For watch enthusiasts, the name
Sinn is synonymous with rugged, reliable tool watches. The German watchmaker has been building no-nonsense timepieces since its founding in 1961, and its creations have been trusted by pilots, military personnel, and adventurers around the world. One of Sinn's most popular models is the 155 Bundeswehr chronograph, a watch that was originally designed for the West German Federal Defence Force in the 1960s.
The 155 Bundeswehr chronograph is a pilot's watch through and through. It features a clear and legible dial with large Arabic numerals and a bi-directional bezel. The watch is also water-resistant to 100 meters, making it suitable for wearing in all conditions.
Courtesy of Sinn and Revolution
In 2019, Sinn collaborated with Revolution Watch to create a limited-edition version of the 155 Bundeswehr chronograph called the Dark Star. The Dark Star featured a black PVD-coated case and vintage-style lume, giving the watch a more modern and tactical look.
Now, Sinn and Revolution Watch are back with another collaboration, the Sinn 155 S Bright Star TEGIMENT Revolution II. The Bright Star is a striking take on the classic 155 Bundeswehr chronograph. The most noticeable difference is the watch's all-black color scheme. The case, bezel, pushers, crown, and even the dial are all black. This gives the watch a stealthy and sophisticated look that is sure to appeal to modern watch collectors.
But the Bright Star is more than just a pretty face. The watch is built to be tough. Like the Dark Star, the Bright Star features a TEGIMENT-treated case. TEGIMENT is Sinn's proprietary process for hardening stainless steel. Sinn is tight-lipped about the exact details of the TEGIMENT process, but the company claims that it makes the steel five times harder than untreated stainless steel. This makes the Bright Star highly resistant to scratches and dings.
Courtesy of Sinn and Revolution
The Bright Star also features a sapphire crystal, which is another upgrade over the standard acrylic crystal that is used on the original Bundeswehr chronograph. Sapphire crystals are more scratch-resistant than acrylic crystals, making the Bright Star even more durable.
One of the things that makes the Sinn 155 S Bright Star TEGIMENT Revolution II so special is its unique combination of vintage and modern elements. The watch has the classic good looks of the original Bundeswehr chronograph, but it also has the modern features and materials that today's watch collectors demand.
The Sinn 155 S Bright Star TEGIMENT Revolution II's all-black color scheme is the first thing that grabs your attention. It's undeniably modern, even tactical. But a closer look reveals this isn't some run-of-the-mill PVD coating slapped on for the sake of looks. After the TEGIMENT process hardens the steel, a super-tough black coating is applied using a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technique. This coating method isn't just about color; it's designed for maximum durability, especially when paired with the ultra-hardened TEGIMENT steel as a base.
While the watch is bathed in black, Sinn didn't go for monochrome boredom. The stark, custard-colored Super-LumiNova stands out boldly on the hands, large Arabic numerals, and the stylized Revolution star logo at six o'clock. This contrast isn't only about looks. Super-LumiNova glows incredibly bright, ensuring fantastic readability in low light or even complete darkness – a key element for any pilot's watch.
Courtesy of Sinn and Revolution
The Bright Star's relentless focus on toughness doesn't stop at the exterior. Sinn fitted this watch with a sapphire crystal. Most vintage-inspired watches stick to softer acrylic crystals – they're authentic to the era, but sacrifice some scratch resistance. Sapphire ranks near diamonds in hardness, making it incredibly difficult to scratch - a must-have feature for a genuine tool watch like the Bright Star.
Flip the watch over, and you're greeted with a screw-down, TEGIMENT-treated caseback. This isn't just decorative, the solid caseback and screw-down crown help this pilot's chronograph achieve a very respectable 100-meter water resistance rating. While you might not take this one diving, it means not having to worry about getting caught in a rainstorm or an accidental dunk in the sink.
At the heart of the Bright Star beats the Sellita SW510, an automatic chronograph movement known for its robust, workhorse reputation. Based on the legendary and time-tested Valjoux 7750 architecture, it's widely respected for its strength and reliability. The 7750 was a high-tech marvel when it debuted in the 1970s, and its fundamental design remains rock-solid today.
Courtesy of Sinn and Revolution
Don't expect elaborate, hand-finished decorations here – this movement is all about function. With the caseback secured, you won't see it, but rest assured you've got a tried and true chronograph engine under the hood with over 56 hours of power reserve.
The Sinn 155 S Bright Star TEGIMENT Revolution II is an exercise in wearable utility. At 43mm in diameter, it's a substantial watch, but not oversized by today's standards. The bi-directional bezel adds a bit of visual width but also contributes function – perfect for quick elapsed time measurements.
True to its military-issued ancestor, the Bright Star comes on a classic Bund-style leather strap. This design has a padded leather backing for comfort and was originally meant to protect the pilot's skin from the cold metal caseback. Sinn also includes both spring bar tools and a black NATO strap for those days when leather might not be the most practical choice.
Courtesy of Sinn and Revolution
The Sinn 155 S Bright Star TEGIMENT Revolution II is a limited edition of only 300 pieces. This exclusivity, along with its tough-as-nails construction, functional design, and unique blacked-out aesthetic, make it a highly desirable timepiece for watch collectors. At $3,600 (excluding tax), it certainly isn't bargain-priced, but Sinn's reputation for over-engineered quality and the Bright Star's unique attributes create strong value. This watch is an investment in a tool intended to be used and enjoyed for years to come.
If you're looking for a watch that combines vintage style with modern features and materials, the Sinn 155 S Bright Star TEGIMENT Revolution II is a compelling choice. It's a watch that is built to last and is sure to turn heads.