Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Sporty Chic MeisterSinger Kaenos and Kaenos Open Date
A stylish sporty case and integrated bracelet with the brand’s signature single-hand display, prepped for all situations.
MeisterSinger’s single-handed watches have won over legions of followers and countless design awards. Based in Münster, Germany, the idea behind Manfred Brassler’s brand was to offer an alternative to hyper-precision time consultations with a more approximate and relaxed approach to telling the time. In a somewhat unexpected move for a brand associated with classic, elegant models, MeisterSinger introduced the Kaenos, a sports watch with an integrated bracelet. Plunging into this populated and cut-throat pool, the Kaenos adopts some mandatory sports watch traits but maintains its signature display mode. Let’s take a closer look at the Kaenos and Kaenos Open Date unveiled at Watches & Wonders earlier this year.
The Kaenos is not the brand’s first sports watch. In 2021, MeisterSinger introduced the Unomat with a 43mm diameter, a screw-down crown flanked by guards, a 300m depth rating, and a beefy five-link steel bracelet with a folding buckle. However, its formidable diameter limits its appeal to large wrists, and it doesn’t have an integrated bracelet.
You can see that much thought and design have gone into crafting the Kaenos. Although the dial is a signature MeisterSinger, the case and the bracelet attest to the care invested in the habillage.
Described by Brassler as a “reliable, helpful companion in everyday life,” the first impression when handling the watches is of solidity. Not only does the build feel solid, ensuring it is robust enough for sports activities, but the finishes are top-notch (and not only considering the price), making it a suitable candidate for the workplace.
The 40mm stainless steel cases have a thickness of 11.20mm and a streamlined, integrated bracelet. Unlike so many integrated sports watches, the Kaenos does not have a geometric multi-sided bezel or jutting crown guards. Instead, it sticks to a classic round bezel on top of a tonneau-shaped base and has a large, non-slip screw-down crown. Where things get interesting, though, can be appreciated in the dynamic finishes. The sides of the case and the large outer links of the bracelet are decorated with a noticeable horizontal-brushed finish. The brushed areas contrast with the brightly polished bezel, the central links of the bracelet and, one of the most attractive features of all, the wide external bevel running from the case band down the tapering flanks of the integrated bracelet.
Although the Kaenos has avoided imitating iconic luxury sports watch models with angular geometric bezels, the integrated H-link bracelet has a whiff of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato. Streamlined and extremely comfortable on the wrist, its combination of satin-brushed and brightly polished links really catches the eye. Fitted with a foldover clasp with a push-button release, our only gripe regarding the bracelet is the lack of a micro-adjustment system.
Given today’s trend for more compact case sizes, the 40mm diameter of the Kaenos is now considered large. However, the lugs project downwards at quite a steep angle to ensure a better fit, and the lug-to-lug is a decent 47mm.
Available in four dial colours – Black, Sunburst Petrol, Sunburst Ice Blue and Sunburst Grey – the more straightforward Kaenos model has a date window at 6 o’clock, and the more interesting Kaenos Open Date features a recessed pointer date like that found on the Perigraph.
Both dials have a sandwich construction with cutout stencil-style double-digit numerals and, as you would expect, a single central hand. Thanks to the layered construction, the dial acquires depth, and the lower level is treated with luminescent material that shines through the cutouts on the dial. Matching the finish of the case and bracelet, the dials and the single hand on the grey, ice-blue and petrol green dials feature a prominent sun-brushed finish. You can appreciate the bold linear finish in our photographs of the Light Grey model. The central hand is also treated with a strip of luminescent material.
Lining up all the models, our unanimous favourites are the Petrol Blue and Light Grey. Although the Ice Blue has adopted an on-trend colour, it doesn’t have as much presence.
The Kaenos is powered by a Sellita SW400 automatic with a significantly larger diameter, allowing the date to be larger and closer to the edge of the dial. The Kaenos Open Date relies on the Sellita SW200, a standard automatic movement based on the ETA 2824 architecture. Both run at 4Hz and store a modest 38-hour power reserve.
In conclusion, the Kaenos excels in the well-built and carefully finished case and integrated bracelet. It might be on the big side for some, but the downward curving lugs and the relatively contained lug-to-lug ensure a comfortable fit. While certain features and finishes insinuate the style of a chic integrated sports watch, it’s closer to a stylish yet robust everyday beater for fans of MeisterSinger’s quirky, single-handed style.
Competitively priced, the Kaenos retails for EUR 2,650; the Kaenos Open Date for EUR 2,950. More information at Meistersinger.com.
