Sinn 856 UTC CX 747 Limited Edition

Here we have a seldom seen tool watch from the masters at Sinn. So rare, that we didn't even know it existed until one was offered to us. 

The Sinn 856 UTC is their GMT, and has always been a favourite of ours, and clearly the execs at Cathay Pacific love it as well. The story of the 856 CX 747 starts in 1969, with the first prototype 747 taking to the skies. In 2019 to celebrate 50 years of service, Cathay set about creating a special memento, and turned to Sinn to help them realise a very special commemorative watch, with some unique engineering challenges.

The case itself is actually crafted from the titanium wing spar of B-HOP (initially VR-HOP), Cathay's first 400-series 747, which flew for 25 years before retiring in 2014 covering 52,986,150 miles in the process! This task given to specialist case manufacturers SUG in Germany. Apparently quite the task given the unique properties of the titanium, but they found a way to get it done.

Within this case lies a matte black dial with CX 747 and Boeing almost ghosted on in grey, so it changes with light. The GMT hand also features a green/white CX color scheme, to commemorate the livery on the aircraft from 1973 to 1994 and known as the "lettuce sandwich, and the crown is also stamped CX.

These were available to staff of Cathay Pacific, and according to their website 550 were made, all numbered between 1 and 748.

Power comes from the tried and tested ETA 2893-2, meaning ease of service and reliability. The second time zone function is operated via the crown, and is very readable and easy to use. On top of that, it also features Sinn’s Ar dehumidifying technology to keep moisture away from the movement, and is also anti-magnetic. A proper tool watch in the truest sense of the word.

This particular example was purchased in 2020 and presents in TZ 'Near Mint' condition. Case shows barely any hint of use, with a very small mark on the bezel near 1, but that's about it. See images for full condition details.

The titanium bracelet includes all links, and shows some desk diving marks on the clasp and a few links. The special edition strap is in excellent condition, with minor wear.

No known service history, but a little young for that. All functions operating as they should, and keeping time at around -5 seconds a day at 289 degrees of amplitude dial-up on a timegrapher.

Includes the original LE Box set, with outer box, inner box, instructions, warranty card (expired), strap tools, cleaning cloth, Loctite, springbars, loupe, OEM strap, and spare links to complete the bracelet.

A super cool watch that is seldom seen.

Brand: Sinn

Model #: 856 UTC CX 747

Circa: 2020

Style: Pilots

Case Material: Titanium

Case details: 40mm

Strap: Sinn Titanium - Fully Linked, Sinn leather strap with tang buckle

Movement: Automatic

Dial: Black

Paraphernalia: Outer box, inner box, instructions, warranty card (expired), strap tools, cleaning cloth, Loctite, springbars, loupe, OEM strap, and spare links to complete the bracelet

TZ Grading: Near Mint