A unique combination of past and present: this is probably the essence of the unmistakable charm of this historic pilot's chronograph. Responsible for this is a contemporary interpretation that skilfully picks up and continues the traditional thread of a timepiece that is very popular with watch enthusiasts. In order to correctly categorise the historical lineage of the 156.1 model, it is important to know that the original predecessor is the 155 model (see below). As the successor to this timepiece, our company developed the 156 and 156 MILITARY models (see below) - all watches that are now true icons. (see below) Contemporary interpretation A look at the present reveals the innovative character of the 156.1 model, which is manifested in our in-house SZ01 chronograph movement, which is designed so that the timepiece has a jumping 60-minute stopwatch hand from the centre. The plus point: stop times can therefore be recorded more easily, quickly and accurately - a clear gain in terms of clear readability. This movement is integrated into a newly designed case with a screw-in back, which is aesthetically modelled on its historical predecessors with a 43 mm-diameter case. However, the 156.1 now has a sapphire crystal, which is more scratch-resistant than the acrylic glass used in the original model. The pilot's bezel is captively connected to the case and can be rotated smoothly without detent - another innovation that we have implemented in this form for the first time in a SINN chronograph in series production. The TEGIMENT Technology of the pilot's bezel is also an important prerequisite for the application of the Black Hard Coating, which proves to be extremely durable as a result. In contrast to the historical models, the pilot's bezel has a luminescent fixed point as a striking symbol in the marking at twelve o'clock, so that the position of the set reference time can be clearly identified in the dark. The numbers as the hour and minute hands are also luminescent and therefore perfectly legible. The design philosophy for the 156.1 model is to continue tried and tested elements while utilising the potential for change. The result is a fascinating timepiece that is as historic as it is contemporary.
Special characteristics
SINN SZ01 chronograph movement
60-minute stop function from the dial centre
Case made of stainless steel, bead-blasted
Captive pilot’s bezel made of stainless steel with Black Hard Coating on a TEGIMENT Technology basis
Sapphire crystal
Water-resistant and pressure-resistant to 10 bar
Low pressure resistant
Technical details
Mechanical Movement
SINN Movement SZ01
Self-winding mechanism
28 bearing jewels
28,800 semi-oscillations per hour
Seconds stop function
Anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309
The information on the mechanical movement corresponds to the current production situation in Frankfurt am Main. Due to technical changes, it may happen in individual cases that stock items of our sales partners deviate from this information.
Case
Case made of stainless steel, bead-blasted
Sapphire crystal in front, anti-reflective on both sides
Case back screw-fastened
Meet the technical requirements for water-resistance, as set out in standard DIN 8310
Water-resistant and pressure-resistant to 10 bar
Low pressure resistant
Functions
Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds
Date display
Chronograph
Pilot’s bezel with minute scale and luminious dot in the triangle
SINN Technologies
Captive bezel, sliding rotatable
Bezel with Black Hard Coating on a TEGIMENT Technology basis
Dimensions and Weight
Case diameter: 43 mm
Band lug width: 22 mm
Case thickness: 15,45 mm
Weight withour strap: 98 gramme
Dial and Hands
Matte black dial
Numbers coated with luminescent colour
Hour and minute hand coated with luminescent colour
Looking back: In the beginning was the Model 155
The historic Model 155 - a ‘wristwatch with double stop mechanism’ (the original designation used by the Bundeswehr - the German Armed Forces - in the 1960s) sold in very small numbers in the 1980s and early 1990s - is today one of the most sought-after collector's watches from our company. At the time, the company acquired decommissioned watches from the stocks of the Bundeswehr (Heuer-Leonidas SA 1550 SG, or Heuer 1550 SG for short) and sold them as the ‘Bundeswehr Chronograph for Pilots’ model 155 Bw.
The successors: the 156 and 156 MILITARY models
In the successor models 156 and 156 MILITARY - the latter with the corresponding lettering above the window for the day of the week and date - the case design was initially adopted in the form of an sliding case. Later, the chronograph was also offered with a traditional case design. The readability of the stopped time was ensured by the Lemania 5012 movement with the minute stop display from the centre, or later by the Lemania 5100 with 24-hour display and minute stop display from the centre. It was precisely this legendary movement that later served as the model for the new design of the SZ01 and which today performs its work reliably in the 156.1 model. Screw-in back, acrylic glass, shortened pushers and crown (in contrast to the predecessor model 155), which moved closer to the case and thus minimised damage in the event of impact, were further characteristics of the model series at the time.
