MeisterSinger’s Latest Collection, The Primatic with Power Reserve

Founded in 2001 by Manfred Brassler in Münster, Germany, one thing truly characterises MeisterSinger; its almost stubbornness in sticking to a very particular display of the time. From the earliest days, and over the entire range of models launched since its creation, MeisterSinger has been offering watches with a single-hand indication. One hand to rule them all, one hand to slowly, poetically show that time is passing. Yet, this didn’t prevent the brand to be creative, whether in the style of the models – ranging from compact retro to sporty and bold – or by adding complications. In this instance, the latest watch to be presented adds a power reserve indicator, forming the new MeisterSinger Primatic collection.

The idea of MeisterSinger was, on paper, rather simple. All the watches (mechanical) of the brand display the time in a traditional way and with great precision, using only one hand. This hand is long and more tapered than a conventional hour hand and points exactly to the fine, five-minute markings on the edge of the dial, just like the first mechanical timepieces. This has been a signature element to define almost every single model in the collection, over the course of more than 20 years. However, to become a brand and to develop a collection, MeisterSinger had to be creative and offer different options – and this, in both the design and mechanical departments.

There’s been a lot of different functions added to the single-hand display. From a simple date window to more creative calendar functions or oversized moon phases, all the way up to jumping hours or a striking movement, there’s always been room for innovations. The power reserve indicator has long been part of the brand’s collection too, yet within MeisterSinger’s top-tier model with proprietary movement, the Circularis Power Reserve. This year, the compilation makes its comeback into the standard collection, with a brand new model.

Dubbed MeisterSinger Primatic, this new watch follows the design principles introduced recently with the updated N°03 and revised Singularis. A slightly more traditional design, with more pronounced demarcation lines between the case and bezel – the latter being domed now – it is here made of polished stainless steel. The diameter of this new collection is set at 41.5mm, a new size for the brand that combines presence with relative comfort. The rest of the specifications are classic, with a sapphire crystal on top, a screwed caseback with a see-through window and a push-pull crown with 50m water-resistance.

As for the display, the new MeisterSinger Primatic doesn’t change the rule, as the indication of time is still the mission of a large needle hand with an overhang, pointing at a fine 5-minute scale. Also part of the recent evolution of the design, the watch features an inner flange with a minute scale, helpful when it comes to reading the time more precisely. This new Primatic also has a certain focus on daily practicality, as it features a date at 3 o’clock, in a circular window. Finally, and most importantly, a smaller version of the main hand is assigned to display the power reserve, in a gauge at 6 o’clock showing when the tank is full or when the watch needs a little help from its owner, by using the winding crown.

The MeisterSinger Primatic is launched as a collection, comprising 4 different models – all being classic designs for MS. First are two rather elegant and discreet versions, one in the brand’s signature ivory colour with a dark blue vegan leather strap, the second with a matte, grained black dial and a matching vegan leather strap. On the other side, we have two bolder and younger versions, with a medium blue or petrol green dial, with a sunray-brushed finish, in combination with a vintage leather strap.

Under the hood, and wound by a rotor reminiscent of the brand’s logo, is an outsourced Swiss movement by Sellita, the SW270-1 – which is an evolution of the classic SW200, itself an alternative to the 2824. This movement runs at 4Hz and stores 38h of power reserve. It is here visible through the caseback and is finished with perlage and blue-coloured screws.

The MeisterSinger Primatic Power Reserve is now available from the brand and retailers, and is priced at EUR 2,190. For more details, please visit www.meistersinger.com.