The New Sinn 103 Gets A Pop Of Color; Seiko's Small 5 Sports SNXS; Hamilton's Super Edgy Ventura; Depancel In Black And Tangerine; Gucci Brings Back Switchable Bezels; Romain Gauthier's Carbonium C

Hey friends, welcome back to It’s About Time. Making up for missed issues with another Saturday edition. But check this out… there’s another one coming tomorrow, something completely different than what I ever sent out.

In this issue

• The New Sinn 103 St Sa Ty Hd H (What A Name) Gets A Pop Of Color, Exactly What It Needed

• Seiko Keeps It Very Familiar With The Return Of The Seiko 5 Sports SNXS In A Small Size

• Hamilton Skeletonizes Their Already Super Edgy Ventura With The Edge Skeleton

• Depancel Continues Black And Tangerine Limited Edition Run With A Very Nice Allure

• Gucci Brings Back Their Interchangeable Bezel Play Model

• Romain Gauthier Adds A Carbonium Option To The Sporty C

• FOR WATCH CLUB MEMBERS Watches You Might Not Have Seen, Week 56: From the Cockpit to History, The Gallet Flying Officer

• FOR WATCH CLUB MEMBERS Historical Perspectives: The Dial That Decoded the Sky, Inside the Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch and the Revolution in Celestial Navigation

👂What’s new

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The New Sinn 103 St Sa Ty Hd H (What A Name) Gets A Pop Of Color, Exactly What It Needed

Imagine having a model in continuous production since the 1960s. This is only something the biggest brands can say, companies like Omega and Rolex. But it’s also true of Sinn, who has been making the Sinn 103 in various configurations for 60 years. But the watch has changed a bit since its inception and the biggest change is it being powered by an automatic movement. Sinn is now rectifying that, a few weeks ago with the limited edition 103 St Ty Hd, and now they’re taking it to a new level with something they dearly need — colors. This is the new Sinn 103 St Sa Ty Hd H

The 103 is a significant watch. It measures 41mm wide and 14.8mm thick in this new(ish) hand-wound configuration, which is an improvement from a whopping 15.9mm. The case is made out of steel, there’s a double-domed acrylic crystal on top and despite it using a push-in crown it can still get 200 meters of water resistance. Sinn is best at these crazy tech innovations - they call this system of gaskets the D3-System which allows them to not have a screw down crown, to make it easier to wind, and still make it very capable. On top is a bidirectional blue-coated bezel with a fully graduated 60-minute scale.

But it’s the dial where things get super cool. The base of the dial is light blue, with a dark blue traditional 3-6-9 layout instead of the regular 103 6-9-12 sub-dial layout. Around the perimeter is a white flange that has a tachymeter scale that allows calculation of speeds ranging from 60 km/h to 600 km/h. The hour markers and hands are made out of hybrid ceramic lumed material. The 3 o’clock sub-dial has orange and white graduated first 10 minutes.

Inside is the familiar, robust and easily servicable Sellita SW510 M, which beats at 28,800vph and has a decent power reserve of 58 hours. The watch comes on both a blue textile strap and a leather strap.

The new Sinn 103 St Sa Ty Hd H is limited to 250 pieces and available now. Price is set at €3,490. See more on the Sinn website.

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Seiko Keeps It Very Familiar With The Return Of The Seiko 5 Sports SNXS In A Small Size

Back in the 20-teens, Seiko had a pretty killer entry-level everyday watch, the Hebitama SNXS. It was a small watch that bore a striking resemblance to one of the most popular watches in the world, so it was clear why it was such a hit for the brand, especially at a very affordable price. Naturally, Seiko discontinued it right before the pandemic, because why should we have nice things. Well, in a world where Seiko prices have exploded, a miracle has happened. Seiko has brought back the 5 Sports SNXS Series some time ago, but now we’re getting the model in an intriguing size and a somewhat decent price.

A lot is well known here. The new Seiko 5 Sports “Hebitama” SNXS, which measures just 32mm wide, which is a size we don’t see much from brands. Sure, it’s marketed as a ladies’ watch, but you know that there’s a lot of small wristed brothers out there celebrating. It has the same helmet-shaped case, the crown set at 4 o’clock and best of all, you still get 100 meters of water resistance.

The dials keep pretty much the same as the larger versions, with applied markers, baton hands and even day/date indicators fit into this tiny dial. For now, there are three versions of the Hebitama available. The SRE021 comes with a sunray dial denim blue dial, the SRE023 has a champagne dial and the SRE024 has a white dial, paired with a two-tone case and bracelet.

Inside, you might be surprised when you hear that it’s the calibre 2R06, but it’s actually just a smaller version of the automatic found in the 37mm version, with a 39 hour power reserve. The watches come on new bracelets that now have brushed outer links and polished center links.

The new Seiko 5 Sports “Hebitama” SNXS trio goes on sale in December so official pricing is still not confirmed. However, the Brits always list these watches early so if we do some math, the SRE021 and the SRE023 will retail for €350, while the SRE024 will go for €385. See more on the Seiko website.

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Hamilton Skeletonizes Their Already Super Edgy Ventura With The Edge Skeleton

No other watch brand, other than perhaps Rolex and Omega (and maybe Swatch a dozen years ago), is so deeply entrenched in popular culture as Hamilton is. They have an incredible ability to interject themselves in iconic movies that then birth entirely new watch models for them, just like Interstellar. But besides all that, they make good watches. Watches that you could wear every single day without batting an eye. Watches that could easily fit a one-watch-collection criteria. But then, they also make some pretty crazy stuff. Watches like the Ventura. Most recently, we saw them modify the Ventura to be characters in the Dune movie series. Now, we’re getting the Ventura Edge Skeleton and even edgier take on an already edgy watch.

This is a statement watch, and it measures as such. The case is made out of stainless steel and is kind of hard to describe in just numbers thanks to its triangular construction. But let’s say that it measures 51mm x 47mm, with a thickness of 13.8mm. There are two versions of the new Edge Skeleton, one in sandblasted steel and the other with a black PVD coat. The stepped case takes on a more dramatic look, with sharp angles and weird shapes, in the best possible way. On top is a smoked sapphire crystal that has a hexagonal shape, matching the angles of the case. Water resistance is 50 meters.

The dial is skeletonized, with exposed bridges that only add to the angularity of the whole things. Surrounding the round, brushed and skeletonised brass mainplate, the mineral crystal lower plate is decorated with a hammered finish. There are no indices, just skeletonized and lumed hands.

Inside is the H-10-S movement, which is a skeletonized version of the Powermatic 80, beating at 21,600vph and with a 80 hour power reserve. The watch comes on a black rubber strap, but it should be noted that the lug width is 23mm, so good luck finding extra straps.

The new Ventura Edge Skeleton is available now and doesn’t seem to be a limited edition. Price is set at €1,895 for the steel version and €1,995 for the PVD version. See more on the Hamilton website.

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Depancel Continues Black And Tangerine Limited Edition Run With A Very Nice Allure

Ask 10 people what they think about the 1970s and nine will say that was a drab decade, everything painted brown, boring and forgettable. And all nine would be wrong. I would be the one remaining guy who would convince you that the 70s were the best. The 60s were all groovy and colorfuly, yeah, but the 70s brought everything down a bit with amazing architecture, some of the best art since the 50s and movies and music that broke out of the status quo and brought new, angry and rebellious energy. Even the racing was more exciting than ever before, with huge rivalries flaring up and drivers becoming superstars. People like James Hunt, Niki Lauda and Mario Andretti were revered and racing got its own style. This is the feel that Depancel is capturing with their Allure line inspired by racing chronographs. A few weeks ago we got a R01 limited edition in black and tangerine, and now it’s the Allure that gets the same treatment, and I approve.

This is a big and burly sports chrono, there’s no two ways about it. It measures 43mm wide, 15mm thick and has a 48.5mm lug-to-lug. Made out of stainless steel, it will be a presence on your wrist, but it will also look really nice with a mix of brushed surfaces and polished accents. The crown has an orange decorative ring and pushers are mushroom-style. On top is a box-shaped sapphire crystal, surrounded by a fixed black bezel that has a silver-and-orange tachymeter scale. Water resistance is 100 meters.

The dial has a black base, with two finishes to it. The central section of the dial has a cross-hatched pattern, surrounded by a sector for the hour markers that are lumed and surrounded by polished surrounds. There are two sub-dials, a running seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30 minute counter at 3 o’clock. At 12 is the Depancel logo, the central chronograph hand is orange and at 6 o’clock is a date aperture.

Inside, you’ll find the ETA 7753 automatic which beats at 4Hz and has a 54 hour power reserve. The movement has a custom rotor that is made to look like a brake disc and an engraved Depancel logo. The watch comes on a metal bracelet with an additional black leather strap.

The new Depancel Allure Black Tangerine Limited Edition will be made in only 50 numbered pieces, priced at €2,400. See more on the Depancel website.

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Gucci Brings Back Their Interchangeable Bezel Play Model

Every few years someone online says — wouldn’t it be cool if we could buy watches that had interchangeable bezels so that you could wear a different watch every day. And every few years, people will inevitably inform him that this has existed for years. Sure, it’s not popular, but in the 60s, 70s and 80s, there’s been a range of watches that gave you exactly this function. Most of them were smaller fashion watch models aimed at women. But these days, we have choices. Not many, but choices. Nivada Grenchen is doing sensational stuff with interchangeable bezels. Now, Gucci is joining in on the cool function, but not by coming up with something new, but rather reviving something that they did in the 1980s. This is the new version of the old Gucci Play, a small “women’s watch” that will let you play it up.

The new Gucci Play is not a direct recreation, as the original was a bit of a novelty and not built to last. This one is. The case of the watch is made out of stainless steel with a fold coating over it, fully round and measuring 28mm wide. There aren’t any other measurements given. On top is the interchangeable bezel, now made out of ceramic for longevity, and available in seven colors — green, red, pink, white, black and navy, as well as the Gucci signature green and red.

The dial is about as simple as can get, with a matte white base, zero hour markers save for the gold colored bar at 12, gold hands and two Gucci logos — the wordmark at 12 and symbol at 6. The entire dial is surrounded by a gold ring. Inside, don’t expect much. The watch is powered by an unnamed quartz movement and it comes on an integrated bangle that matches the gold color of the case. The watch comes in a nice green lacquered sphere with a suede interior that holds the watch and all the bezels

The new Gucci Play is available now, and I believe part of the regular collection, priced at €2,500. See more on the Gucci website.

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Romain Gauthier Adds A Carbonium Option To The Sporty C

I have a good friend who worked really hard on creating some pretty cool stuff that a lot of us have enjoyed throughout our lives, which put him in a a very comfortable position. And like the rest of us degenerates that can’t get enough of watches, he can’t stop exploring, learning, and buying new watches. Just in a much cooler price bracket. We met up in Geneva during Watch Week and he was super giddy to show me his new watch, just like we all are when we get a new toy. When I tell you that my jaw is still being kicked around the lobby of the Beau-Rivage hotel, I mean it. What he showed me then was an early example of the watch that Romain Gauthier just released, the Carbonium Edition C by Romain Gauthier. I’m a sucker for super high-end sports watches.

Sure, Romain Gauthier doesn’t exactly make sports watches, but this is very close. Especially since it doesn’t come in a precious metal, but rather a case made out of Carbonium, which is a layered carbon composite. The watch measures 42mm wide, 9.6mm thick and is impossibly light when you handle it. The crown sits at 2 o’clock, as with all other Edition C and water resistance is 30 meters. Not really sporty.

Just like all other Romain Gauthier C models since the Titanium Edition Six, this one also has a partially openworked dial. The space between 5 and 9 o’clock, you’ll see the second wheel and the regulating organ of the titanium movement. The rest of the dial is done in Carbonium as well, paired with lumed indices and numerals and Grade 5 titanium hands. The cool thing is that you can choose the lume color between white, yellow, green, blue or orange.

Inside is an in house, hand-wound movement that features titanium and Carbonium bridges for super-light construction. The movement beats at 4Hz and has a 60 hour power reserve with impressive hand finishing. The watch comes on an integrated rubber strap, in a variety of colors that match the lume on the dial.

The new C by Romain Gauthier Carbonium Edition is part of the regular collection, priced at CHF 58,000 without tax. See more on the Romain Gauthier website.

FOR WATCH CLUB MEMBERS Watches You Might Not Have Seen, Week 56: From the Cockpit to History, The Gallet Flying Officer

How a Senator's Practical Problem Led to Watch History. Read it here.

FOR WATCH CLUB MEMBERS Historical Perspectives: The Dial That Decoded the Sky, Inside the Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch and the Revolution in Celestial Navigation

The true story of how a collaborative vision between a pilot, a navigator, and a watchmaker changed exploration forever. Read it here.

⏲️End links

A bunch of links that might or might not have something to do with watches. One thing’s for sure - they’re interesting

• In an essay for ESPN, Roberto José Andrade Franco remembers Eddie Guerrero—a legendary WWE star who died at 38 in 2005—and reflects on family, legacy, dreams, and the world of lucha libre, the Mexican form of professional wrestling. Whether writing about loss or sports or family, Franco never fails to move me. Even as he looks outward to tell the stories of his subjects, he turns inward to uncover his own truths. Here, he lets Guerrero family members share their memories of Eddie, while also writing about what Eddie meant to him—as both a sports hero and a person.

• To commemorate Outkast’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Oxford American resurfaced this decade-old essay, in which Kiese Laymon talks about some of the ways the Atlanta duo changed his creative trajectory. (No shortage of people would credit André and Big Boi with doing the same for them.) But this is more than just a love letter to ATLiens and Aquemini, the albums on which Outkast transformed into an Afrofuturist force for the ages; it’s also a meditation on the world that birthed them. Stankonia didn’t come from nowhere, after all.

• It likely isn’t news to you that Dungeons & Dragons became the world’s most popular tabletop role-playing game while also trafficking in outmoded and problematic concepts around race and gender. It also likely isn’t news to you that Dungeons & Dragons managed to expand and evolve, welcoming a wider audience and becoming more popular than it had ever been. But maybe it is news to you that some people who own the platform formerly known as Twitter seem to have feelings about this. (It was news to me! Don’t forget, though, that news doesn’t have to be surprising to be news.) Anyway, Atlantic writer and unabashed D&D devotee Adam Serwer digs into how fantasy tropes became what they are were, and why a certain breed of gamer seems to cling to them so fiercely.

👀Watch this

One video you have to watch today

You’ve seen these old Porsche 911’s everywhere and I bet you wondered what the deal was, why people love them so much. While I wait to buy mine, let’s learn from Doug what makes them special.

Thanks for reading,
Vuk