Sinn 104 St Sa vs. Oris Big Crown ProPilot

Engineering Over Elegance

Purpose-Built Timekeeping for Professionals

When function leads and form follows, you get tool watches engineered for performance, not pageantry. Germany’s Sinn Spezialuhren and Switzerland’s Oris are two of the most respected names in professional-grade watchmaking—both celebrated for their rugged reliability, aviation heritage, and strong value-to-performance ratios. The Sinn 104 St Sa and the Oris Big Crown ProPilot are exemplary aviation-inspired watches built for real-world use.

Features and Craftsmanship

Sinn 104 St Sa:
Assembled in Frankfurt, the 104 features a bead-blasted stainless steel case, sapphire crystal on both front and back, and a bidirectional pilot’s bezel. The dial is clean, with syringe-style hands, day-date display, and luminous indices. Every Sinn watch undergoes rigorous testing for shock, water, and magnetic resistance.

Oris Big Crown ProPilot:
Designed with aviation cues like a turbine-inspired bezel and oversized crown, this watch exudes modern tool-watch aesthetic. It features a multi-piece stainless steel case, domed sapphire crystal, and a textile or leather strap with a seatbelt-style clasp. The dial is highly legible, with bold numerals and luminous coating.

Functions and Movement

Sinn 104 St Sa:
The 104 is powered by the SW220-1 automatic movement, providing 38 hours of reserve and hacking seconds. It’s housed in a case rated to 200 meters water resistance, with anti-magnetic protection and Sinn’s optional Ar-Dehumidifying Technology for improved longevity.

Oris Big Crown ProPilot:
Driven by the Oris 751 automatic movement (based on Sellita SW220-1), it features a 38-hour power reserve and large date aperture. While not a certified pilot’s watch, it delivers functional specs for field or flight. Oris often integrates in-house modules or movements in upgraded variants.

Ruggedness and Appeal

Sinn 104 St Sa:
This is a professional’s tool disguised as a dressy pilot’s watch. With its polished bezel and balanced dial, it’s wearable in both cockpit and office. Sinn’s reputation for durability makes it a favorite among engineers, divers, and pilots.

Oris Big Crown ProPilot:
With contemporary design and substantial wrist presence, the ProPilot is adventurous yet stylish. It’s versatile enough for everyday use, while still tough enough for demanding environments. The oversized crown and textile strap lend it a utilitarian charm.

Price and Value

Sinn 104 St Sa:
Priced between $1,400–$1,700, the Sinn 104 is one of the most capable tool watches under $2,000. It delivers robust functionality, German engineering, and real-world durability at a price that undercuts many Swiss competitors.

Oris Big Crown ProPilot:
Available in the $1,800–$2,300 range depending on configuration, the ProPilot balances Swiss-made quality with aviation-inspired appeal. Oris offers heritage, independent spirit, and innovative touches—often with a sustainability-driven mission.

Function-First Philosophy

Sinn and Oris represent two sides of the same mission-driven coin. The Sinn 104 prioritizes technical resilience and no-nonsense design, reflecting its German utilitarian ethos. The ProPilot introduces flair to functionality, infusing its tool-watch identity with modern aesthetic and wrist presence.

If your priorities include durability, technical upgrades, and stealth-wealth engineering, Sinn is your brand. If you want a Swiss-made aviator with heritage appeal and wearable charisma, Oris offers a compelling package. In both cases, you get more than a watch—you get a reliable instrument built to endure.