In 1999, Sinn released the 203 ARKTIS, the first diving chronograph to feature Temperature Resistance Technology. This guarantees the functional reliability of the watch in temperatures ranging from –45°C to +80°C.
20 years on, the brand updates the ARKTIS with the ARKTIS II. It is mostly the same watch with a larger case. It bears the same library of high performance specs and with an updated D3-system on the pushers.
The case and dial
The Sinn 206 ARKTIS II measures 43 mm in stainless steel, an upsize from the previous 41mm. The biggest selling point of the watch is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from –45°C to +80°C and that’s perhaps how the name is derived. Apart from the temperature resistance, the watch can also withstand pressure up to 300m diving depth and is fit with Ar-Dehumidifying Technology that prevents the watch from fogging.
The watch also features a captive bezel, an additional lock mechanism that requires the bezel to be pressed down before it can be turned. The case shows a mix of satin and polish finishing, with a nice touch on the beveled lugs. A chunky bracelet is used to match the 17 mm height of the watch; which gives the watch a good heft and matches the sportiness of the ARKTIS.
On the dial side, the electroplated blue dial is finished with sunburst decoration. The dial layout matches typical 7750 movement positioning seen in the other Sinn chronographs; displaying the second, minutes, hours counters and a day-date window.
The movement
The watch runs on a Valjoux 7750 caliber. The self-winding movement is used by many brands and is well-known as a reliable ebauche movement that can be modified and adapted modularly. In the Sinn 206 ARKTIS II, the movement is housed in a soft iron cage which gives the watch an anti-magnetic rating. Also known as DIN 8309, the measure of anti-magnetism stipulates that mechanical watches are antimagnetic if their rate change does not exceed +/- 30 seconds per day after exposure to a magnetic field of 4,800 A/m (corresponds to 6 mT) (movement diameter larger than 20 mm). The watch should also not stop when exposed to a magnetic field of this strength.
Concluding thoughts
The Sinn 206 ARKTIS II is build for an adventurer or someone who likes to think of himself as an adventurer. The brand offers an impressive array of specifications build around making a ‘bulletproof’ watch. It focuses on issues that affect mechanical watch performance, temperature, magnetism and pressure under water. The Sinn 206 ARKTIS II does all of that, and is priced at €3490 on strap, and €3660 on a steel bracelet. Prices include 19% German VAT.
