Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds Watch Review
At first glance, the Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds appears to be a simple watch with few indications. However, Angus Davies reveals that when appraising the design of this watch more closely, a plethora of nuances become apparent, heightening the ownership experience.
In the elevated world of haute horlogerie, some timepieces garner attention with numerous gems gracing their form. Alternatively, other watches crave recognition by combining an array of complications in one horological composition.
However, sometimes the creation of a timepiece which forsakes haute joaillerie or showboating complications presents other challenges. Indeed, from a design perspective, it requires much creativity to make a seemingly simple watch appear interesting.
The architecture of the Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds exhibits a delightful lightness of touch. At first glance, it appears seemingly simple with a relaxed demeanour that does not unduly command attention. Nevertheless, pause and contemplate its makeup for a few moments longer and the intricacies of its creation become manifest.
Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds dial
The test model was presented with a ‘True Blue’ dial, an alluring shade that matched the rose gold case very well. The hour markers consisted of super slender batons, save for 12 o’clock, where Arabic numerals appeared. The font of the numerals at noon is unique to the Maison and was designed by Alexander Meerson, the owner of the eponymously named watch company.
Part of the allure of the Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds is the numerous soupçons of delightful detail. On first acquaintance with this watch, the hour and minutes appeared to be faceted dauphine hands. However, the hands are actually asymmetrical, with the fulcrum of the facets being positioned 2/3 and 1/3 along their width. By adopting this design aspect, the hands prove both stylish and highly legible. Moreover, the light casts beguiling areas of brightness and shade along their profile.
Located above 6 o’clock, a small running seconds is presented on a recessed and snailed subdial. Four markers grace the small seconds display, denoting each 15-second integer.
Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds case
Measuring 41 mm in diameter, the 18-carat rose gold case is an exemplar of subtle elegance. The case thickness is a mere 8.59mm, proving slender and graceful. The design language of this watch does not loudly proclaim its presence, but instead evinces a restrained, tasteful appearance.
Two unusual bar-like fixings unite the blue strap to the case, eschewing conventional horns. Indeed, once again, Meerson employs discreet elements which, in my opinion, enrich the ownership proposition. The bezel is stepped, whilst the case employs curving lines to its upper surface and sides. The crown features a seven-arm design and sports the brand’s logo on its vertical plane.
My previous encounters with both the Meerson Altitude Officier Small Seconds and the Meerson D15 MK-1 GMT Black ADLC proved eminently comfortable. The Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds upholds this trait, conferring a gratifying coziness with the arm. There are two reasons for this agreeable union between the watch and the wearer. Firstly, the exhibition caseback is curved, snugly hugging the arm. Secondly, the varied choice of made-to-measure leather straps proffer pre-eminent flexibility and softness. Indeed, Meerson watches are reminiscent of a faithful pair of slippers offering wonderful comfort, while simultaneously delivering a degree of style only found with a freshly-pressed haute couture ensemble.
Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds movement
The danger of focussing on aesthetics is that the mechanical substance of a watch may be overlooked. Thankfully, Meerson has entrusted the creation of the self-winding movement within this watch, ref AM-4808-A, to Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier.
Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier is renowned for its high quality movements. They are crafted to an incredible standard and imbued with magnificent finishing. The movement within the Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds proves to be no exception.
The bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève rayonnantes, while the jewel sinks are polished and the wheels are circular-grained. The decoration of the movement combines both ‘hand and machine’ finishing. I especially like the design of the partially open-worked oscillating mass. Affixed to the rotor is a section, proclaiming the maison’s nomen. While it appears to be part of the bridge work beneath, it is not, and consequently the name of the brand is permanently on show.
Finally, twin barrels collaborate to provide 50-hour power reserve.
Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds – closing remarks
The remarkable aspect of the Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds is the understatement of the design. Wherever the eyes dwell, softly spoken intricate elements come to the fore. For example, the surface encircling the sapphire crystal is brushed, delivering a comely contrast with the adjacent polished surfaces. The inner flange surrounding the dial features a brushed finish, again contrasting with the bezel and highlighting the intricacy of the design.
Meerson and his colleagues have been incredibly skilful in designing a sumptuously appointed watch with a seemingly simple appearance. Clearly, much time has been expended on the minutiae and this shows with prolonged examination. Indeed, with an obvious lightness of touch, this Meerson creation reveals a high quotient of restrained style which proves very appealing.
Technical specification
- Model: Meerson Altitude Premiere Small Seconds
- Reference: 101-PBJC
- Case: 18-carat rose gold; diameter 41 mm; height 8.59 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and case back.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds.
- Movement: AM-4808-A movement; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); 28 jewels; power reserve 50 hours; 193 parts in total
- Strap: Choice of straps available. The test model featured a made-to-measure True Blue galuchat strap presented on an 18-carat rose gold pin buckle
- Price: £19,200 (RRP as of 31.5.2016)