The new Sinn 158 is unusual in being a remake of a vintage watch originally produced by another company, but due to a quirk of history, simultaneously a Sinn.

In the 1960s and 1970s Heuer supplied the German armed forces, or Bundeswehr, with the 1550 SG flyback chronograph. Though typically military in style, the Heuer 1550 SG was fairly distinctive, with a black-coated rotating bezel and oversized sub-dials.

A favourite remake

In the 1980s, Sinn was contracted by the Bundeswehr to refurbish the 1550 SG watches, resulting in some having a Sinn-branded dial. At the same time, decommissioned or surplus watches were also acquired by Sinn, which then sold them to civilians.

Having become something of a cult favourite due to its design, size, and affordability, the Heuer 1550 SG has been the subject of several past remakes by Sinn. Named the Sinn 155, the earliest remake was for the Japanese market in 2007, and later editions included a 155 for German department store Manufactum.

A Heuer 1550 SG “Bund” from the 1970s. Photo – TAG Heuer

Because of its hands, the 158 is the most modern-looking of the remakes, but still retains all of the key elements of the original, most notably the four screws to secure the inner case to the outer case, as well as the flat step where the lugs meet the bezel.

Like the original, the 158 has a bead-blasted steel case with a bidirectional, black-coated aluminium bezel. The case is 43 mm like the 1550 SG, but slightly thicker at 15.15 mm high due to the SW510 movement inside.

It’s a self-winding chronograph calibre based on the tried and tested Valjoux 7750, which means excellent reliability, slightly stiff pushbuttons, and a 48-hour power reserve.

The crystal on the 158 is acrylic glass, which is liable to scratch but the same as on the original

Key facts and price

Sinn 158

Case diameter: 43 mm
Case height: 15.15 mm
Material: Steel
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Sellita SW510
Features: Time and date; chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Calfskin

Limited edition: 500 pieces
Availability: From Sinn retailers starting March 2020
Price: €2,590 including VAT, or 4,760 Singapore dollars

For more, visit Sinn.de.

Founded by a former car designer, Matthew Humphries Design (MHD) unsurprisingly sells automobile-inspired watches. The most original to date is the SA2, a time-only automatic with a distinctive case that seems familiar but is novel in form.

MHD was founded in 2014 by Matthew Humphries, who, at age 21, became head of design at Morgan Motor Company, the maker of lightweight, retro sports cars that are hand-assembled and distinctly British. Amongst his creations during his stint at Morgan were the Aeromax, Aero SuperSports as well as the peculiar yet cool 3-Wheeler.

Unsurprisingly given Morgan’s quirky and compact cars that still use wood for the body frame, the SA2 is slightly retro, while being notably refined and clean for a watch designed on the automotive-theme – one that is often characterised by eccentric, aesthetically-charged watches. A restrained use of colour allows the design of the SA2 to speak for itself.

“Exoskeleton chassis case”

Available in three different variants, the SA2’s defining feature is undoubtedly its case. While the outline is the common cushion form – at a glance it might be mistaken for yet another retro, cushion-shaped watch – the case is actually a skeletonised frame holding the case middle, a construction inspired by the chassis of a lightweight race car.

Composed of four parts, the round case middle is supported by a thin, cushion-shaped frame with fixed bars at each end for the strap. Wide but slim, the case measures 41mm by 47mm but stands a mere 10mm high.

Also notable is the clever use of finishing to subtly accentuate the lines of the case, which boasts four different surface textures. The case middle and crown are knurled, while the bezel is brushed. This offers an attractive contrast against the outer frame, which has a polished top surface with sandblasted recessed flanks.

The case middle is, however, reminiscent of fellow British brand Bremont, which has made a knurled case middle something of a signature feature. That is in part explained by a similar inspiration; Bremont built its brand around vintage and wartime aircraft, which share a good deal of design elements with Morgan cars.

Obviously modelled on automobile instruments, the dial takes its cues from the tachometer found in the original Porsche 911.

Less apparent is the sandwich construction, with the dial made up of a lower disc in a contrasting colour – black, chrome, or coated with Super-Luminova, depending on model – that is visible through cut-outs on the upper disc.

Visible through the sapphire case back is the low cost and robust automatic Miyota 9039 movement that has a hacking function and a power reserve of 42 hours.

Key facts and price

SA2 Launch Edition (black dial with a black-coated inner case)
SA2 Steel Dial
SA2 Heritage White Dial

Diameter: 41 mm by 47 mm
Height: 10 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Miyota 9039
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 42 days

Strap: NATO-style fabric

Limited edition: 100 pieces each
Availability: Direct from MHD
Price: £645

For more information, visit Mhdwatches.com