356 PILOT Classic Anniversary

Whether it is the aesthetic appeal, technical finesse and the associated craft of watchmaking or the limited edition of 500 watches, the 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary embodies timekeeping in its own unique way – the ideal watch to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this model series.

Bicompax arrangement of the counters Classic chronographs fascinate many watch lovers – not least because these timepieces often have a number of unique features. The same can certainly be said for our 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary model. For the first time in this model series, we have exquisitely decorated the dial at six o’clock with the unmistakable ‘FLIEGER KLASSIK’ lettering as a special tribute. As a counterpart to this, we attached the SINN logo as an appliqué at 12 o’clock.

Another novelty relates to a complication that is also unusual for this model series: the bicompax arrangement of the silver matt counters. For a balanced overall appearance, they harmoniously match the anthracite electroplated dial. In the interest of visual perfection, the hands for the hours, minutes and stopwatch seconds are rhodium-plated and lined with luminous paint, while the silky- matt anthracite-coloured design of the small seconds and 30-minute stopwatch are eye-catching. As a useful feature, we have equipped the dial with a fine-minute dial, divided into quarters of a second, for fast recording of short-time measurement.

High-domed sapphire crystal glass

The high-domed crystal featuring an anti-reflective coating on both sides ensures a clear view of the striking dial – even under extreme lighting conditions. In keeping with this, the case back – also made of sapphire crystal – makes it easy to catch sight of the limited-edition identifier on the rotor. To truly appreciate the value and quality of this special material, it is important to know that the glass is ground out of a solid blank that is around 5 mm thick with five different curvature radii and is then carefully polished. Connoisseurs are left impressed by the result, as the procedure preserves the classic appearance.

The 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary is powered by a high-precision mechanical movement that guarantees an improved power reserve of over 56 hours. Look forward to an extraordinary timepiece – available in a fine case with two locally manufactured straps made from nubuck boar leather (see reverse).

A look back at history

The 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary model is a fine example of how every watch – or chronograph – tells a unique story. This timepiece, too, stands on the shoulders of an entire generation of successful watches from the 356 series. 

It’s worth taking a look back at history. At the very beginning, there was a special edition in an exclusive range of 300 pieces. Made especially for the Japanese market, we developed an elegant and slimmer version of our 256 pilot chronograph without a rotating bezel in 1996: the 356 with the characteristic ‘FLIEGER’ imprint on a matte black dial, bead-blasted stainless-steel case and shock-resistant acrylic glass. This first model was equipped with the Valjoux 7760 hand-wound movement. 

Classically elegant appearance

The great success of this watch on the Japanese market prompted us to include the chronograph in our collection. In December 1998, the time had come: as expected, the 356 PILOT, now featuring an automatic movement, bead-blasted casing, acrylic glass and a solid back, was very popular. The fact that this watch is still one of our most popular chronographs worldwide shows how timeless it is. These first chronographs also defined the parameters that characterise this model series to this day: classically elegant, with a clear, aesthetic appearance, where nothing distracts you from the essentials, because form and design are subordinate to the reliable reading of the time and the stop times determined by the chronograph.

Nubuck boar leather strap

With the 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary model, we are presenting a high-quality strap made from boar leather manufactured in Germany, which is now also available in a 20 mm lug width. The surface of the leather is gently napped to create a velvety soft texture. This makes the fine roughness of the nubuck leather visible, creating its characteristic look and giving it a fitting patina. As well as from the type of finishing, the individual appearance of the straps produced exclusively for us results from the leather surface with its strong bristles, which can be distinguished by fine, dark dots known as hair holes. 

Nubuck leather is known for its high durability, suppleness and shape retention. Our straps are regional products, both in terms of origin and manufacture. The leather comes from Hessian wild boars. The leather is also tanned in Hesse, followed by final production in Rhineland- Palatinate. The animals’ existence in the wild and the life story that goes with it give each strap its individual appearance