The German watchmaker dares ask the question:
“Are passionate watch wearers expected to remove their high-quality mechanical timepiece to make room for a smartwatch?” They continue with, “Or do they stay true to their conviction by continuing to trust proven, timeless mechanics – and consequently forsake the benefits of a smartwatch?” Good questions to be sure. Unfortunately, SINN Spezialuhern’s answer to their own questions is truly…mystifying.

Indeed, the Apple Watch is currently making waves in the smartwatch market. So popular is the electronic device that its no surprise that many “serious” watchmakers of the sans electronic mechanical variety have tried to break into that world…with varying degrees of success.

The SINN Dual Strap System is the German watchmaker’s solution to the analog versus digital question. Or is it? Because instead of choosing one or the other, they are literally giving us both: any SINN mechanical watch and an actual Apple Watch co-joined in the most seemingly awkward manner by being connected (again, literally) by two shortened strap halves.

On one end is the tried-and-trusted mechanical watch with its timeless, classic values, symbolizing quality, aesthetics and reliability. This watch is often the only piece of jewellery male wearers cannot do without. On the other end is the Apple Watch, which boasts a variety of innovative features plus an additional practical benefit, especially in everyday working life. SINN suggests “a discreet glance at the wrist is all it takes to check messages, even when the smartphone should really be kept in a bag.” One wonders if people who wear their cellphones on their belts are the perfect customers.

We’ve seen this sort of compromise before with the Montblanc Timewalker Urban Speed UTC E-Strap, Montblanc’s traditional mechanical luxury watch matched with a NATO-type strap incorporated with a wearable “smart” device: a proprietary smart module that seamlessly connects to selected Android phones as well as to iPhones 4s and up. But while Montblanc’s proposition is less jarring, more elegant, SINN’s is just awkward.

Just look at the specs. The Dual Strap System fits all SINN watches with a strap lug width of 22 mm and Apple Watches with a case size of 38 mm and 42 mm. Further, the original strap lug of the Apple Watch can be acquired from any authorized Apple retailer and is supplied pre-attached to the appropriate shortened strap halves.

SINN Spezialuhren is known for many things, most especially their innovative use of their own proprietary technologies like TEGIMENT Technology, or Ar-Dehumidifying Technology, just to name a few. What they’re not known for is the innovative combination of two divergent technologies. Which is precisely what they’ve attempted here.

First, the two shortened strap halves (each featuring a toothed buckle) are attached to each watch. These strap halves and one of the two toothed buckles are then used to fasten both watches together. Strapped together, the watches can then be placed on the wrist and fastened securely with the other toothed buckle. Attaching the toothed buckles to both ends allows the watches to be centered on the wrist. The result is a Frankenstein-like connection that your typical backyard hack will come up with: Mang Fernando the local leather-works maker coming up with a strap that literally has two watches.

Some journals are already crying foul. Techcrunch.com says “Watch manufacturer SINN loses its mind with a hybrid mechanical/Apple Watch band.” And anyway the idea of having one watch on top of the other is surely an invitation for disaster for the other. Bottom line: if you want a smart watch then wear one, and if you love your mechanical watch, then wear that. How indecicive do you have to be to not be able to pick one?

To be fair, we haven’t tried the Dual Strap System yet, and knowing the straightforward, practical, no-nonsense nature of Sinn, we’re willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. At the very least, the SINN Dual Strap System demonstrates that the German watchmaker is aware of the looming smartwatch apocalypse (shades of the quartz disaster, anyone?) and is, at least, attempting to answer it.

Fortunately, as if already expecting the number of naysayers for their new product, SINN is also providing a separate connecting strap, which is included in the set. This allows the wearer to choose and wear the watches separately, if necessary (preferably?).