Tuesday, December 8, 2009

World's first premieres in Singapore!

We are back!
Keep your eyes peeled for the newer and bolder of the U series- The Ultimate U.
>

The Sinn signature U series like you’ve never seen before. Bigger, bolder, un-missable - The Hour Glass is honored to present the world premiere of the largest ever watch made by Sinn, created exclusively for The Hour Glass. Aptly named the “Ultimate U”, its grander size is encased in an imposing un-missable 47mm case, crafted from the same German U-boat submarine steel from which it derives its name. Following hot on the heels of two prior limited-editions for The Hour Glass – the “U Black” and the “Tempus U1”, the U Series legacy continues with the “Ultimate U”. Limited to only 200 pieces in total worldwide production.

A Wartime Odyssey
The limited-edition “Ultimate U” is shrouded with a rich and intriguing history.
The first German U-1 submarine was launched and commissioned into the Imperial Navy during World War I. A couple of decades later during World War II witnessed the introduction of the Monsun U-boats, a type IXD2 U-boat that were larger and more arresting than their predecessors. At more than 500 tons heavier and almost 10 meters longer than the other U-boats, these long range Monsun U-boats operated very successfully in the Indian Ocean and South African waters during World War II.

Singapore’s pivotal role in U-Boat history
A little known fact was Singapore’s role in the developmental history of the much feared German U-boats. One of the most decorated Monsun U-boats, the U-181, operated from Singapore as its key base and fought and ended its last days on the island of Singapore during World War II.

The “Ultimate U”, with its large casing diameter of 47mm, is a befitting creation, inspired by the original Monsun U-boat’s imposing size.

The ‘U Series’ Legacy ContinuesThe background and exceptionally sturdy case of the German submarine steel, unparalleled in its remarkable resistance to seawater and anti-magnetic quality, sets the inspiration and creation of the U Series. Exclusively for Sinn, the steel supplier of Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft and Nordseewerke Emden GmbH shipyards are supplying the watchmaker with smaller amounts of exactly the same steel of which the world’s most modern non-nuclear submarines are made – the new submarine class 212 of the German Navy. A technical marvel of unparalleled reliability, it can be tegimented especially well. The rotating bezel’s minute scale for dive time reading is milled directly into the steel to assure safety, legibility and accuracy. Tested by Germanischer Lloyd, the global authority in pressure testing of submarines, the Sinn U Series is the ultimate indispensable equipment for professionals and sports divers.

With key distinction in its new oversized case, with a larger crown, the “Ultimate U” has a special dial embossed with the outline of a submarine. Its date marker on the dial presents the 30th day in each month in white, as a distinction to The Hour Glass’ 30th anniversary this year. Its caseback is engraved with “The Hour Glass Limited 200”. Each watch is also accompanied by a certificate that is personally signed-off by Mr Lothar Schmidt, CEO of Sinn.





(Photos are courtesy of Mr Su Jiaxian)

The Sinn “Ultimate U” is exclusively available at The Hour Glass and retails at
S$7,300.

Please click here for Ultimate U's technical details

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Hour Glass Celebrates 30 Years!

To thank you for supporting The Hour Glass through these 30 years of success, we are making a timely offer on ALL watch purchases from now till 15 December 2009.

Own your dream watch now with our easy 30-month payment plan* – The Hour Glass will undertake to absorb the interest. So, for a significantly lower monthly repayment sum, owning that desired timepiece has never been easier.

*Applicable to participating banks: Citibank, DBS, OCBC and UOB credit cards only.
Other terms & conditions apply.

Available at:
ION Orchard Tel : 65-6509 9268 • Takashimaya S.C Tel : 65-6734 2420 • Tang Plaza Tel : 65-6235 7198 • Raffles Hotel Arcade Tel : 65-6334 3241 • Millenia Walk Tel : 65-6339 4870 • Lucky Plaza Tel : 65-6733 1262 • Orchard Central Tel : 65-6337 8309
Rolex Boutiques : ION Orchard Tel : 65-6509 9282 • Raffles Hotel Arcade Tel : 65-6334 3241

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Sinn Club Exclusive: Sinn celebrates Oktober Fest!

We love any excuse to celebrate - so Oktober Fest it shall be!

While we did think about offering our members copious amounts of german beer and get everyone jolly, we reckon there must be another way to prolong joyousness beyond just being nicely inebriated on too much beer... plus, minus the hangover. So, we have sent a lttle Oktober offering to your email address registered with us. Do check your emails!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Hamburg - Berlin Rallye 20.08.09 - 22.08.09

Fans of classic cars, this entry will "pop" your eyes. The month of August was yet another exciting month for Sinn with the Hamburg-Berlin Rallye - even more so in fact, as they got right into the heart of action - by racing in it!

An annual classic-car rallye (also known as "oldtimer" car race) that spans over 3 days and across 650km, the rallye starts in the seaport city of Hamburg on 20 Aug, ending in Berlin, the capital city of Germany on 23 Aug.


One of the drivers is a man who appreciates classic design and loves masterpieces of mechanical engineering: Lothar Schmidt, owner of SINN Spezialuhren in Frankfurt am Main.

Mr Lothar Schmidt, together with fellow colleague Mrs Simone Richter, gamely participated in this special "oldtimer-rallye" together with 186 other participants and their old and young-timer cars.

Check out the SINN-Team ride: A Mercedes-Benz 220 SEL/B Cabriolet (Classified: Oldtimer). (Some "old timer" - I will gladly trade in my cookie-cutter Jap car for some of that shiny chrome!)



Mrs. Richter was the Pilot of the car while Mr. Schmidt was the Co-Pilot. His role is to navigate, while abiding to the rules and tricks during the race, maintaing optimal speed and to manage all the chicanes and different challenges. After 3 zestful days, the SINN team came in at No.82 out of 186 challengers, a commendable result indeed!
The only tool Mr. Schmidt used for this race was the NEW RALLYE chronograph Model 917 GR, one of 3 new models that were specially launched during the car rallye.
Model 917 GR

Model 917
For more details of the watch please click here http://sinntimepieces.blogspot.com/2009/09/chronograph-watch-model-917.html
Dashboard clock 4.917

We leave you now to enjoy these delightful pictures of a very unique event held under beautiful skies, picturesque towns and gorgeous gorgeous classic cars.




Little fun facts about the rallye:

The three-day classic car rallye from Hamburg to Berlin in August 2008 was a spectacular success when it was introduced nearly a year ago. This year, the magazine AUTO BILD KLASSIK brought back the event – and succeeded in mobilizing more than 150 extravagant classic cars to participate.

AUTO BILD KLASSIK is a germany car magazine that is all about classic vintage automobiles that are older than 15 years old. As quoted from the magazine: “The young magazine for old cars”.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Sinn wins 3rd place - Aviation Watches Category

We are delighted to learn that Sinn has bagged the 3rd place in the Aviation Watches Category for "Best Brand of 2009" in “Aerokurier”, a specialist German aviation magazine. Below is a short release about the award:


Readers vote for SINN Spezialuhren

Third place in “Best Brand 2009” poll

In its April 2009 edition, aviation magazine “Aerokurier” invited its readers to select the “Best Brand of 2009” in various categories. In the category “Aviation Watches,” 38.9% of the magazine’s readers chose SINN Spezialuhren, making it the third most popular brand. Readers recognized the company’s outstanding performance in the areas of quality, technology and precision. The magazine awarded a commemorative certificate to SINN Spezialuhren on July 18 during the Tannkosh meeting, Europe’s largest “fly-in” that was held at Tannheim Airfield in Germany’s Illertal region.


Chosen from a group of 19 watch companies including famous international brands such as Breitling, Lange & Sohne, Omega, IWC etc, winning 3rd spot is indeed an honour and recognition for a fiercely independent niche brand such as Sinn. With little advertising and no famous ambassadors, Sinn simply lets its watches do the talking. Our heartiest congratulations.




Since we are on the subject of aviation, catch a glimpse of the Sinn aircraft here:



"Aerokurier" is a monthly magazine founded in 1957 covering international civil aviation published in the German language http://www.aerokurier.de/

Monday, August 3, 2009

L'Atelier by The Hour Glass

Have you gone to ION Orchard? The shining new kid on the (Orchard road) block, we estimate that about a quarter of the Singaporean population has already passed through its glass doors since it opened to public officially in end July.

Escape the crowds to the 3rd floor, let your eyes adjust back to normal after all that ritz and glitz of mammoth stores and shiny chrome, and you may just be caught a little surprised by a cosy little store that looks somewhat like a cross between an antique tools store and ...hold on, is that The Hour Glass??

L’Atelier, french for "workshop", is a brand new horological heritage boutique by The Hour Glass that celebrates horological genius - be it the true classics of A Lange and Sohne or Breguet, or the truly innovative, such as De Bethune and MB&F.



Designed to slow down the selling process, allowing our customers to truly relish in the luxury of time, L'Atelier's décor exudes an old world charm coupled with a warm ambience. Aside from the obvious creme de la creme of contemporary horological art on display, your attention will also be drawn to the smattering of 200 year old watch-making tools and little mechanical curios to tinker with, from 19th century music boxes to the rarest Patek Philippe electronic Nixie Time-Code generator from the 70's.

While you may not see the Sinn brand corner in L'Atelier, please feel free to enquire about Sinn watches - you will see the same familiar faces from The Hour Glass. At the same time, enjoy a visual feast in this elegant soothing abode on a selection of renowned brands such as Ulysse Nardin, Daniel Roth, Audemars Piguet, Hublot as well as progressive brands Urwerk, Gerald Genta etc. Also available is Roland Iten, the world's first mechanical handmade accessories for men, featuring moving belt buckles and card holders that flip open like a lighter.

L’Atelier is not about selling watches; it is a conducive environment for budding watch enthusiasts and avid collectors to meet together to freely exchange ideas, flip through rare books and discuss about exquisite timepieces.

Curious at the very least after all that talk above? Drop by L'Atelier for a visit and judge for yourself on what is probably the world's first luxury watch retailing and "horologic institute" rolled into one.

Image by courtesy of Dr Wong Ju Ming, also known as "Decksurgeon". To see his viewpoint (and more photos of L'Atelier), visit his postings at
http://home.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-17/pi-3267466/ti-535326/s-0/
http://horomundi.com/forums/main/read.php?2,6832,6832#msg-6832
(Thanks Doc!)

While you are already at ION, do visit The Hour Glass’ stand-alone Rolex boutique on level 1 (beside Prada). Built completely in accordance with Rolex's international guidelines, step into this unmistakably Rolex environment to view one of the most comprehensive collection of Rolex watches in South East Asia - a new mecca for Rolex lovers!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

The New Limited Edition UX Sansibar

What is a Sansibar? For those who are hearing it here for the first time, Sansibar is the most famous restaurant situated on Sylt, a top notch island off the coast of Germany and Denmark, right by the North Sea. Sited on sand dunes and facing the coast, Sansibar greets its visitors that include German dignitaries, with a pirate flag and the ubiquitous crossed swords emblem. http://www.sansibar-sylt.de/


If you are curious about where Sylt is, or how to pronounce it (as we were), visit http://en.sylt.de/ to see why Sylt deserves to be crowned "Queen of the North Sea".


Mr Seckler, owner and founder of Sansibar Sylt, receiving the 1st ever UX Sansibar on 21 May 2009. With him is Mr Lothar Schmidt, CEO of Sinn.



While I may not have been to Sylt, or the North Sea for the matter, the Crossed Swords emblem on a UX is definitely covetable...there is something wickedly rakish about it, dont you think?


The UX Sansibar

Limited Edition of just 500 pieces

- Hand-made Sterling silver appliqués in the shape of crossed swords, branded with the logo of the Sansibar on the island of Sylt
- Case made of German submarine steel
- Captive diver’s bezel with TEGIMENT technology
- Reflection-free under water thanks to HYDRO technology, readable from any angle and completely free from fogging
- Temperature-stabilized chronometer quartz movement, functionally reliable at temperatures between –20 °C and +60 °C
- Movement pressure-resistant to 5000 meters, case tested to a diving depth of 12,000 meters, certified by Germanischer Lloyd, Hamburg
- Tested based on the European standards for diving equipment and certified by Germanischer Lloyd Hamburg

Please click here for more details.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Germanischer Lloyd Certifies Sinn Diver's Watches

What does a Shipping Certification company, Germanischer Lloyd, have to do with a Watch Manufacturer from Frankfurt am Main?

Founded in 1867, the hamburg based company is responsible for the technical safety of more than 5,700 ocean-going vessels, setting international standards in maritime. This venerable institute examines and certifies our diver's watches - according to various criterias: One test focuses on watertightness and pressure resistance, while a second test procedure covers something never before done in the watchmaking industry: certification in accordance with the European standards for diving equipment! For full article, please click on the page.


(Dont play play ok. These guys are very serious about that chunk of metal on your wrist)

Friday, June 12, 2009

The New Sinn U1 White

The Hour Glass & Sinn launched the limited edition Sinn U-Black last year. We know, we know, 399pcs worldwide only for such a gorgeous piece is bound to create some ownership rivalry, and a big pity for those who would have liked one but didn't manage to (I know that feeling, because I couldnt get my hands on a piece either.. .staff also have to queue). Floating around the blog-sphere are still many entries and photos from the U-Black party we hosted.

Well, we have some news: Anyone wants a WHITE to accompany their Black? In a move that may take some fans by surprise, the usually staid black Sinn has reinvented itself and come up with a bold white twin - Sinn U White! (Ok, the official name is U1 W).

Are you a Black or White? You decide.
Sinn U1 with All-Black Tegimented Case

- Submarine steel case with Tegiment technology and black hard coating
- Case back made of submarine steel, screwed-down with Tegiment technology and black hard coating
- Automatic winding
- 1000 meters water resistance
- Uni-directional ratchet operated rotating bezel
- Case diameter 44 mm
- Case thickness 14.35 mm
- Lug width 22mm
- White rubber with black folding clasp
- 2 years manufacturers limited warranty

There are no confirmed number of pieces yet, BUT we know the U1 W is VERY limited. As it is a Sinn worldwide edition and not solely for The Hour Glass (unlike U Black), we will have to fight tooth and nail with other countries to get as many pieces as we can for our dedicated SINNers.

We will be updating you as soon as we get more information.

Watch this space.


View our on-line library of Sinn watches - click on "Sinn Timepieces Library by THG" on the right column.

Monday, June 8, 2009

We Heart Sinn 2009/2010 Catalogue - its in English!

It is here! Now available at The Hour Glass boutiques in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Bring this A5 sized hard-cover monochromatic book to any gathering not involving immediate family members below 15 years old and its guaranteed to warrant some instant page-turning action with a slight trembling of fingers. Why? Coz its Dangerous. Where else can you find such a cool-looking, handy book that just about lists out the newest of Sinn 2009 / 2010 in full glossy appeal...and gasp...in English?
The first English version to hit our shores since 2005/2006, the latest Sinn 2009/2010 Catalogue is an easy-to-read product guide, complete with a technological glossary of Sinn's proprietary research and development work, and real life examples of Sinns in action eg. The U2 in the realm of eternal ice.
Unfortunately, given the limited copies we have available, we are unable to mail a copy to everyone. However, all are welcome to visit your nearest The Hour Glass boutique to claim your copy. (please click here for the list of The Hour Glass boutiques)


We leave you here with
Words from The Man himself, Mr. Lothar Schmidt, CEO, Sinn. Very succinct indeed.


Our customers trust the quality, reliability and proven performance of our timepieces. They include people who have a high affinity for technology. They are fascinated, for example, by our solutions for magnetic field protection and scratch resistance. However, our customers also include those who must be able to rely on their watch completely, such as divers, pilots or elite special forces units like the German GSG 9.

It’s functionality that counts. Therefore SINN watches include only truly useful technological features and omit purely fashionable gadgetry.

Thus we are always on the lookout for new technologies and materials. We often find inspiration by looking beyond the usual sources. We observe the developments in the sciences and other industries and push the limits of what is physically possible time and again in creating new watches. What’s the most exciting thing about our work? There are still many discoveries to be made!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Thank You

The Hour Glass office was witness to some whooping early in the morning this week. That is because our Sinn Club team saw the first of many emails from you, yes, our new SINNers! This is just a brief note to thank you for your active support and rallying; some friends also sent encouraging sms-es to us. Being relatively new to this realm of blogging, we appreciate any feedback to sinnclub@thehourglass.com Due to the number of responses, we may be a little slow in getting back to you but rest assured that we've got you!

Do check out our informal little ON-LINE LIBRARY of Sinn watches that you can find at our stores. Click on the link for "Sinn Timepieces Library by THG" at the right-hand bar. There, you will see real pictures of watches complete with unadulterated specifications that will propel you to technie heaven...

Monday, June 1, 2009

ORCHARD CENTRAL Opens!

We have moved!


As some of you may know, our Peninsula Plaza boutique has been a cornerstone of The Hour Glass for over two decades. Considering that we were established in 1979, PP, as we affectionately call the branch, was one of our original The Hour Glass stores. There it stood, quietly and elegantly in the corner of North Bridge road and Coleman street, toiling through the times. Now, the time has come for PP to have a fresh new look, where our customers can be served better. Hence it is so that last Friday, the faithful team, led by Steven Lim (whose familiar face cannot be missed at PP, where he rose from young rookie to boutique manager), "packed their bags" and moved to the new Orchard Central mall. If you drive down Orchard Road later today, do keep a look out for us on the right-hand side, directly opposite Centrepoint. You can't miss us!

We are proud to announce a new, bigger, better Sinn brand corner at our new Orchard Central branch. Come visit us!

Orchard Central Boutique
181 Orchard Road
#01-06 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: 6337 8309

Monday, April 27, 2009

Sinn 2009 New Products @ BASELWORLD


Sinn booth at BASELWORLD 2009

Check out the ultra-cool Sinn booth at the Fair. Sleek, matte, very black - much like the watches themselves. Stocked with a never-ending supply of fine chocolates, orange juice (I'm sure there was champagne too, but I was on the job...) and sparkling Perrier, Sinn is an island of cool comfort in the often frenzied atmosphere at Basel and that's not the only thing that makes it so lovely to visit the Sinn booth at the Basel Fair. Sinn fans will love the fact that they can step in anytime and see a stunning and extensive array of Sinn watches, plus to be warmly greeted by the very affable and humble Sinn CEO himself, Mr Lothar Schmidt (albeit in German!) and his lovely team. I thank the Sinn team for their warm and genuine hospitality - and look forward to visiting them again at the next fair.


Some sneak views of the new products in our region in 2009:

SDR Models: Dive watches with black rotating bezel (SDR)



Made from original, German submarine steel and specially designed for professional use. Built to master extreme demands above and below water with superb seawater resistance and antimagnetic properties.

Now available in a black rotating bezel for a slimmer profile. Please click here for technical details or more information on Sinn's legendary U-series.

Models 857 S - Pilot's watch with black hard coating


The stainless steel pilot watch with TEGIMENT technology, developed by Sinn, with which the black hard coating is applied to the case and rotating bezel using the PVD method and hardened to 1,500 Vickers. The result is a stealthy matte black satined coating that is ultra hard-wearing and superior to conventional coatings: it never cracks or peels off! For technical specs or more information on Sinn's proprietory TEGIMENT technology, check out our on-line Sinn SEA Timepieces Library or click here.

Now available in black cowhide leather strap with 2nd-time zone indicator with a neon-yellow, skeletonized central hand.

PLUS! You heard it here first: Sinn will be introducing a ladies watch range! "About time", some fans may say. Watch this space for more information.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Off We Go To BASELWORLD 2009

To the rest of the world, April is just...April. Springtime, more rain perhaps, April Fool's day? To those in the watch industry, April is...the centre of the universe. Each spring, a little quiet town in Basel, Switzerland turns into a mammoth hive of incredible activity around late March- early April as the world's finest (in watches and jewellery) descend on this cosy little township for the annual BASELWORLD fair.

The largest watch & jewellery fair in the world, it attracts some 2000 companies from the trade all across the world, to showcase their latest developments and innovations at Basel. At BASELWORLD, it is THE definitive melting pot as legendary CEOs, corporate honchos, media, photographers, celebrities and watchmakers rub shoulders with quiet geniuses, jewellery-setters, tools-makers, corporate types, models, retailers as well as the general public, be it the curious citizens of Basel (complete with the odd pet or 2) or hardcore watch enthusiasts from Vietnam to Russia (Yes! We spotted some Singaporean, Malaysian and Thai collectors too!).

To visit BASELWORLD's official website, please click here.


At The Hour Glass, the Fair heralds much excitment too as the management & sales team pack their bags for the annual "pilgrimage" to the mecca of watches. Please read next posting to see what exciting new products Sinn has to offer us this year!

The Sinn Fellowship

Every Sinn owner is secure in the knowledge that he/she owns a piece of carefully designed, luxury product crafted in the finest quality with the precision of German engineering. So what exactly makes a Sinn tick such that it elicits such passion and excitement from men and women alike? It is from this interest to know more, as expressed by so many fellow Sinn customers that we have decided to create a world exclusively just for us - Sinn fans, to delve into the heart of Sinn, enjoy first hand news, product previews or even meet fellow enthusiasts from the "fellowship".

To join our mailing list to receive Sinn newsflashes, promotions, product previews or invitations to exclusive Sinn events, please email the following details to sinnclub@thehourglass.com

Your preferred contact email:
Your Surname:
Your First Name:
Gender:
Date of Birth:
Mobile no:
Occupation:
Sinn model(s) you own:
Sinn model(s) you desire:

Once we hear from you, we will send an email notification to confirm receipt.

Please feel free to contact us at sinnclub@thehourglass.com if you have any queries.

We look forward to knowing you a little better!

Team THG @ Sinn Club SEA