MeisterSinger Perigraph

[OrangeSport]

Another mini review that I originally posted on another site. I thought this might be interesting as the watch is a little different to most models out there:

As my Perigraph tends to generate a number of questions and positive comments I thought it might be nice to post a review of this watch.

MeisterSinger offers a range of watches with various complications in a differing sizes. There are a bunch of strap and face colours to choose from too, but the one point that they are really known for is that many of the watches come with just one hand. I was looking for a watch which was more dressy than my Submariner, and something which would be a little bit different. The Perigraph AM1002, which is the larger 43mm version, seemed a great candidate.



I think I need to start by talking about the single hand, as it is obviously the most striking feature of the watch and the one people ask me about the most. It does take a little getting used to, but it is actually quite good fun to have to think when you look at your watch. The markers represent five minutes, so this is not a watch for when you are rushing to meetings. I use mine as a dress watch and if I am out for a nice relaxed day. It takes the focus off the exact minute, and slows you down a little.

The idea comes from old single handed clocks, and to be honest it would be a very easy system to use if you hadn't already be taught to tell the time with two hands. I am currently trying to teach my daughter to tell the time. It would be much easier for her with a single handed watch.

The date ring snaps round dead on midnight, and again it is fun to watch as the whole ring jumps round with a positive click.

There is no lume on this watch.

The curvature of the sapphire crystal and the sunk in date ring really give the face some life and depth. MeisterSinger should really sort out the official pictures as they do the watch no justice at all:



I cannot be sure which movement mine has. MeisterSinger says that the 43mm has the ETA2824-2, and that the 38mm has the Sellita SW200-1. Mine is a 43mm, but it came with a tag saying it had a Sellita movement. Either way I am not worried, as these movements are essentially the same. There is a known weakness to the winding mechanism of these movements, but I find that the watch gets going easily with a few swirls and soon builds up a good power reserve in use. There is a sapphire crystal case back to allow you to view the movement.





The whole item feels like a quality product. The case is beautifully finished, and the leather strap is thick and very tactile. It even has a nice leather squeek to it! The logo used by MeisterSinger is, I think, a musical instruction to play at half speed. This supports the relaxed nature of the watch.



The Perigraph wears smaller than its size would suggest, and it fits nicely under a dress shirt.

The packaging the watch comes in deserves a special mention. The box is made to look like a large book, and when you open it the watch is suspended inside between two clear plastic sheets.

Accuracy appears to be good, certainly good enough not to be noticeably off on a watch with no seconds hand and no one minute markers!



I am very happy with this watch. It is smart, interesting and individual yet it is subtle, relaxed and classic looking. It really is very versatile. And the price for all this? I paid £1,400 for mine, which I think is a complete bargain.

There is a fun and interesting video review here: Talking Hands on MeisterSinger - YouTube

It is not the exact same model as mine and I have nothing to do with the video, but if you are interested in MeisterSinger it is worth a click.

Thanks for reading!

[The Archer]

Great write-up, I've been looking for something funky like this.

[OrangeSport]

Thanks. It is certainly a little different to the norm....

[cedargrove]

Good review. I've always liked Meistersinger. I have my eye on their No.2 with a purplish-brown dial, but I sure like the date on your Perigraph. Very nice.

[OrangeSport]

Thank you.it does look very nice in the flesh...