Our Company History

Sinn Spezialuhren zu Frankfurt am Main

Company_History
2024
356 PILOT Classic AS E awarded ‘Excellent Product Design 2024’ at the German Design Award
The 356 PILOT Classic AS E combines functionality with stylish design. The bead-blasted case, shock-proof acrylic glass and solid back of the 356 model are classic characteristics of a pilot's watch. The visual coordination of the ivory-coloured hands and numerals on the colour gradient dial gives the watch its vintage flair. In addition, the model impresses with its suitability for everyday use, as the watch is water- and pressure-resistant up to 10 bar as well as being low pressure resistant.

One of the most renowned design awards in the world, the German Design Award is highly respected in and beyond professional circles. Only those products with demonstrably outstanding design qualities are selected to participate in the competition after undergoing a rigorous nomination procedure.
2023
iF Design Award 2023 for the model 105 St Sa UTC W
For the second time, a Sinn watch was awarded the renowned design prize and fulfilled the demanding evaluation criteria. In contrast to other awards, the winners of the iF Design Award are determined on the basis of detailed questions in the categories of idea, form, function, differentiation and impact. These categories in turn form the basis for a points system. Sinn Spezialuhren achieved 285 out of 500 possible points with the 105 St Sa UTC W model. The 105 St Sa UTC W convinced the 133-member, independent, international jury of experts with its innovative combination of technical, sporty looks and a multitude of functions.

The iF Design Award has been an internationally recognised trademark for outstanding design since 1954. It is awarded once a year by the world's oldest independent design institution, iF International Forum Design GmbH.
1800 S GG DAMASZENER awarded ‘Excellent Product Design 2023’ at the German Design Award
Founded in 1961, the traditional company Sinn Spezialuhren combines quality, precision and innovation in its masterfully crafted watches. This also applies in particular to the choice of materials used. For the new 1800 S GG DAMASZENER, limited to just 100 pieces, genuine fire-welded Damascus steel was used, which, with its distinctive and unique grain, gives the noble watch its own unmistakable identity. In combination with the clear, masculine design language and hands and appliqués made of 18 ct gold, an exclusive watch was created that is an eye-catcher on every wrist.
2022
Dipl.-Ing. Lothar Schmidt (Owner and Managing Director), Nora Kumpf (Head of Dresden Branch) and Dr. Robert Franke (Head of the Office for Economic Development)
A service and assembly branch opens in Dresden
In opening this branch, Sinn Spezialuhren is seeking not only to enhance its customer service operation but also to expand the overall service. This is a strategically expedient step in view of the fact that the region is characterised by its traditional watchmaking industry and thus has a correspondingly high number of qualified specialists. In this respect, the administrative management and processing for the customer service operations performed in Dresden will be handled through the headquarters in Frankfurt am Main.
It is not envisaged that the premises in Dresden will be used for welcoming end customers in person.
Red Dot Award for the 1739 Ag B
Three watches from Sinn Spezialuhren have previously won a Red Dot Award in the ‘Product Design’ category. The latest winner, the 1739 Ag B, has shown its excellent design quality by meeting the strict criteria of the jury. The experts all agreed on one thing: a stylish watch should have a distinctive look combined with a function-orientated design. And this watch certainly follows the idea of combining elegance with suitability for everyday use. The Red Dot Award is one of the biggest design competitions in the world. In 2022, designers, design agencies and manufacturers from around 60 countries submitted their products for the award. 48 international jury members examined these products expertly, individually and meticulously. Only products with outstanding design quality receive the award.
iF Design Award 2022 for the 717
A Sinn watch has won the prestigious design award for the first time, having met all of the stringent criteria. Unlike other awards, the iF Design Award chooses the winning products based on five criteria: Idea, Form, Function, Differentiation and Impact. These categories are used to form a points system. Sinn Spezialuhren scored 300 out of a possible 500 points with its 717 model. The award goes to a watch which took inspiration from the historic Nabo 17 ZM cockpit clock in terms of design, form and function. The iF Design Award has been one of the world’s most celebrated names in terms of outstanding design since 1954. The award is presented once a year by the world’s oldest independent design institution, iF International Forum Design GmbH.
The EZM celebrates its 25th anniversary
Mission timers are watches equipped with the necessary functions to suit the specific demands of their mission. Since 1997, they have been united by one common principle of construction and design: form follows function, with a focus on the key essentials in terms of outstanding readability and rapid time recording. 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of these robust timepieces. Limited to 500 pieces, the EZM 1.1 S featuring SINN movement SZ01 and a 60-minute stop function from the dial centre honours the occasion.
717 awarded ‘Excellent Product Design 2022’ at the German Design Award
The “717 Cockpit Wristwatch” combines the functions of the historic “Nabo 17 ZM” navigation clock with the pleasant wearing comfort of a sporting wristwatch. With its deep black case and matching sports bracelet, the “717” has a timelessly elegant and extraordinarily high-quality look. A timepiece that is as fascinating as it is exclusive, combining the past with the future in the most stylish way and perfectly embodying the brand DNA of Sinn Spezialuhren down to the last detail.

One of the most renowned design awards in the world, the German Design Award is highly respected in and beyond professional circles. Only those products with demonstrably outstanding design qualities are selected to participate in the competition after undergoing a rigorous nomination procedure.
2021
103 Classic 12 wins first prize at the Capital Watch Award in the category ‘Best watch up to €5,000’ of 2021.
Germany’s leading business magazine CAPITAL has awarded trophies to eleven outstanding timepieces at the fourth Capital Watch Award. A prestigious jury made up of watch experts and decision-makers and creatives from other industries examined the nominated watches to select the winners in eleven different categories. Released to mark our company’s 60th anniversary, the 103 Classic 12 was awarded first prize in the category up to €5,000.
SINN watches accompany a world record
On 2 October, at Paderborn/Lippstadt airport, around 1,000 spectators gaze spellbound into the grey and cloudy skies. Crunch time comes at 4 p.m.: the world record attempt by the Cypres Demo Team, an outfit consisting of seven level professionals at international level, is a success – the flying of a 6,418.12-square-meter German flag during a skydive. A phenomenal performance that officially seals their return to the Guinness Book of Records for the first time since 2017. Sinn Spezialuhren is there from the start, too – as every skydiver sports their very own SINN timepiece on their wrist for the special event.
The 105 St Sa UTC model wins the “Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021”.
For the third time in a row, a SINN timepiece has received the Red Dot Award, which the prestigious jury bestows only on products demonstrating a superb design. The jury’s award decision was thus based on the fact that the 105 St Sa UTC combines distinctive design elements with a high level of functionality that reflects the mobile lifestyle of modern day people.

The “Red Dot Award: Product Design” honours the best products developed each year. The evaluation criteria for identifying well-designed and innovative products include formal quality, ergonomics and durability.
60th company anniversary of the sports chronograph
Sinn Spezialuhren is 60 years old. In honour of this occasion, we are releasing a limited edition of 600 timepieces with unique numbering in the form of the 144 St S Anniversary II. The sports chronograph stands in a long line of tradition: the first model was launched in 1974. The anniversary edition is a fine example of how the company is constantly continuing to develop its classic timepieces. This timepiece has thus been equipped with a wide range of technical features, finished with a black hard coating and has a new silicone strap with integrated case.
104 St Sa I A awarded ‘Excellent Product Design 2021’ at the German Design Award
In recognition of its clearly structured look, which ensures optimum readability (of the time, date and weekday), consistent design concept and implementation, the panel of experts awarded the 104 St Sa I A the ‘Excellent Product Design Award 2021’.

One of the most renowned design awards in the world, the German Design Award is highly respected in and beyond professional circles. Only those products with demonstrably outstanding design qualities are selected to participate in the competition after undergoing a rigorous nomination procedure.
2020
936 scoops Red Dot Award in the category ‘Product Design 2020’
The bicompax chronograph 936, featuring the chronograph movement SZ05 designed in-house, is awarded the Red Dot Award in the category ‘Product Design 2020’ during the renowned design competition. The international jury prizes the excellent design quality and incomparable design of the product. This award is further proof for Sinn Spezialuhren that outstanding design quality and uncompromising functionality are mutually dependent rather than mutually exclusive.
EZM 12 and HUNTING WATCH 3006 awarded the “Excellent Product Design 2020” prize at the German Design Awards.
The EZM 12 and the HUNTING WATCH 3006 receive the “Excellent Product Design 2020“ award, which the highly esteemed panel of judges awards only to products that demonstrate a superb design.

The German Design Award sets the highest of standards for determining its award winners: during the course of an exacting nomination procedure, only those products with design qualities that demonstrably set them apart from their competition will be selected by the expert panels from the German Design Council to participate in the competition. The internationally recognised panel of judges then chooses a winner from the final 500 products.

This additional award corroborates the principle of developing and designing watches in strict conformity with the corresponding requirements.

Model EZM 12
Model HUNTING WATCH 3006
2019
EZM 12 has won the Red Dot Product Design Award 2019.
The mission timer EZM 12 – designed for the air rescue service received the Red Dot Product Design Award 2019. The renowned jury awards this prize only to products that have an outstanding design. SINN has submitted its watch for the first time. The award received is a confirmation of the accuracy of the principles that SINN uses in developing its mission timers.
Twenty years of Frankfurt Financial District Watches
On 2 September 1999, Lothar Schmidt presented a unique timepiece at the Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte in Frankfurt: the Frankfurt Financial District Watch 6000. This watch would be the first in a line of traditional watches that have formed an integral part of our watch collection for 20 years. At the same time, the first-ever lettering to appear on the dial – ‘Frankfurt am Main’ – demonstrates our connection to the city in which our company has been based since 1961.
Lothar Schmidt celebrates his 25th anniversary
Owner Lothar Schmidt, an engineer, has successfully managed the Sinn Spezialuhren company since 1 September 1994. His most notable achievements include the development of technologies and the Frankfurt Financial District Watches, initiation of the DIN 8330 standard for timekeeping technology in pilot watches, continuous global growth, the move to the new headquarters in Sossenheim and many other company advancements. Thanks to his management success, Sinn Spezialuhren is well equipped for future challenges and has established itself as a high-quality watch brand, popular with countless watch lovers. This photo (left) shows Lothar Schmidt with four of his employees, who have also been with our company since 1994 or even longer.
2018
1800 DAMASZENER
Our company is well known for the fact that we often use extraordinary materials. One successful example is the 1800 DAMASZENER, a limited edition of 100 watches, which we introduced to the public at Munichtime 2018 in Munich – a watch made from genuine forge-welded Damascus steel and manufactured using a traditional forging technique. For the first time, different high-grade stainless steels were layered and forge-welded together during production. We also used a combination of high-grade stainless steels to create the Damascus steel for both the crown and the bow and pin buckle. The watch also boasts a uniqueness that is immediately reflected in its design and appearance. For in order to perfectly enhance the characteristic texture of Damascus steel – an organic pattern of alternating bands of light and dark – the one-piece dial and central part of the case were forged from a complete steel block rather than designed as separate components, as is customary. The Damascus pattern on the dial continues across the entire case to create a fascinating and impressive whole. The surface of the case is also hardened using TEGIMENT Technology, making it especially scratch-resistant.
Inauguration ceremony for our German sales partners
Many partners of our nationwide distributors accepted our invitation to join us as we inaugurated our new headquarters on 4 February 2018. To mark the special occasion, we presented two extraordinary watch editions: the 756 II and 757 II as well as the 756 III and 757 III models, each a limited edition of 75. What distinguishes these watches is the fact that they were the first collection that our distribution partners exclusively were able to order quite some time before the official release – a privilege which underlines the importance of our partnership with established retailers. The demand among distribution partners was correspondingly high, leaving few watches for us to sell through our direct marketing.
Helmut Sinn has died at the age of 101
The former pilot and blind-flying instructor founded our company under the name ‘Helmut Sinn Spezialuhren’ in 1961 and helped shape it over many years. It is with the utmost respect that we remember Helmut Sinn’s extraordinary and strong-willed personality, his creativity and dynamism, his energy and his sense of humour. The highest tribute must be paid to his achievements as an entrepreneur and as the founder of Helmut Sinn Spezialuhren, the company that laid the foundations for the one we know today. We will always have very fond memories of Helmut Sinn.
2017
New company headquarters in Frankfurt am Main
Occupying an area of approximately 7,000 square metres, the new property is a symbol of our company’s prosperity. The company will thus swap the 1,950 square metres currently at its disposal for 4,650 square metres, enabling the expansion of assembly and production areas. This will lead to an increased level of vertical integration. As our watches will also be sold directly in Frankfurt-Sossenheim, customers can look forward to larger showrooms and continued personal customer service.
The mission timer celebrates 20 years
The EZM 1, which in 1997 was the first mission timer we developed for the special units of the German police department and customs authority, marked the dawn of an impressive era. As reliable, robust and accurate as an instrument, our mission timer is now available for a whole host of professional users, always specially developed to meet the requirements of the application. These include pilots, divers, firefighters, emergency doctors, rescue workers, special units of the German police department and armed forces such as the GSG 9, Germany’s commando frogman force KSM (Kommando Spezialkräfte der Marine), and the special unit of the German Central Customs Support Group ZUZ (Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll). Despite all their differences, these users all have one thing in common: they rely on the exceptional performance of our watches on a daily basis – particularly in critical situations.
2016
Sinn Spezialuhren celebrates its 55th anniversary
Four anniversary watches mark the occasion: the 556 Anniversary (limited to 1,000 pieces), the 910 Anniversary (limited to 300 pieces) and the 6200 Meisterbund I and 6200 WG Meisterbund I, both limited to 55 pieces.
910 Anniversary
A timepiece boasting two extraordinary features. For in addition to a stopwatch, it also features a split-seconds mechanism for recording intermediate times. The historical value of an additional feature adds to its appeal. The 910 Anniversary features a column wheel chronograph that stops the time. The column wheel control mechanism has been a key component in traditional chronographs since the mid 1900s. To commemorate the 55th anniversary, the limited-edition number and the years ‘1961–2016’ are engraved on the case back.
6200 Meisterbund I and 6200 WG Meisterbund I
Three masters of their trade – Sinn Spezialuhren, Sächsische Uhrentechnologie Glashütte (SUG) and Uhren-Werke-Dresden (UWD) – come together for an exciting project in which all key watch components are made in Germany. For the 6200 Meisterbund I and the 6200 WG Meisterbund I, both limited to 55 pieces, SUG is responsible for building and manufacturing the case made of 18-carat rose Gold, respectively white gold. Our company shapes the ‘face’ of the watch in line with our traditional masterpieces. And UWD is responsible for manufacturing the high-quality hand-wound calibre UWD 33.1 – a development that we have been accompanying for some time now and that has been reliably used in a watch for the first time in series production.
Time capsule honours significance of the new building
As a reminder of the laying of the foundation stone on 31 July 2015, a time capsule will be buried in the new building in Frankfurt-Sossenheim and the spot marked with a memorial plaque. Both are reminders of how significant the new building is for the future of Sinn Spezialuhren. To keep the memorable date alive, among other things the Frankfurt Financial District Watch personally belonging to the company owner, Lothar Schmidt, will be sealed in the time capsule along with current newspapers and magazines, as well as the company cata­logue.
DIN 8330 is the new standard for pilot watches
For the first time in decades, the German Institute for Standardisation (DIN) will publish a new German watch standard in March 2016: DIN 8330 “Timekeeping technology – pilot watches”, which is based on the technical standard for pilot watches (TESTAF) initiated by us. The impetus to develop the standard also comes from SINN. DIN 8330 means that the defined requirements for TESTAF are standardised, precise, systematic and up to date. In line with the DIN 8306 standard for diver’s watches, it meets the requirements and testing criteria for functionally demanding, safe and reliable pilot watches. Building on TESTAF, in addition DIN 8330 widens the pool of certifiable watches (mechanical watches are now eligible as well as quartz watches) and features more stringent test criteria for readability, vibration stresses and resistance to liquids commonly found in aircraft, among other things.
2015
Opening of the SINN Römerberg branch
Since May 2015, Sinn Spezialuhren has been operating from its new shopping store at the Römerberg square in Frankfurt’s city. With its new sales and service rooms in the historic building “Zum Goldenen Rad”, the company is reaffirming its close affiliation with Frankfurt am Main and offering an attractive inner-city alternative to its headquarters in Frankfurt-Rödelheim, respectively to our new haedquarters in Frankfurt-Sossenheim. The move is scheduled for 3rd quarter 2017.
Groundbreaking ceremony at the new company headquarters in Frankfurt Sossenheim
As of early 2017, our new address will be Wilhelm-Fay-Strasse 21, 65936 Frankfurt am Main. Although staying in Frankfurt, the company will be moving into new headquarters in the district of Sossenheim. The groundbreaking ceremony is therefore held on 31 July 2015. Lothar Schmidt demonstrates his pride in the new company building with a highly symbolic gesture: by placing his very own edition of the Frankfurt Financial District Watch 6000 in a ‘time capsule’ which is not set to be opened again for another 100 years. To make the date even more vivid for future generations, he also seals daily newspapers and magazines in the time capsule, together with a company organisational chart and a SINN catalogue. During construction, the time capsule will be buried somewhere in the middle of the new company building.
UX S Combat Swimmer (EZM 2B)
Germany’s commando frogman force KSM (Kommando Spezialkräfte der Marine) will now be wearing our diving watch on their wrists: the mission timer UX S Combat Swimmer (EZM 2B). This official timepiece was developed based on the technical mission requirements formulated in an international tender by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). Out of all participating watchmaking companies, Sinn Spezialuhren best fulfils the requirements, including optimum readability under the most adverse lighting and water conditions, seawater resistance, extreme durability and operation of the rotating bezel even when wearing gloves.
2014
15 years of Frankfurt Financial District Watches
Launched in 1999, the Frankfurt Financial District Watch is celebrating its 15th anniversary. As a result, Sinn Spezialuhren is presenting Frankfurt Financial District Watch models 6052 and 6099. For the Frankfurt Financial District Watch 6052, we have developed the SZ03, which enables calendar week display.
857 UTC TESTAF: record jump from the stratosphere
On 24 October 2014, 57-year-old American Robert Alan Eustace parachutes from the stratosphere at a height of 41,419 metres. In doing so, he breaks the altitude record set by Felix Baumgartner two years earlier. Along for the ride is the 857 UTC TESTAF, which has been integrated into the sleeve of his special suit. Before, during and after the jump, the instrumental watch puts in a flawless performance – despite the low pressure, –77°C cold and a free-fall speed of 1,322.9 km/h, which lasts five minutes and results in Eustace breaking the sound barrier. Once his parachute opens, he glides a further ten minutes towards Earth. Eustace’s team of engineers chooses the 857 UTC TESTAF specifically for the stratosphere jump. Only afterwards do we learn about the magnificent performance of both man and watch – which is also being acknowledged by the 857 UTC TESTAF taking its rightful place alongside the suit in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC.
2013
TESTAF: the basis for a new standard in pilot watches
At the request of Sinn Spezialuhren, the German Institute for Standardisation is developing the first standard for pilot watches in line with German Industry Standard DIN 8306 for diving watches. This new draft DIN 8330 is based on the technical standard for pilot watches (Technischer Standard Fliegeruhren – TESTAF), which will continue to be valid for testing and certifying pilot watches.
2012
TESTAF presentation
Aachen University of Applied Sciences and Sinn Spezialuhren present the first technical standard for pilot watches (Technischer Standard Fliegeruhren – TESTAF) on 19 July 2012 at the German headquarters of the leading helicopter and aircraft component manufacturer Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) in Donauwörth. The development of this technical standard breaks new ground, as there was previously no suitable standard for pilot watches. TESTAF, the result of a research project at the initiative of Sinn Spezialuhren, ensures that a pilot watch meets all time measurement requirements during flight operations in accordance with visual and instrument flight regulations.

World premiere: the first TESTAF-certified watches
Sinn Spezialuhren presents the first watches certified according to TESTAF standards in the world. In the first series of trials, three SINN models meet the requirements. Various adjustments need to be made for these three watches to meet all the testing criteria. Subsequently, the EZM 10 TESTAF, 103 Ti UTC TESTAF and 103 Ti TESTAF passed all tests successfully. In addition to the certificate, this is proven by the TESTAF quality seal on the dial.
2011
Anniversary chronograph for company's 50th birthday
A limited edition of just 500 special anniversary chronographs is presented in March 2011 to commemorate 50 years of SINN. SINN develops its own SZ05 movement for this watch. The anniversary chronograph sells out within three weeks.
The central stop minute hand – the SZ01
Development started in 2003. It was based on the clearly readable and well-known Lemania 5100. The SZ01 chronograph movement is designed so that any watch using it can also feature a centre-mounted, jump 60-minute stopwatch. This allows stop times to be taken even more simply, quickly and accurately. The EZM 10, a Mission Timer made from high-strength titanium, is the result of many years of development work on the SZ01.
2010
SINN watches on rough-road simulation track
On the full vehicle test rig at the Fraunhofer Institute for Operational Stability and System Reliability (LBF) in Darmstadt, the 757 DIAPAL, 900 PILOT, U1000, 6000 Frankfurt Finance District Watch and the 917 GR withstand extreme impact and vibration during testing on a simulated rough road track.
Most successful brand in polling for the “Goldene Unruh”
SINN watches take first place for the 900 PILOT, first place for the 6100 Rose Gold and second place for the Frankfurt Financial District Watch in platinum in polling for the “Goldene Unruh” awards, making SINN Spezialuhren the most successful brand.
2009
Victory for the 917 GR Rally Chronograph
Racing champions Walter Röhrl and Peter Göbel win the Costa Brava Rally for historic racing cars while wearing the 917 GR Rally Chronograph.
The U2 in the realm of eternal ice
Polar explorer Arved Fuchs relies on the robustness of the U2 diving watch for his arctic expeditions.
Support for the arts
Together with a number of renowned partners we are supporting educational and cultural institutions in the form of universities, schools, music schools and public arts projects. MILAN is the first cultural project to receive support.
2008
“Goldene Unruh” award for the REGULATEUR 6100 Rose Gold
The REGULATEUR 6100 Rose Gold takes first place in polling for the “Goldene Unruh” award.
2007
Excellent ranking in Best Brand 2007 poll
Sinn Spezialuhren takes second place in the pilot's watch category in polling for the “Best Brand” conducted by the trade magazine “aerokurier”.
2006
“Goldene Unruh” award for the white gold Frankfurt Financial District Watch
In polling for the “Goldene Unruh” award, the white gold Frankfurt Financial District Watch takes first place, and the 956 Classic takes second place.
SINN watches withstand crash test
The 756 and 900 models were put to a particularly demanding test of their robustness at the DEKRA Technology Center at the Lausitz Eurospeedway in Klettwitz, Germany. Normally the centre performs rigorous materials tests for the international automotive industry.
Development of the SZ04 hand-wound movement
For the 6100 REGULATEUR series, SINN develops the SZ04, based on the Unitas 6498 pocket watch calibre. This is a movement with regulateur display and second stop function. The exclusivity of these watches is also underlined by the use of superior movement parts such as the Glucydur screw balance and the Triovis precision adjustment system.
2005
Watch cases made of German Submarine Steel
For the first time, SINN uses German Submarine Steel as the case material for a diving watch.

Germanischer Lloyd* Certifies SINN Diving Watches
Sinn Spezialuhren is the first company in the watch industry to have its diving watches certified by Germanischer Lloyd* of Hamburg for compliance with European standards for diving equipment.

* Now DNV GL Group
2004
Limited-edition chronograph 958 with a stay-set indicator
Participants in the “most demanding adventure in the world,” the “Fulda Challenge”, wear the newly developed 958 model, a limited-edition chronograph with a stay-set indicator.

The SINN 958 at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring's “Green Hell”
Hans-Joachim Stuck wins the 24-hour-race at the Nürburgring race track wearing a 958 on his wrist.
2003
Development of TEGIMENT Technology
TEGIMENT Technology is used for the first time in the 756 model. The stainless steel watch case hardened using the pioneering technology effectively protects against scratching.
2001
Development of DIAPAL Technology
DIAPAL Technology is used for the first time in the 18-carat white gold Frankfurt Financial District Watch (6000 Jubilee). The new technology features a special combination of materials that requires no lubrication, thereby ensuring long-term precision of the movement.
1999
The 203 ARKTIS
The 203 ARKTIS chronograph passes with flying colours an endurance test in the Arctic Sea on the wrist of extreme diver Mario M. Weidner.
SUG (Sächsische Uhrentechnologie GmbH Glashütte) is founded in Glashütte
The company manufactures technologically sophisticated watch cases for Sinn Spezialuhren.
Presentation of the Frankfurt Financial District Watch
The introduction of the Frankfurt Financial District Watch represents a true milestone in the company's history. It is the first in a whole series of models. The words “Frankfurt am Main” appear on the face of a SINN watch for the first time.
1998
– 45°C up to +80°C
Sinn Spezialuhren perfects Ar-Dehumidifying Technology in combination with SINN special oil 66-228 to create a Temperature Resistance Technology, with which watches remain functional between temperatures of –45 °C up to +80 °C. Equipped with the newly development technology, the chronograph 303 KRISTALL is tested at the Yukon Quest, the world's most demanding dogsled race, and passes the test with flying colours.
“Goldene Unruh” award for the 103 Ti Ar
The 103 Ti Ar is honoured with the “Goldene Unruh” award which is rewarded for the first time.
1997
Sinn Spezialuhren introduces the EZM1 and EZM2 mission timers
Known as a maker of special timepieces, SINN once again proves its competence with the development of two extraordinary mission timers known as the EZM1 and EZM2. These timepieces are designed for use in missions by special police forces and the GSG 9 (Border Protection Group 9 of Federal Police), where precise timing can mean the difference between life and death. The mission timers focus on the absolute essentials: optimal readability and perfect measurement of time. In the following years, additional mission timers were developed for special, professional user profiles.
1996
Development of HYDRO Technology
HYDRO Technology is introduced for the first time, in the 403 HYDRO. This technology guarantees absolute freedom from fogging, pressure resistance at every accessible diving depth and optimal readability under water at any angle.
1995
The first gold watch made by SINN
Despite its unusually high proportion of gold (917/1000), the 22-carat special alloy matches the material hardness of stainless steel (220 HV).
Development of Ar-Dehumidifying Technology
Ar-Dehumidifying Technology is introduced for the first time, in the 203 Ti Ar diving watch. The new technology prevents the crystal from fogging up even when faced with sudden temperature changes and effectively retards the aging process of the components in the watch, thereby extending the functional life of the watch.
1994
A new era begins
Certified engineer Lothar Schmidt acquires the company on September 1 and initiates a major strategic reorganisation to lead the company into the future and enhance its technological expertise. The company is renamed “Sinn Spezialuhren GmbH”.

The company's first new model is the 244 made of titanium with Magnetic Field Protection and a freely oscillating suspended movement. With its Magnetic Field Protection feature, Sinn Spezialuhren far exceeds the DIN standard for anti-magnetic watches and minimizes magnetic disruption.
1993
On board the Columbia
Once again, the 142 space chronograph plays a role in a space mission. On the second German Spacelab mission, the D-2, the space chronograph accompanied the crew during their 10 days in space. The watch flies 6.7 million kilometres and orbites the earth 160 times on board the NASA space shuttle Columbia.
1992
The 142 S in outer space
During the Mir-92 mission, astronaut Klaus-Dietrich Flade wears a 142 S.
1985
The 140 S in outer space
German physicist and astronaut Professor Dr. Reinhard Furrer wears the 140 S on his wrist during the D-1 spacelab mission and proves herewith that the self-winding mechanism of a mechanical wristwatch works even in weightless conditions.
Sinn Spezialuhren moves its headquarters
The company headquarters moves from “Rödelheimer Parkweg 6” to “Im Füldchen 5–7”.
1961
The Company foundation
Helmut Sinn, an instructor for blind flight and former World War II pilot, founds the company “Helmut Sinn Spezialuhren” in Frankfurt am Main. The company's core business is the manufacture of, navigation clocks and pilot chronographs.