Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF Lufthansa Cargo Limited Edition


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• Verified Owner Reviews (12 reviews)
SKU: SI-328

Watch Brand: Sinn

Sinn North America


Final Call

TESTAF certified pilot’s watch dual time zone
• Watch diameter (mm): 43.0
• Watch height (mm): 12.0
• Lug width (mm): 22
• Lug to lug (mm): 49
• Weight - head only (grams): 90
• Water resistance: 200 meters
• Case back: Solid
• Case finish: Matte
• Case metal: Tegimented hardened steel
• Dial color: Black
• Front crystal: Sapphire
• TESTAF certified: Yes
• Tegimented: Fully
• Inert gas: Filled
• Copper sulphate: Capsule
• Movement: Automatic mechanical
• Strap or bracelet: Strap
• Manufacturer's limited warranty: 3 years
• Warranty service: RGM or Sinn

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WatchBuys Direct Price: $2,780.00
Availability:  In Stock - Ships Immediately


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Condition:  This Sinn watch is brand new and unworn

Authorized:  WatchBuys is Sinn's official importer and distributor
This watch ships free to US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and APO/FPO/DPO locations from NC with select shipping methods

Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF Lufthansa Cargo Limited Edition
Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF Lufthansa Cargo Limited Edition

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Product Details

Final Pieces

This limited edition is now sold out by Sinn, and we have just received the final pieces.

If you would like to purchase one of these pieces, this is your last chance to do so.



Many of you may remember a watch that Sinn retired some time ago that was built for the official German airline Lufthansa (LH), specifically their Cargo Division.  This model has subsequently become quite collectible.

Sinn worked with officials at Lufthansa to develop a new limited edition series for the airline, this time an officially certified pilot's watch (compliant with the TESTAF standards).

Lufthansa Cargo


The result of these efforts is the Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF LH Cargo Limited Edition.

Lufthansa is the German flag carrier and the largest airline in Europe, and is currently operating the most modern freighter in its class: the aforementioned Boeing 777F.




Like the Sinn 144 GMT Lufthansa Cargo before it, the Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF LH Cargo Limited Edition was developed as collaboration between Sinn Spezialuhren and Lufthansa Cargo, as the perfect watch for this high-performance aircraft.

Pilots require absolute reliability and utmost precision, and this instrumental watch was tested and certified in accordance with the TESTAF standards, which ensures that it is qualified for professional use as a pilot watch at the highest level.



This watch is limited to 777 pieces in celebration of this collaboration, and the dial and UTC hand feature a stylized silhouette of the Boeing 777F.

Each watch also features an engraved limited-edition number on the case back along with an elaborate shipping cargo container-styled display box.  Please note that Sinn is no longer including a miniature plane for the final pieces of this limited edition.



Range of Technologies

The case of the Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF LH Cargo Limited Edition in steel has been hardened with Tegiment technology to make it especially scratch-resistant.

The range of technologies also includes Sinn's Dry Hold technology for greater functional reliability and freedom from fogging and overall functional reliability at temperatures between - 45 C and + 80 C.

The Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF LH Cargo Limited Edition also features a second time zone on a 24-hour basis with a unique hand in the shape of an airplane.

Other features include:

  • Limited Edition of 777 pieces
  • Tested and certified to the Technical Standard for Pilot's Watches (TESTAF) by the Aachen University of Applied Sciences
  • Second time zone on a 24-hour basis with unique airplane hand
  • Case made in-house at Sinn's case manufacture in Glashutte, Germany
  • Case hardened with Tegiment technology
  • Dehumidifying technology enhances functional reliability and freedom from fogging
  • Functionally reliable from - 45 C up to + 80 C
  • Captive pilot's bezel with minute ratcheting
  • Sapphire crystal glass
  • Water resistant to 200 meters
  • Low pressure resistant


Frequently purchased with this item:

Watch specifications are provided by the respective watch manufacturer and/or other sources. Although we use best efforts to provide accurate information, we reserve the right to make corrections when advised of specification changes and/or content errors.


WatchBuys is the official and authorized North American distributor and importer for Sinn watches.

When you purchase your new Sinn watch from WatchBuys, you'll not only get a finely engineered timepiece with excellent value for money, you'll also benefit from the WatchBuys Sinn Advantage.


WatchBuys Advantage #1

Because we are the official and authorized North American Sinn distributor and importer, your name and watch serial number will be automatically registered in our database for a Sinn manufacturer's limited warranty which we pass through.

This means that should your watch require service during the Sinn manufacturer's limited warranty period, service will be provided by Sinn in Germany when you return your watch to them. This Sinn manufacturer's limited warranty is transferable to subsequent owners as allowed by Sinn.

You are responsible for paying the shipping charges to Sinn, and all repairs that Sinn approves under its warranty are at no charge. Sinn will also pay the return shipping charges to the address you specify.

The Sinn manufacturer's limited warranty period is as follows:
  • Watches in the EZM Series: 3 years
  • Watches marked AR containing inert gas: 3 years
  • Watches in the DIAPAL Series: 5 years
  • All other Sinn models: 2 years

WatchBuys Advantage #2

As an added benefit to those who purchase Sinn watches from WatchBuys, you may choose to have your warranty repairs serviced through our US Sinn Authorized Service Center, RGM Watch Service located in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. This added benefit saves our clients the time and effort of returning their watches to Germany for repair. This service is transferable to subsequent owners who purchase directly from the original registered owner.

Please note that you are responsible for paying shipping and insurance charges for sending your watch to RGM. Once they reach your watch in the service queue they will determine which repairs are covered under Sinn's warranty.

It is important to note that oil-filled quartz Sinn watches must be repaired in Germany (EZM 2, Hydro and UX series). If your watch meets one of these conditions and requires service under warranty, please click here for instructions on returning your watch to Sinn in Germany.


WatchBuys Advantage #3

Your watch will be repaired at no cost to you other than shipping charges to either Sinn or RGM during the warranty period. Sinn watches purchased through the "grey market" (non-authorized sources) may carry no warranty from Sinn. Sinn watches purchased through authorized overseas retailers are governed by the warranty policies of those dealers and/or Sinn, and typically must be sent to either the overseas dealer or Germany for repair.


WatchBuys Advantage #4

You'll be wearing your new Sinn watch soon after your order is placed since we stock Sinn watches and ship free using UPS Air. Plus, since we are located in the United States, there are no "hidden charges" for shipments to US residents as is the case with most overseas dealers. Such charges can add up to 15% to the cost of your new watch, and include credit card surcharges, foreign exchange credit card bank fees, import duties and taxes, and custom's broker charges.


WatchBuys Advantage #5

WatchBuys offers a comprehensive return policy with no restocking fees to US residents. Overseas dealers, including those involved in the grey market, typically don't offer a return policy, and if they do, returning a watch under the policy is both complicated and expensive due to import/export and custom's requirements. Restocking fees are also common and may range up to 15%.

Learn more about our return policies.


WatchBuys Advantage #6

WatchBuys is pleased to accept payments through PayPal, debit and credit cards. We charge no surcharges to use credit or debit cards, and because we are based in the United States your US card is charged in US dollars with no conversion or exchange rate fees.

We also accept payments from PayPal and charge no surcharges.

Please note that to pay by credit card, debit card or PayPal your account and/or card must be issued by US or Canadian financial institution and billed to a confirmed US or Canadian address.


WatchBuys Advantage #7

When you purchase your new Sinn watch from WatchBuys, you'll earn WatchPoint Rewards which accumulate and may be redeemed against future purchases.




Sinn watches feature a number of cutting edge technologies, many of which are unique to Sinn. Please note that not all Sinn watches, including the watch on this page, use all of these Sinn technologies.

Among the more notable Sinn technologies are:


Tegimented Hardened Cases

Many Sinn watches are fitted with Tegimented cases produced in-house by Sinn's case making affiliated company in Glashutte, Germany.

Standard steel used by most watch companies has a hardness of between 200 and 240 HV (Hardness Vickers is a common scale used to measure material hardness). The Tegiment process produces a hardness of at least 1,200 Vickers which is five times harder than standard steel (and on some Sinn models up to nine times harder than standard steel).

The Tegiment process is not a coating consisting of a foreign material; instead the steel itself that has been hardened using a special engineering process that creates a hardened barrier. The base material is a type of stainless steel also used for surgical implants, and the stainless steel resistance to corrosion is further improved by the Tegiment hardening process.

The primary advantages to a Tegimented case are extreme resistance to scratches and other case abrasions, as well as increased resistance to corrosion.

Please note that certain Sinn watches are fully Tegimented (case, bezel) while others are Tegimented only on the bezel. Use the links below to view both categories.

  • View Sinn watches with fully Tegimented cases.

  • View Sinn watches with Tegimented bezels only.


Dehumidification Technology

A number of Sinn models feature cases filled with inert gas. Sinn has found that filling the case with inert gas can help prevent the introduction of moisture and humidity to the case, as well as provide a more stable environment for the oils that lubricate the movement.

The proper care of any mechanical watch movement mandates that these oils maintain both their viscosity and lubrication properties.

  • View Sinn watches with dehumidification technology.


Copper Sulphate Capsules

A number Sinn models use one or more copper sulphate capsules to absorb humidity trapped inside the case. Over time these capsules will gradually turn dark blue indicating that humidity has been absorbed.

The primary benefit to these copper sulphate capsules is a more dry and stable environment for both the movement and the lubricating oils. Together with Sinn's inert gas treatment these capsules form the basis of Sinn's Dry Hold Technology.

This technology not only provides a more stable environment for the movement, but also prevents fogging of the crystal when going from hot to cold environments or from humid to non-humid conditions (such air conditioned buildings).

  • View Sinn watches with copper sulphate capsules.


Extreme Antimagnetic Protection

Magnetism can cause dramatic swings in the timekeeping of a mechanical watch movement. People are often exposed to magnetic fields without even being aware - frequent high altitude flying, metal detectors, audio and video equipment, medical equipment and computer equipment can all cause problems with magnetism.

Many Sinn watches offer extreme protection against magnetism up to 80,000 A/m. Sinn achieves these results using a number of different technologies, including special case and case back construction, soft iron components in the case and protective rings surrounding the movement.

  • View Sinn watches with extreme antimagnetic protection.


DIAPAL Oil Free Escapement

Sinn caused quite a stir when they first released their DIAPAL technology. Beginning in 1995, Sinn began work to create an oil free escapement. With any mechanical watch movement, the aging of oil, especially in the escapement can create long term problems for that movement. Additionally, as movement oil ages, required service intervals become more frequent.

Sinn's early analysis to this problem provided a quick solution (at least in theory) - if you don't use oil, it can't age. The process began by exchanging the ruby escapements for diamonds (the word "DIAPAL" derives from the German name for diamond escapements) in order to achieve the desired effect. The designation stuck, even though today Sinn works with solutions taken from advanced nanotechnology rather than diamonds.

The result is a movement that proves so reliable that Sinn offers an unprecedented five year warranty on their DIAPAL watches.

  • View Sinn watches featuring the DIAPAL oil free escapement.


Hydro Oil Filled Technology

Sinn has developed a technology termed "Hydro" in which the entire watch case is filled with oil. Watches using this technology are based on quartz rather than mechanical movements.

By using this type of movement, Sinn is able to fill the watch with oil, which has the joint affect of greatly enhancing the readability of the dial and time from any angle (including under water), and increasing the water resistance of the watch even at great depths.

  • View Sinn watches with Hydro Oil Filled technology.


Submarine Steel

Sinn has created a line of watches featuring cases made from German submarine steel (the U Series). The steel was procured by Sinn from a steel supplier to Emden GmbH, one of Germany's North Sea shipbuilding yards who construct submarines from the very same steel.

Because of the special steel used from the submarine steelmanufacturer, the case resists the effects of exposure to salt waterand salt water environments.

These cases are produced in-house by Sinn's case making affiliated company in Glashutte, Germany.

This special steel is also amagnetic which means that is does not have magnetic properties and cannot itself become magnetized. The watch movement itself is protected from magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m.

  • View Sinn watches built from German submarine steel.



EZM Mission Timers

Sinn is a partner for manufacturing watches for the German Special Forces, including SWAT, Customs, FBI, helicopter police, GSG9 and other units.

Beginning with the now highly collectible (and valuable) Sinn EZM 1, Sinn has grown this collection to some of the most durable and highly functional watches made and they remain among the most popular in the collection.

  • View Sinn watches in the EZM Series.


Watch Reviews From Verified WatchBuys Buyers
100% • Verified Owner Reviews100% • Verified Owner Reviews (12 reviews)

Sinn 857 Lufthansa Cargo watch

"Sinn 857 Lufthansa Cargo watch"

Verified Owner Comments: It is been a month since I have purchased my Sinn 857 Lufthansa Cargo whatch. It was my first watch, that I bought online without trying. Was kind of awkward. Overall I am very happy with my purchase. It is very nice, standout watch, as described on website.

Very readable dial in the low light. The lumen, as other people already mentioned, wear off pretty quickly. Probably will last 2-3 hours in complete darkness. My Seiko and Omega watches doing much better job keeping the brightness. The accuracy is pretty good, however it runs about +3 sec ahead per day. Looks and feels very good on the hand. The band is very sturdy and stiff but I like it.

Hovewever, I am going to buy metal bracelet since I am getting my hands wet pretty often.

The service really standouts. I felt like it is one of few, rare companies that really care about their products.

Love Sinn 857 UTC LH Cargo

"Love Sinn 857 UTC LH Cargo"

Verified Owner Comments: Absolutely love this watch and so glad I did not let it get away. I had been watching and wanting this watch since released about 6 years ago, and eventually saw a while back that it was sold out. I thought since it was limited edition to 777 pieces that I was out of luck and unsuccessfully tried to find one used over the past couple years. I then randomly saw on Watchbuys that it was back in stock. Watchbuys informed me that Sinn does a separate releases of limited edition pieces usually 2 years in btwn releases, but this was the last release for this watch. I have owned the watch for about a month and it is superbly accurate- has literally been 0-+1 sec average over the month. It feels awesome on the wrist, looks amazing, easy to read, durable, a fantastic tool watch and conversation starter. Only con is the strap. Incredible stiff out of the box and not exactly my style (I guess with time will soften up a bit- maybe?). Not a big deal since I have other straps that I can pair wit... - more details

My first Sinn - love it

"My first Sinn - love it"

Verified Owner Comments: I love nearly everything about this watch. The full kit including a cargo box and 777 miniature is excellent. The watch has a unique finish with its Tegimented steel. The watch overall is surprisingly light on the wrist. At 43mm it wears perfectly as a sport watch on my nearly 8 wrist.

The resemblance of dial+bezel to an analog instrument from an aircraft flight deck is perfect, with the yellow-orange contrasting the black dial nicely. And the Boeing 777-specific touches on the dial and caseback, vice the standard 857 UTC VFR, really bring it home. My one and only nit is the strap. It's built like a tank (for a leather strap), the stitching complements the dial, and the signed buckle is the same material as the case. But it just doesn't feel like a cargo pilot's watch strap, IMO. Again, a very minor nit for an otherwise excellent timepiece!

Great watch

"Great watch"

Verified Owner Comments: I bought this watch because I wanted a German watch that had the TESTAF Cet. and very happy I did. This is a very nice pilot watch and the band fit well. AS a watch collector, I think anyone would be happy with this as a day to day watch.

Easy to read. I am thinking about buying another watch from Sinn.

My 2nd Sinn from Watchbuys

"My 2nd Sinn from Watchbuys"

Verified Owner Comments: My 2nd Sinn from Watchbuys has not disappointed! The 857 UTC TESTAF Lufthansa LE is very easy to read, tough as nails, and is keeping time 0 and -1 seconds/day!

I had Watchbuys put it on a fully tegimented bracelet before shipping, and it arrived perfect.

857 UTC TESTAF - What a Great Watch!!!

"857 UTC TESTAF - What a Great Watch!!!"

Verified Owner Comments: I’ve been filing flight plans since 1970. Although trying to keep UTC time straight was sometimes challenging, I thought I’d found the answer in 1971 when I bought a GMT Master. In the years since, I’ve had 24 hour watches, watches with 24 hour bezels, watches with 24 hour windows, dials, and digital readouts. But until I put this Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF Lufthansa Cargo Limited Edition on my wrist and studied it, I had never realized how confusing all the other watches were! Sinn nailed this to the simplest, clearest, common denominator. The inner 24 hour ring with its own hand so clearly points to whatever time zone it is set for that it is instantly readable. Not so with any of the other "GMT” watches I have owned. You’re always trying to see where the 24 hour hand is pointing on the bezel or having to open up a digital display, or interpolating from an hour hand to a bezel. Not with the 857! And that’s just the UTC function. I fly an EMS Airbus H135. So I’ll never have the time zone l... - more details

857 UTC Lufthansa

"857 UTC Lufthansa"

Verified Owner Comments: Love this watch, simple in design lightweight great feel. Very happy with my purchase The only thing I would change is a longer strap. my wrist is 7 1/2 inches and its a little tight, guess I’m going to have to pick up a silicon strap also. Would highly recommend this to anyone!

Awesomely effective tool watch

"Awesomely effective tool watch"

Verified Owner Comments: The Sinn 857 UTC is a no-joke pilot’s watch. As a long-haul B777 Captain, this Sinn is the perfect watch for me when I’m on the road. It’s at a glance readability with the UTC hour hand make’s a pilot’s life much easier as our weather reports, forecasts, and flight planning related times are always expressed in UTC (formerly GMT) time, so having an accurate timepiece with that capability uncomplicates my life to a material degree. Many pilot’s watches are ridiculously complicated but I much prefer this uncluttered Sinn design with it’s very effective, at a glance, readability. I find it’s design to be close to perfect for my needs. For most crews, it’s UTC time that’s most problematic in determining and not local nor "body-time”. For most aviation professionals, watches tend to be left on home based time and layover (local) time is simply determined by adding or subtracting the difference from " body, or home-based” time. Trust me, discussing the time amongst flight crews is ofte... - more details

Having tried the rest, is WatchBuys the best?

"Having tried the rest, is WatchBuys the best?"

Verified Owner Comments: Two important factors in buying a watch: the watch itself and the company from which you buy it.

The special edition 857 UTC is my first Sinn watch, though I own several flieger style Hanharts and Tutimas that I'm still quite fond of and that provide a frame of reference for these comments. The Sinn 857 just happened to be the right watch at the right place at the right time. From mechanical aspects to looks to that great leather strap it comes with...love at first sight.

Watch buying process? I've worked with some very fine watch companies over the years...no disrespect to them intended, but the customer reps at WatchBuys are as good as they come. I worked with several reps as part of the 857 purchase process...they were all efficient and helpful.

The website is easy to use, and when WatchBuys says the watch will arrive at a selected time, they and FedEx make sure this happens. I'm hooked.

Great Watch/Exceeds Expectations

"Great Watch/Exceeds Expectations"

Verified Owner Comments: I have had my first Sinn for about a month. After due diligence including several telephone conversations with WatchBuys, I placed an order sight unseen for the 857. I received it approximately three weeks before the date I was promised. The 857 has been great. I wanted a unique and rugged automatic and my expectations were exceeded.

Accuracy has been excellent. Feel and appearance are outstanding. Hoping to acquire another Sinn at some point. A++ overall.

Amazing watch and great service from WatchBuys!

"Amazing watch and great service from WatchBuys!"

Verified Owner Comments: My first Sinn watch. Really wanted this as its a special limited edition collectors item! Ordered it on a Sunday and Rob confirmed order immediately! The whole process was very easy and the guys at WatchBuys were very helpful addressing my questions and taking care of the shipping. Have been wearing the watch now for a few days. It sits perfectly on my wrist and surprisingly very light making it comfortable to wear. The dial and indices are very clear and legible to read both during the day and at night. So far it has kept time accurately. During the initial set up, I synchronised the seconds hand with my Citizen Satellite Wave Promaster Navihawk as a means of evaluating the time. My Sinn has indeed kept up with my satellite wave watch! This is a special watch to me, being an aviator and my friends in Lufthansa Cargo told me about this limited edition watch and advised that WatchBuys is the sole distributor of Sinn watches here! So, kudos again to WatchBuys! Very happy to have ... - more details

My first Sinn

"My first Sinn"

Verified Owner Comments: This is my first Sinn. I called on a Sunday night to ask about Sinn products. I didn't realize that I called after hours (I'm on the west coast).

The owner Rob called me back and we spoke for about 30 minutes. After our conversation I ordered this limited edition watch. It was a special order and they kept me updated about the status of my purchase.

I was impressed with the customer service. The watch itself it perfect and as described on the Sinn website. I already banged it a few times on a car door, office door frame, window, and mailbox.

There are NO signs of wear to date. I am now thinking of getting the fully tegimented U1, which has the same 22mm strap size.