MeisterSinger Watches Bell Hora 2023
Introduced in 2021, the MeisterSinger Bell Hora unites the German brand’s love of single-hand watches with a ‘Sonnerie au Passage’ or hourly chime. Angus Davies gets hands-on with the latest version of this watch, appointed with a medium blue dial incorporating gold accents. Just don’t call it new!
When new undermines the notion of luxury
In a few weeks time, hordes of journalists and watch retailers will descend on Geneva, keen to attend Watches & Wonders and discover the many delights on show. These visitors will be met by numerous exhibiting brands eager to reveal their ‘new’ models or ‘novelties’.
However, the problem with releasing a product one year, only to return 12 months later and fanfare a new, better version is that it comes with consequences.
Imagine for a moment you are the owner of a 2021 model and you discover it has been superseded by a ‘new’ shinier alternative. It doesn’t feel very good, does it? And what about the retailer with a large inventory of old models, how do they sell these watches? Do they need to discount the old models and potentially harm the brand’s status in the process?
MeisterSinger No.1
At MeisterSinger, things are a little different. Founded in 2001, the German firm’s inaugural model, the aptly named ‘No.1’ remains a popular member of the brand’s collection. Over the years, the marque from Münster has released new dial colours, but essentially the model of 2023 shares much in common with its 2001 antecedent.
At this juncture, based on the brand’s penchant for lengthy product life cycles, you may assume the firm’s New Product Development team only work a few hours each day or spend an inordinate amount of time relaxing in the sun; they don’t. On the contrary, the firm conceives wholly new models from time to time, some with complications, but it always stays true to its ‘single-hand watch’ philosophy.
MeisterSinger doesn’t discontinue existing models per se, preferring to focus its attention on new dial colours and case materials.
Bell Hora
In 2021, MeisterSinger celebrated its 20th anniversary. Amidst the sound of party poppers, the firm released a new model, the Bell Hora. While upholding the firm’s fondness for single-hand watches, the Bell Hora also incorporated a ‘Sonnerie au passage’ feature, announcing the arrival of each new hour with a crisp, succinct chime. Housed in a 43mm stainless steel case, the model was initially offered in a choice of two dial variants: blue sunburst and natural ivory. The brand’s design prowess and the model’s handsome appearance were recognised with a ‘Red Dot Design Award’ in 2021.
MeisterSinger Bell Hora 2021
Last year (2022), the German marque released a Bell Hora model with a jet black dial, enlivened with gold-toned detail.
Now, MeisterSinger has unveiled another Bell Hora, this time with a ‘medium blue dial’ and golden dial accents. But rest assured, the German brand has remained faithful to the inaugural model of 2021. Moreover, all previous versions of this watch remain regular members of the brand’s portfolio, available for purchase via its online store. No obsolescence, no disenfranchised owners saddled with an out of date model and no retailers trying to offload defunct products at ‘never to be repeated’ prices. It seems there is much wisdom to MeisterSinger’s business strategy.
Back in 2021, I received a sample of a Bell Hora with a blue sunburst dial. I was smitten and ‘dropped a few hints’ to Mrs Davies about the watch’s suitability as a birthday present, but sadly to no avail. When I was offered the chance to wear this latest version, I seized the opportunity with both hands, keen to rekindle our former relationship.
Single-hand watches
The watchsphere is congested with numerous brands vying for the public’s attention. This competitive landscape necessitates a point of difference. From the outset, MeisterSinger chose to differentiate itself by making single-hand watches.
Although we have become accustomed to watches using one hand to indicate the hours and a separate hand for showing the minutes, MeisterSinger’s one-hand approach isn’t a new concept. For many centuries, clocks used a lone hand to indicate time. Furthermore, the ‘Souscription’ watch of 1796, masterminded by the greatest watchmaker of all time, Abraham-Louis Breguet, imparted meaning with one, fine hand.
MeisterSinger watches
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed ‘hands-on’ experiences with several MeisterSinger watches. Contrary to what you might expect, determining the prevailing time with a single hand proves eminently simple to understand.
However, the primary benefit of a single-hand watch is that it engenders a certain mindset. A MeisterSinger watch indicates time to the nearest 5-minute interval, serving as a refreshing antidote to the stress-induced narrative of modern-day life. With age, many individuals come to realise that it’s foolish to fixate on nano-seconds as it only serves to heighten one’s blood pressure.
Indeed, the Münster-based brand recognises the importance of wellbeing, inviting wearers to view the world through a prism of calmness. I was middle-aged before I recognised the wisdom of savouring moments and ignoring the stress of a life measured in seconds. That said, you don’t need to be a fiftysomething to appreciate the benefits of MeisterSinger ownership.
Medium blue with gold
The latest Bell Hora features a ‘medium blue’ dial. However, this latter term doesn’t tell the full story. The dial readily transitions from one shade to another, appearing almost black one moment and bright azure blue the next. To accurately capture the beauty of the dial’s face using a camera is virtually impossible, hence it has to be viewed in person to be fully appreciated.
Consistent with other MeisterSinger models, the hour values are presented in double-digit form. Each numeral is golden-toned and paired with a slender golden stroke near the periphery of the dial. This track features white strokes, spaced at 5-minute intervals. Interestingly, as the hour markers increase in value, they spiral inwards, ultimately concluding with ’24’, the midnight hour. Once again, the detail is a refreshing departure from the norm.
The dialscape features a neat recessed line, following the aforementioned spiral-shaped track. In addition, a series of lines emanate from the centre of the dial. These details are subtle additions that add to the overall allure of the dial.
Having worn the watch for several days, I’m reminded of my initial encounter with the Bell Hora of 2021. Simple to read and with a notable degree of style, the latest reference proves equally as appealing as its older siblings.
Sonnerie au passage
MeisterSinger also embraces the notion of tranquility. The Bell Hora is a chiming watch that indicates the hour with a crisp, succinct chime. No annoying shrill, just an aide-memoire reminding the wearer another hour has elapsed. The sweet-sounding note provides an accompanying soundtrack to a relaxing day.
Should you require a mid-afternoon nap, merely pull the crown out at 2 o’clock to reveal a black circlet and the chime will remain in hibernation until it’s required once more.
Strike module
Unlike a minute repeater which involves the time-consuming task of making hammers and gongs by hand, the Bell Hora is endued with a far simpler mechanism. Termed a ‘strike module’ by the brand, the chiming system is derived from a jumping hour mechanism. Instead of advancing an hour disc, similar to that found on the brand’s Salthora model, the release lever strikes a circular tuning fork, delivering an audible note. Simpler and, by default, cheaper than a minute repeater, the Bell Hora still has the capacity to evoke a smile on the wearer’s face.
MS Bell calibre
The strike module, developed by MeisterSinger, has been paired with a Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement. Visible via an exhibition caseback, the MS Bell calibre features a bi-colour oscillating weight (silver and golden hues), engraved with the firm’s nomen. Moreover, the appearance of the movement is heightened with pockets of colimaçon and blued screws.
Meister Bell Hora Review – final thoughts
At the end of March, I will walk miles, treading plush carpet in the hope of seeing new watches. There will be many new models, quite different from their forebears or counterparts, many of which will be worthy of numerous column inches. But, sadly, there will be other watches that won’t represent advancement, updated with little justification.
MeisterSinger with its own unique approach clearly understands the importance of longevity. It releases additional variants, but doesn’t change or discard its products needlessly. In my opinion, this approach is more consistent with the notion of luxury. In many cases, obsolescence can be avoided simply by ‘getting it right’ in the first place.
Returning to this latest version of the MeisterSinger Bell Hora, I love it. The medium blue dial is gorgeous, albeit the natural ivory dial option remains my favourite. Thanks to MeisterSinger’s consistent approach to new product development, the dial options released in 2021 remain current. There appears to be much wisdom in Münster.
Further reading
MeisterSinger Bell Hora – Technical specification
- Model: MeisterSinger Bell Hora
- Reference: BHO908
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 43 mm, height 13mm, sapphire crystal to front and exhibition case back
- Functions: Hours and minutes indicated with one hand; hourly chime – ‘Sonnerie au Passage’
- Movement: MS Bell, Sellita SW 200-1 base; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz), power reserve 38 hours
- Strap: dark brown leather strap paired with a steel pin buckle.
- Price: €3890 (RRP as of 24.3.2023)