IN AN age where consumers’ attention span no longer exists, 20 years is a long time for any “wearable” to remain unchanged. And yet this has been the case with the 203 Arktis; Sinn’s chronograph diver watch was introduced in 1999 and was not replaced since.
But it’s a luxury which this piece can afford. Sinn, true to what it has always stood for, built the 203 Arktis to last.
The brand’s 203 series debuted around 15 years earlier. The Arktis joined the 203 lineup as an even tougher watch; it was among the first (if not the first) chrono/diver to receive what’s called “temperature resistance” cases. This technology allows the Arktis not only to keep on ticking, but also to remain accurate, even in sub-zero and near-boiling temperatures. Think an arctic minus 45 degrees Celsius and an infernal 80 degrees Celsius. Plus, the watch is guaranteed to be water-resistant to depths of 300 meters, too.
The Arktis was also kitted with the brand’s Ar-Dehumidifying Technology which seals the watch’s case better from moisture. The thing prevents the movement’s lubricants (basically high-quality synthetic oils) from aging caused by condensation entering the watch’s case. It also protects the movement against these lubricants, which could dry up inside the case. It makes sure the watch’s crystal would not fog up because of moisture from within the case, or when the outside temperature drops to freezing, too.
The technology does this by using special Extreme Diffusion-Reducing seals that are better than conventional nitrite rubber seals; Argon gas, replacing oxygen, pumped into the watch case, helping eliminate moisture; and a drying capsule filled with copper sulfate that absorbs moisture within the case. In the Arktis (and other Sinn models fitted with Ar-Dehumidifying methods), the technology is identified on the dial via a red “Ar” stamp.
The same is inscribed on the new Sinn 206 Arktis II, essentially the 203 Arktis’s reincarnation. Forming a key part of Sinn’s presentation at the last Baselworld, the new piece carries over the temperature resistance and Ar-Dehumidifying technologies of its forebear and places these within a larger 43-millimeter-wide steel case (the 203 Arktis was a 41-millimeter piece; huge in 1999) with a tweaked ratcheting bezel and a dial that, while retaining the turn-of-the-century model’s blue palette and layout, now has a deeper-blue sunburst finish. Seen up close, this gives the watch a more polished, sophisticated look. But, make no mistake: On the wrist, the 206 Arktis II feels substantial rather than hefty, largely a result of its functional rather than decorative vibe.
The 206 Arktis II has chronograph pushers that seem identical to those on the 203 Arktis. This is an illusion. Because Sinn has since developed what it calls its D3-System in which the pushers’ pins and crown shaft slot directly through an aperture on the case itself, rather than through a tube inserted into the watch case — the conventional method. This tube requires additional sealing, which could leak. Sinn swears the D3-System is so effective it negates the need for the 206 Arktis II’s pushers to be screw-down affairs.
Unlike the 203 Arktis, which came with a choice of a leather strap or a steel bracelet only, the 2019 watch’s case can be matched to leather straps in blue, black and a vintage-looking tan, a Nato strap, a rubber one, or steel bracelets in two design options. Sapphire crystals cover the watch front and back.
Powering the 206 Arktis II is still a modified, self-winding cal. ETA Valjoux 7750. This legendary cam-based chronograph (which could nonetheless take on a column wheel setup, by the way), allows the watch a 30-minute counter and a small second display. It beats at 28,800vph and has a 42-hour power reserve. Sinn allowed it antimagnetic properties and bits of décor via perlage and blued screws. Inscribed on its rotor, apart from the Sinn logo, is the marking “-45°C.” It’s a reminder the 206 Arktis II’s appeal lies in capability, not frills.
And it is attractive precisely because of this.
