Luxury Watches Review: Hands-On MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic

MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic

MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic

The MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic is something clearly related to the famous 1Z (1 Zeiger) or ‘No.1’ as it is called nowadays, but it is their lower level watches (I hate the word of the product). ETA 2801-2 or not famous Sellita SW210 movement (there is no wrong way), MeisterSinger with their Circularis automatically with a new sport. The MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic is very close to their classic, “No. 3” watch a single watch with Automatic movement (ETA 2824-2 and caliber Sellita SW200-1). Watches won some award in 2007.

meistersinger circularis automatic sunburst blue

Design

 

It might be the first time I use ‘design’ instead of case or dial in order to describe the MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic watch. It was the first thing that came to mind though. The 43mm case looks similar to the one of the MeisterSinger No.3 watch actually, but is a bit thicker (13.5mm instead of 11.5mm). Although these sports watch dimension makes the watch looks very elegant, a dress watch, including the top and visceral smooth lugs.

From the side, the case is quite round and tapers a bit towards the caseback. Although it has an automatic movement, the crown is fairly large. Though it has an automatic movement,the case is quite large. It can be manually on the list of crown. But it looks good, on both sides of the case have sapphire crystal. In front of the crystal with a dome.

meistersinger circularis automatic sunburst blue

Sunburst Blue

 

The dial of the MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic reference CC908 is sunburst blue. And when MeisterSinger says Sunburst blue, it really is. As can be seen below. The dial is simply stunning and its appearance can change by looking at it from different angles. Like the No.3, it has white numerals (but larger, or thicker) which gives a great contrast to the blue dial. As a result, the dial is easy to read. This is what I need only one hand from one hand to indicate that the time to watch. Just to make it less trouble some, great readability is what you want.

 

Date

 

MeisterSinger Circularis has a date on Automatic aperture, located at 6 o ‘clock. At the top of the hour mark. Round hole is a good change.  I looked at the date disc with a loupe for a couple of minutes, but I think it is black. From some angles it appear blue-ish, but that might have been the AR-coating from the sapphire crystal. In any case, if I have to stare that long at the date disc to see if it is blue, it isn’t blue enough. I would have loved the date disc to be white with blue printed numerals. It will match better and have a very good details. The large hand is white, as you can see, and coated with lume.

sunburst blue- it is

Caliber MSA01 Movement

 

Inside this MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic ticks their caliber MSA01 movement. MeisterSinger marks it as a ‘MeisterSinger movement’, but it isn’t an in-house movement. However, MeisterSinger did change the construction in order to use it for their single-hand time indication concept. In addition, the movement of the finish is very good. A good bone rotor, screws and blue stripes (cotecirculaires). The movement has two barrels series, 120 hours of power reserve.

caliber msa01

However, if you look closely at the base plate, just (left) above the balance-wheel, you will see ‘SH21’ engraved, and a number. SH stands for Synergies Horlogères, part of Christopher Ward (Holdings). The movement was designed in 2014 by watchmaker Johannes Jahnke which we spoke during our visit to SalonQP in London, last year. A talented watchmaker, put forward the interesting innovations and solutions to old problems, this movement as described above, has been modified to the MeisterSinger Circularis automatically using. As Jahnke told us last year, he likes to create movements that can be used for various complications or in different appearances (on the dial).

cotes circulaires

Alligator Strap and Folding Clasp

 

MeisterSinger offers this watch on a variety of straps, but ours is on the cognac colored alligator strap. However, these watches can also be bought with a milanaise (mesh) bracelet. Because of its leather is very soft, so is very comfortable to wear on your wrist. A lot of modern watches come with quite thick straps, which takes longer to break-in. This cognac alligator strap sits perfectly on the wrist and gives a nice contrast to the Sunburst blue dial of the Circularis Automatic. The stainless steel folding clasp is a ‘butterfly’ one, it releases by pulling the signed part of the clasp. Closing is done with a firm push & click.

alligator strap and folding clasp

Some Thoughts

 

This is a very nice watch to wear, as simple as that. It has a neat little ‘complication’ by showing the time with just one hand. The watch is large (for my taste), but sits perfectly on the wrist. Although not accurate to the minutes, but it is enough, because the blue dial and white tags and hand it is very readable. Almost from all angles. The date window is a practical feature, not necessary for me, but MeisterSinger gave it a nice location and twist, by using a round aperture. The finish of case, crown, movement and clasp are simply good. The size and the fact that it is one hand makes it look a bit like wearing an instrument on the wrist. Like a manometer of some sort.

 

Versions and Pricing

 

In the past few years, one hand design also is used by other brands. But MeisterSinger is I more suitable for myself. However, the MeisterSinger is the one I’d prefer myself. They offer quite a collection of single-handed watches, with different case designs and some with additional complications. The MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic is definitely a beautiful one, with a very nicely finished automatic movement. The fact that it isn’t in-house, but modified, is something subordinate to the concept and design of the single-handed watch. The retail price of the MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic is €4498,- (including VAT).