The Refreshed Top-of-the-Range MeisterSinger Singularis

If there is one single thing to say about German watchmaking company MeisterSinger, it’s the fact they have managed to create a niche for themselves and run with it. The single-handed display of the passage of time is something that resonates from every single watch in the collection, even when incorporating complications such as a moon phase, power reserve or even calendar indications. The top of the range for MeisterSinger, currently at least, is the Singularis, being introduced in March of this year. So let’s take a closer look at the new MeisterSinger Singularis and its manufacture movement.

It has to be said that it’s rather surprising how well MeisterSinger is able to use its single-hand concept and turn it into something incredibly versatile. From the classical N°03  or Neo to something as sporty as the Unomat, it never becomes boring or tiresome to me, although some might argue that “they’ve seen it by now”. The brand is constantly evolving the style of its signature “complication” and regularly updates its collections. Retouched cases, better finishing, or new colours keep the collections looking fresh and up to date.

And whenever MeisterSinger feels the urge to let loose a little, it has a certain knack for adding complexity in a highly original way too. Just think of the Bell Hora, Stratoscope or Astroscope. The Bell Hora is (one of) the industry’s most accessible mechanical watch with a repeater mechanism, with an in-house developed striking hour module on top of an automatic movement. The oversized moon phase in the Stratoscope is impossible to ignore, and the Astroscope shows you the days of the week in a unique way. All the while staying true to the philosophy a single hand is more than enough to read the time.

The new MeisterSinger Singularis then offers no added complexity in terms of indications but comes with an impressive manufacture movement. This is set in a 43mm wide stainless steel case that looks and feels very good. It’s robust and well-finished with alternating brushed and polished surfaces. The polished bezel and caseback are slightly narrower than the caseband, adding to the appeal of the case. At 13,5mm in height (top of the crystal) it’s by no means a small watch, and the 50,6mm lug to lug can put some people off. However, on the wrist, it still wears reasonably well and feels very comfortable indeed.

The Singularis’ sunray-brushed deep blue dial jumps at you when light hits it. The design of the dial is nothing we’re unfamiliar with as we the MeisterSinger’s signature style. Double-digit applied hour numerals are paired with applied and polished indices and a timing track printed in white. The six o’clock numerals gave way to a bevelled window revealing the white on blue date disc underneath. On the outer edge is a slightly sloped flange with a secondary hour scale in white, with dots and lines to indicate quarter and half hours. It’s actually a first for MeisterSinger to incorporate this flange, as previous dials were predominantly flat.

Turning the watch over reveals the aforementioned manufacture movement, the Calibre MSA01. This automatic movement is co-developed with Synergies Horlogeres and based on the manual wound MSH01 that was introduced in 2014 with the Circularis. Two years later an automatic winding module was added, and the MSA01 was born. Two barrels are mounted in series to ramp up the power reserve to a very impressive 120 hours, or 5 days. It uses 29 jewels and runs at a rate of 28,800vph. The finishing is quite good, with circular Côtes de Genève on the bridges. The large rotor, shaped like the company’s logo, is also decorated with this type of finishing, with 4 gradually increasing cuts and a gold-coloured “MeisterSinger” inscription. MeisterSinger states it runs within COSC specifications, although it’s not a certified chronometer.

The MeisterSinger Singularis is worn on a cognac-coloured saddle leather strap with only minimal stitching. The brand does offer alternative strap options for all of its watches, including vegan leather and stainless steel mesh bracelets. The Singularis is secured to the wrist with a double folding clasp which is branded with the company’s name and logo. Retailing for EUR 4,690 does put it into a fiercely combated segment, which might make this a bit of a tough sell. However, it must be said that you get a lot in return, considering the very original display of time and that substantial 120 hours of power reserve.

For more information, please visit MeisterSinger.com