Baselworld 2019: Introducing the Sinn 206 ARKTIS II and 206 St Ar

Sinn is calling their new 206 ARKTIS II and 206 St Ar models a “contemporary take on the traditional diving chronograph.” One can only smile at the notion of a “traditional” diving chronograph, since there really isn’t anything traditional about that combination at all, unless of course you’re Sinn, and celebrating the twentieth anniversary of a chrono-diver that not only goes deep, but is guaranteed functional to the absolutely insane temperature range of –45°C to +80°C. So, if you’re casually doing some ice diving and need to time something in addition to what you’re tracking on the ratcheting dive bezel, Sinn has you covered. It also works if you just want a watch that’s exceptionally well built to an incredibly high standard. Pardon the pun, but let’s dive in.

Sinn 206 ARKTIS II

Case Material: Stainless Steel
Dial: Sunburst blue
Dimensions: 43mm diameter, 17mm thickness, 22mm lug width
Crystal: Sapphire, front and back
Water resistance: 300 meters
Crown: D3 screw down
Movement: Valjoux 7750
Strap/bracelet: Leather, rubber or steel
Price: Starting at $3,570
Expected release: n/a

Sinn 206 St Ar

Case Material: Stainless Steel
Dial: Black
Dimensions: 43mm diameter, 17mm thickness, 22mm lug width
Crystal: Sapphire, front and back
Water resistance: 300 meters
Crown: D3 screw down
Movement: Valjoux 7750
Strap/bracelet: Leather, rubber or steel
Price: Starting at $3,270
Expected release: n/a

These two new references are callbacks to the 203 series of chrono dive watches that Sinn introduced in the 1990s, with the ARKTIS getting the 20-year birthday treatment. The draw here from a technical perspective is the aforementioned temperature resistance. It’s not something the casual wearer will ever have to think about, but it’s a reflection of the high caliber of craftsmanship and thought that Sinn puts into all of their watches. To make a comparison to another great piece of German engineering, you’re not likely to hit the top speed in a Porsche 911 GT3 either, but if you’re an owner, it must be satisfying to know it’s there if you need it.

The differentiating technical spec between these two timepieces is the temperature stability of the ARKTIS II, but both watches feature plenty of that sought after Sinn tech for those of us who live in milder climates. Both watches include Sinn’s Ar-Dehumidifying system, which keeps the watch free of fog through the inevitable process of lubricating oil in the movement evaporating over time (and through sudden temperature changes). Watches with this technology contain unique drying capsules to soak up excess moisture, as well as special seals and a gas filling process used during manufacture that allows the capsules to function properly. Moisture kills mechanical movements, and Sinn has gone to extreme lengths with this technology to keep it away from the inside of your watch.

Additionally, both of the new 206 watches make use of the Sinn D3 system for the pushers and crown, further reinforcing the watch from moisture and dust. Interestingly, this makes the screw down pushers for the chronograph unnecessary, but Sinn has decided to keep them in these updated models to maintain a visual link to the 203. One quibble, then, with these new pieces is that Sinn has increased the size of the case to 43mm (2mm larger than the originals) for a more modern sports watch look. Perhaps not a significant issue for the large wristed among us, but those who prefer a smaller watch, or just have smaller wrists, should keep this in mind.

New Sinn releases are always a lot of fun. It’s genuinely exciting to see what kinds of cool technology they can pack into these tool watches while still offering a real value proposition. Not only that, but they look great, with the ARKTIS II sporting a sunburst blue dial that conjures the frozen waters it was meant to be used in. The 206 St Ar has a highly legible black dial, that, when paired with the cool gray bezel, gives the watch a striking vintage look. Sinn