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/

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!

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.

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)

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.

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!

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...