The Germans are noted for many things: their work ethic, their beer, their dirndls. They’re also known for their punctuality. They’re the last bunch you’d from whom you’d expect a single-handed watch, which by its very nature inhibits punctuality with a less precise display. And yet, MeisterSinger has made the single-handed watch its entire business. MeisterSinger correctly points out that the first timepieces only had one hand to display the hour (this was mostly due to the inability to maintain any semblance of accuracy beyond the hour, which I touched on in my defense of quartz). The main justification of the brand and its watches, though, is slowing down and enjoying the time we have. A single-hand watch—in the absence of other displays of time—forces us to let go of punctuality and focus on being there instead of on getting there on time.
At hand is the original handwound MeisterSinger N°01, in ivory. Since its introduction in 2001, the brand has expanded to offer day-dates, zodiac displays, divers, jumping hours, and other complications. Yet the purest manifestation of the brand remains this first model. It is the result of founder Manfred Brassler’s desire to counter the obsession with precision and tracking time at the expense of experiencing the world around us.
It may be obvious what stands out here. It’s the lone hour hand. Everything else is rather straightforward. This is, after all, the Number 1, the base model, the introduction to the brand. You’ve likely already decided whether this watch is for you, but I encourage you to read on. You may be surprised (in fairness, though, you may not be).
MeisterSinger N°01 Specs | |
Case Diameter 43mm | Crystal Sapphire |
Case Thickness 11.5mm | Lume None |
Lug-to-Lug 50mm | Strap/Bracelet Calf leather, sueded, or Milanaise bracelet |
Lug Width 20mm | Movement Sellita SW210 |
Water Resistance 50m | Price $1,649-$1,999 |
The Case
MeisterSinger uses the same case shape for most of its watches, aside from the tonneau Metris. In addition, there are some variations to the bezels of different models. The MeisterSinger N°01 features well-executed contrasting finishes that keep it firmly in the dress watch arena without having it seem too formal. The polished pull-out crown with the fermata logo (the musical pause symbol) is perfectly sized for the case and allows for easy gripping and winding.
On the wrist, the watch is a pleasant surprise. From the 43mm you read on the spec sheet, you’d expect a large watch, and the dial is certainly prominent, but the thin case and lugs that descend below the caseback allow the watch to sit low and easy on the wrist. The domed sapphire creates some distortion, but not at any angle that would disturb reading the time. (If you’re still worried about size, know that they MeisterSinger N°01 is offered in 40mm as well.)
The Dial
There’s hardly anything to write about the dial, frankly. It’s a masterclass in paring down to the basics. Also available in blue and white, you read a MeisterSinger just like any other watch, except without a minute or seconds hand. Even if you wanted a more precise readout, the smallest hashes only mark out 5-minute intervals. It doesn’t happen often, but you can see how there is the occasional instance where the light catches the printed numbering for a very subtle shine.
Usually, I dislike flatness in a dial, as I’m a big fan of depth and texture. Given the impetus for the watch, though, I think the restraint is fitting. There are, of course, plenty of other dial options, both in color and complication. For example, the Circularis model is essentially the same as the MeisterSinger N°01 but with applied numerals.
The Rest
I’m on the record as not loving most caseback designs, but I think this one is spot one. The repetition of the fermata logo to create a novel pattern is a lovely way to add a bit of panache to the otherwise staid design (even if you’ll rarely see it). While the MeisterSinger N°01 uses a reliable handwound Sellita movement, MeisterSinger has some offerings, like the Circularis, with manufacture calibers (made for MeisterSinger by Synergies Horlogères).
The MeisterSinger N°01 comes on your choice of smooth leather or suede strap, or Milanaise mesh bracelet. They’re all quick-release which makes changes a snap. I found the padded leather to require no break-in and to be immediately comfortable on the wrist. With dial offerings that are never too out there and a common lug width, creating a variety of pairings shouldn’t be a challenge at all.
I’ve heard some MeisterSinger owners feel more relaxed, or at least that their relationship with time is more relaxed. I can’t say this was my experience; if you’re buying this as your only watch, maybe, but if you’re putting this into rotation with traditional watches—or you keep looking at your damn phone—I can’t imagine you’ll notice a dramatic shift in how you interact with time.
The MeisterSinger N°01—really all MeisterSingers—are about novelty and challenging the typical watch display. They do that better than almost anyone else, and the watches are beautifully made. If it were my money, I’d likely be looking at one of the brand’s more exciting offerings, at least the Circularis but perhaps the new Bell Hora or the Pangaea Day Date. But if it’s classic and original that drives you, the MeisterSinger N°01 is your best bet.
You can learn more and purchase directly from MeisterSinger.