Hands-On With The Cockpit-Clock-Inspired Sinn 717
The Sinn 717 debuted in 2021 and has won at least two major German design awards. It’s a large and legible chronograph with looks inspired by the NaBo 17 cockpit clocks from the legendary Tornado jet fighter. We’ll look at the 717 again and shed light on an interesting NaBo 17-related story that surfaced.
My colleague Lex covered the Sinn 717 in late 2021 after its release and enjoyed its bold presence. The watch has remained as a catalog fixture since then and is impressive in the metal. There’s no doubt that Sinn makes a well-built watch with a strong focus on functionality. The 717 defines this mantra with its cockpit-clock looks and impressive features. We’ll revisit these, but let’s mention some recent news on the watch’s design inspiration, the NaBo 17.
The NaBo 17
The news from Sinn relates to the NaBo 17 cockpit clocks the brand made for the Panavia PA-200 “Tornado” fighter that is still in service with the German armed forces. On April 16th, 1980, test pilots crashed a Tornado in Germany and, sadly, both perished. After the crash, Lieutenant Colonel Volkart Rothweiler was assigned to investigate.
Among the various findings, both on-board clocks were unscathed and functional. This story was unknown until recently when the long-retired Rothweiler discovered one of the clocks with several other artifacts from his career as a military pilot. He contacted Sinn’s owner, Lothar Schmidt, and recounted the story. The clock ultimately became part of the brand’s archival collection.
The Sinn 717
The Sinn 717 may not be an actual cockpit clock, but the similarities are obvious. Bold white numerals, hints of orange, and a rotating bezel are all present. The layout differs and resembles a more traditional timepiece. This 45mm stainless steel watch features the brand’s Black Hard Coating and Tegiment surface treatment for durability. While its size sounds audacious, it can work on medium-sized wrists thanks to the short 48mm lug-to-lug measurement. Of course, the 24mm-wide black leather strap ups the wrist presence. The 15.3mm thickness includes the flat sapphire crystal.
Cool technology
The Sinn 717 was the first model from the brand to show off an innovative bezel-sealing technology. The wearer adjusts the internal bezel simply by turning the knurled outer edges. This is normally not a recipe for strong water resistance, yet the 717 achieves a 200m rating. Plus, if there are any concerns, the Ar-Dehumidifying Technology capsule warns if moisture enters the watch case.
A display that die-hards love
In addition to supreme legibility, the Sinn 717 has a function that collectors of old-school chronographs adore. The automatic caliber inside has a central minute counter like the legendary Lemania 5100. This makes sense because the NaBo 17 has the same complication. On the watch, the minute counter is readable via the thick orange hand with luminous material near the pointed tip. Also, a thin orange central hand records elapsed seconds.
Otherwise, the watch displays running seconds at 9 o’clock and a date window at 3. Again, in a nod to the cockpit clock, the inner bezel is steeply angled toward the matte black dial. Ample amounts of Super-LumiNova emit a green hue in the darkness to ensure the watch remains legible.
The SZ01 inside
The clockwork at the heart of this central-minute chronograph is the Sinn SZ01. This is an automatic chronograph that uses a Concepto C 99001 base. Sinn, however, worked with the company to develop the module. The 28-jewel movement has a frequency of 28,800vph and 42 hours of power reserve. A screw-down crown allows the setting of the time and date, while two piston-style pushers control the chronograph.
A familiar feeling on the wrist
There’s no escaping the fact that the Sinn 717 is a large watch. However, when I tried it on, I felt déjà vu. I own an EZM 1.1 S with the same case color and movement. It’s also a large watch that shouldn’t fit my wrist, but the same 48mm lug-to-lug makes it wearable. It’s not an everyday watch for me, but if I had a larger wrist, it could be. The 717 feels similar, which means it’s beautifully finished and seems indestructible, just like the cockpit clock that inspired it. Admittedly, I moved my EZM to a black Sinn silicone strap and would likely do the same with the 717.
Conclusions
The news about a pair of surviving NaBo 17 cockpit chronographs provided a reason for us to spend in-person time with the Sinn 717. Even though this watch has been out for three years, it still looks fresh and bold. No, it’s not small, but small watches aren’t for everyone. I think the Sinn 717, at €4,990, is a compelling option for those who would like a commanding chronograph with a suite of innovative features and build quality that rivals much larger and more expensive brands. Plus, the 717 can trace its lineage to a long-serving and durable clock used in a legendary airplane.
What do you think of this watch and its historical inspiration? As always, drop your thoughts in the comments.
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