Question on Sinn 356 Flieger

[Eustace Tilley]

I am considering a purchase of the Sinn 356 Flieger (below). I am, however, concerned that the stated 38.5mm case would be a bit small for my wrist.

I typically wear 39-40mm dress watches, and would prefer a more casual 'tool' watch to be a bit bigger. But I also recognize that the advertised case sizes are misleading and vary dramatically from brand to brand.

Can someone with Sinn experience please comment on how these watches run - is a 38.5mm a true 38.5mm - i.e. like one of the VC Patrimony watches, or is it more like Breitling, where even a 38mm still looks big?

Thanks,

 

[ENT]

I have a Sinn 656 and think its stated size (38.5mm) is accurate. I'm not sure what size your wrist is, but I don't find this watch to be small at all.

 

[gdl203]

First time I hear of advertised case sizes as "misleading"... The way a watch wears on the wrist, and how big it feels, depend on the case size, the case height, the curvature of the back and lugs and the thickness of the bezel (thin bezel watches often appear bigger than thick bezel watches because the dial is larger).

That said, I think the 356 wears like a 39-40mm watch - honestly I cannot tell the difference between a 38.5, 39 and 40mm case watch when on the wrist...

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Thank you both. 'Misleading' was perhaps the wrong word - I did not mean to imply that manufacturers lie, but rather that a 38.5mm watch from one brand oftens wears bigger/smaller than a similarly sized watch from a different brand.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by Eustace Tilley

Thank you both. 'Misleading' was perhaps the wrong word - I did not mean to imply that manufacturers lie, but rather that a 38.5mm watch from one brand oftens wears bigger/smaller than a similarly sized watch from a different brand.

That's true, especially if case height or bezel are abnormally big or small. The Sinn has neither - overall pretty average proportions

 

[AlonzoMosely]

I have that watch with the copper guilloche[sp?] dial. I find it to be a good size with sport coats and suits. Something about the shape (I have an acrylic crystal with steel band) makes it slide under the cuff more easily than a watch of comparabe size and thickness. It's a little small compared to the large watches that are popular now, but it is big compared to classic dress watches. I don't know if this helps, but it feels much bigger than my Omega mid size seamaster but substantially smaller than my Sinn 757 UTC - about on par with my Breitling chronomat of early to mid 90's vintage.

Bottom line is if you are looking for a casual tool watch and are used to big watches, I might get something bigger because it is definitely not a big watch by today's standards.

 

[stickonatree]

how big are your wrists? i've been looking at a similarly sized watch.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Originally Posted by stickonatree

how big are your wrists? i've been looking at a similarly sized watch.

A little more than 7"

 

[gamelan]

i have nothing to add re: your original post but that is one of my dream watches. i hope you end up getting it! and post pics when you do!

-Jeff

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Originally Posted by gamelan

i have nothing to add re: your original post but that is one of my dream watches. i hope you end up getting it! and post pics when you do!

-Jeff

Some more pics for you then

 

[acidboy]

Eustace,

I've also faced this decision a year ago when I was planning to buy a 356. It is a very handsome flieger! When I tried it on in the AD, I found it too small for my 7-1/2" wrist. In the end I "settled" with an 856, which runs at 40mm. I strongly suggest that you try them on first, if it's possible.

 

[kolecho]

At 7" wrist, I'd say it is a tad small for you. Try it first before pulling the trigger.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Thanks. I wonder if the Sinn 103 St Ty may be a better option given its 41mm case size?

 

[Cantabrigian]

Originally Posted by gdl203

First time I hear of advertised case sizes as "misleading"... The way a watch wears on the wrist, and how big it feels, depend on the case size, the case height, the curvature of the back and lugs and the thickness of the bezel (thin bezel watches often appear bigger than thick bezel watches because the dial is larger).

That said, I think the 356 wears like a 39-40mm watch - honestly I cannot tell the difference between a 38.5, 39 and 40mm case watch when on the wrist...
Though minor compared to much of what you mentioned, a flat vs domed crystal also has some effect on how big or small the watch wears relative to diameter.


Eustace, both watches look great (nicer looking than the corresponding IWC pilots chronos IMO) - enjoy.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by Cantabrigian

Though minor compared to much of what you mentioned, a flat vs domed crystal also has some effect on how big or small the watch wears relative to diameter.
Interesting point - I never really noticed that (I don't have many domed crystal watches). Which would you say wears bigger or smaller?