Tool watches have always been about purpose first, with clarity, resilience, and precision built to withstand the elements. Yet beyond their rugged DNA, there is room to explore character through unexpected strap pairings. In this edition we look at two icons, the cockpit born Sinn 856 and the military bred Tudor FXD, and how RSM straps reframe their toughness with new textures, colors, and stories.
The Sinn 856 owes its clear, intuitive dial to its roots in cockpit instrument design. Its high-contrast matte black dial, oversized numerals, bold hands, and anti-reflective sapphire crystal make it instantly readable—even under glare or low-light conditions. Just look at it. No other watch comes close to it clarity. We do not have experience with this watch but our handling of the U1 tells us that the finishing on the case is beyond tough. The 856's case is hardened via Sinn’s Tegiment process, boosting its scratch resistance to up to 1,500 Vickers (vs ~200 for standard steel).
With such an obvious tool watch specification, the internet is flooded with this tough beauty with the most rugged straps. Who would have imagined it with a mustard yellow, RSM’s Veneto Epsom Strap. One thing we are certain, even pilots would give this combo a big thumbs up.
We promised you the spread of the best of dress and tool watches. The Tudor FXD with a titanium case, 200 m water resistance, unidirectional 60-click timing bezel, and COSC-certified MT5602 movement, the FXD Black carries the proven technical performance of the Pelagos line. The black dial and bezel make it less attention-grabbing, more adaptable for daily wear, and suitable in low-visibility tactical contexts.
For this light case, Kevin has picked the vintage khaki single pass strap. Woven in poly cotton, the strap is just as subtle and has light and possesses the same spirit of the 50’s era with its weave pattern. A match in weight and time.
Navy Camo
Snow Camo
Desert Camo
Every tool watch tells a story of endurance, and with the right strap, that story gains a new voice worth wearing every day.
We look forward to future collaborations with Kevin. Especially when we have 3 more Camo colors lined up on the weaving machines as we speak. Which of these do you think would match the black FXD best? Subscribe to our newsletters to be notified of our release.
Follow Kevin on Instagram: @watchestolove
