the case size. Then again, maybe a “jumbo” version will come out at some point. The watch is likely sort of an experiment. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. This watch is limited to just 300 pieces. Making it a rare limited edition Sinn that isn’t based on another model with just a few small changes. The closest thing that I can compare it to is the Fortis Square. How much will each of these limited edition Model 902 watches cost? Not sure, but give the movement and Sinn’s other prices, I would say in the $2,500 – $3,000 range most likely. UPDATE: Looks like it will go for 1,300 euros.
See Sinn watches on eBay here.