Editor’s note: The rise and rise of not just the quality, but the cachet of German watchmaking in recent years has all but put to rest the notion that fine watchmaking is the preserve of the Swiss alone. It’s no longer an argument that has any heat — or any credibility. Therefore, a list of great German watchmakers in 2019 (first published in 2018, the superfans will tell you) borders on a no-brainer. But that said, there may be one or two discoveries in there. Felix runs us through some of his favourites, one or two of which he wears on a very regular basis. Though, sadly, not ‘The Felix’ — seriously, how good would that be. Not so long ago, Cam — fortified with a strong cup of tea and some crumpets — ran us through eight of the finest watches from British brands. Well, today I’ve had my cold cuts and pumpernickel for breakfast and selected eight of Germany’s most serious timepieces to start your day off right. Now, while Germany might not be the watchmaking powerhouse that their neutral neighbour Switzerland is, they’re no slouches either. The industry is based around two towns: Glashütte, in the east, is the best known, as it’s the oldest… Read More
HANDS-ON: The Sinn 104 St Sa I W
Famous for their formidable and over-engineered designs — which range from technically advanced mission timers to hardcore divers made of submarine steel — Sinn are arguably the most renowned tool watch manufacturer in the industry. However, the German company also hosts a suite of dressier pieces that are better suited to a boardroom than a war room. Meeting somewhere in the middle is the Sinn 104. A professionally capable pilot’s watch that is equally at home outside of the cockpit – be it in the office or on the street. And at the beginning of this year, Sinn added to the 104 collection with a revised glossy white dial. The most crucial feature of any pilot’s watch is how easy it is to read – especially in low light conditions – and the 104 is about as legible as they come. With an enamel-like finish, the dial keeps the same markings as the original. Only this time the rectangular hour markers and syringe-style hands are outlined in black, creating a sharp contrast against the white, and increasing the at-a-glance charm of the 104. Within those black outlines is a coating of slightly off-white lume. Although it won’t be winning any #lumebattles,… Read More
