MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic
The MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic Ref CC911 displays the hours and minutes with a single hand and includes a date display. The watch features an enchantingly coloured dial in ‘Sunburst Bordeaux’ and offers the convenience of an impressive self-winding movement.
This detailed review of the MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic Ref CC911 includes live images, specification details and pricing.
Selecting a fine wine necessitates the appraisal of many attributes. The aroma, the colour, the viscosity, the clarity and, most notably, the taste, are all factors which ultimately influence the quality of a wine. Likewise, when selecting a wristwatch, various criteria influence quality.
The dial of a fine timepiece should ideally exploit depth and texture and prove simple to read. The case should be smooth, seamlessly blending curves, contours and straight edges to comely effect. The movement should be beautifully adorned with a series of different polishing techniques and include an array of mechanical virtues. And lastly, a watch should be comfortable to wear and deliver superb accuracy.
As the aforementioned examples illustrate, there are similarities when selecting a fine wine to procuring a fine timepiece. It seems quite fitting that MeisterSinger has crafted a watch which brings together these two product categories courtesy of its enchantingly coloured dial in ‘Sunburst Bordeaux’.
With a fine pedigree of producing some of the greatest vintages in existence, there is no doubt about the wine producing credentials of Bordeaux. Recently, I experienced a few days of ‘hands-on’ intimacy with this similarly named MeisterSinger, allowing me to critique its composition and ascertain whether it is worthy of comparison with the finest appellations in existence.
The dial
Typical of MeisterSinger, one bold, triangular shaped hand indicates both the hours and minutes simultaneously. At first, this unusual means of dialogue with the wearer takes a little while to get accustomed to, but it does become increasingly intuitive to use with a short period of association.
The dial is offered in a choice of four different colours, including ivory, ‘Sunburst Anthracite’ and ‘Sunburst Blue’ as well as the focal point of this review, ‘Sunburst Bordeaux’. While the other shades are comparatively conventional, the ‘Sunburst Bordeaux’ is highly individual and I cannot think of another watch sporting a similarly hued dial.
The dial features a prominent ‘Sunburst’ motif with fine lines emanating from the centre of the face. The dial has a beguiling look, featuring pockets of brilliance and shade, resulting in a changing appearance whenever its position is altered. The colour of the dial also morphs into a myriad of tones from deep red to pale pinks and purples. This is a bewitching dial and just as you think you have seen its full repertoire of hues, it delivers another prepossessing face to enchant you.
Bold, white luminescent hour markers sit proud of the dial epidermis. They have a metal-plated surface and confer a three dimensional allure, courtesy of their applied nature. The hour markers prove simple to read day and night.
Gracing the periphery of the dial, a series of white strokes in different lengths display each 5-minute, 15-minute, 30-minute and 60-minute integer. Each hour is additionally marked with an applied marker.
Unlike the Circularis Manual, the automatic version features a date display. Positioned at 6 o’clock, the date is displayed via a circular aperture. The round date window features a ‘metallized’ border.
The case
The first aspect of the case I noticed was not its 43mm case diameter but the fascinating profile of the caseband. Guiding my forefinger along the sides of the caseband I noted its sinuous contours and the concave sections near the lugs. This is a highly complex case shape and atypical for a watch at this price point, £4500 (RRP as at 4.12.2016).
The Circularis Automatic is supplied with a grey alligator leather strap paired with a steel pin buckle. Both the colours of the dial and strap co-ordinated with a myriad of clothes whilst the watch was in my care, proving highly versatile and practical.
An impressive aspect about this watch is the wearer comfort it confers. The strap, scale of the watch and shape of the caseback all collaborate to deliver an impressive wrist-feel.
The movement
The Circularis Automatic is the first MeisterSinger model to be powered by the MSA01 movement. The oscillating mass is open-worked, made of tungsten and features a series of cut-outs resembling the brand’s fermata logo.
An impressive power reserve of 120 hours is delivered courtesy of twin barrels.
This is a movement which should be admired. Thankfully, the watch features an exhibition caseback, allowing the wearer to appreciate the delightful nuances of the movement. The bridges are adorned with circular Côtes de Genève motif. Blued screws grace the MSA01 calibre, reminding the wearer, not that it is necessary, that this is a quality movement.
Closing remarks
With the release of the MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic earlier this year, the brand has produced a stunning watch for a comparatively modest sum. Some readers may prefer to opt for a conservative choice of dial colour and I can understand their rationale for making this decision, however, I particularly like the unique ‘Sunbrust Bordeaux’ option.
Despite its novel appearance, the scale of the case allows the dial to be easily read. Moreover, the single handed means of imparting time becomes simple to interpret after only a couple of days use. If you are seeking to read-off individual minutes then this is probably not the watch for you and you may wish to consider the brand’s Singulator model.
The case is beautifully executed and together with the highly supple strap, a cosseting union with the wrist is assured. The automatic movement is pleasingly executed and delivers an impressive degree of autonomy with its 120 hour power reserve. I especially like the circular Côtes de Genève and blued screws.
Ultimately, similar to a fine wine, there are many attributes with the MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic. After a few days of quaffing each specification detail, I can attest it is a delicious timepiece imbued with a lovely palate. Indeed this is a timepiece suffused with wonderful details and, based on its price point, proves to be an impressive vintage.
Technical specification
- Model: MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic
- Reference: CC911
- Case: Stainless steel; diamete 43 mm; height 13.5mm; water resistant to 5 bar (50 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; date.
- Movement: MSA01, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); 29 jewels; power reserve 120 hours
- Strap: Grey alligator strap presented on steel pin buckle.
- Price: £4,500 (RRP as at 4.12.2016)
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