MeisterSinger Neo
The MeisterSinger Neo is housed in a 36mm stainless steel case and sports a period-inspired ‘azure blue’ dial. The Münster-based brand also offers a new 40mm model, the MeisterSinger Neo Plus, with a black dial incorporating blue accents. Angus Davies gets ‘hands-on’ and shares his thoughts.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo
A sense of calm
I hate airports. My sense of loathing begins at ‘security’. After waiting in line for an inordinate amount of time, I’m usually met with a barking member of staff. “Remove your belt. Put your laptop in a separate tray. Have you any liquids? Do you have any camera equipment?..” And then, as I walk through the metal detector, I begin to panic, praying that I’ve not left a potentially problematic item in my hand luggage which necessitates even more queueing and another bout of robust interrogation.
No sooner have I scraped through security than I’m faced with the ordeal of screaming children, insufficient seating and overpriced radioactive coffee. Oh, and just before I think I’ve escaped comparatively unscathed, there’s the noticeboard. The sea of flight numbers, destinations and instructions has the potential to bamboozle even the most dextrous mind.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo Plus
Thankfully, MeisterSinger offers the perfect antidote to such stressful surroundings. As I look at the dial of the latest MeisterSinger Neo, I feel a sense of calm. No longer am I bombarded with information, just one hand says all I need to know. Rubbing the arcing glass atop the dial provides a cathartic release and rebalances my psyche. Suddenly everything feels just a little easier.
I’m no stranger to MeisterSinger watches. The German brand has loaned me numerous samples over the years in a variety of sizes, colours and materials. While each model has been different, they have all had the same capacity to evoke a sense of calm. The new MeisterSinger Neo 36mm proves no exception, albeit it does feature an unusual, retro-inspired azure blue dial.
MeisterSinger Neo azure blue
Everything about this watch is ‘retro’. The steel case measures 36mm, a hugely popular gent’s size in the past. The dial sits beneath a ‘hardened acryl glass’, a form of glazing that was highly popular prior to the widespread adoption of sapphire crystal. While sapphire crystal was first used in the 1930s, it wasn’t until the 60s and 70s that it became the preferred means of covering a dial.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo
However, nothing says nostalgia more than the chosen dial colour. On seeing the MeisterSinger Neo azure blue for the first time, I was reminded of my childhood. The dial shade was reminiscent of the bathroom suite in my grandma’s home. With just one glance at the dial, I was five years old again, almost fully submerged beneath a sea of bathtime bubbles. By employing this cheery shade, MeisterSinger has cleverly tapped into the zeitgeist of the 1960s. Indeed, looking back, the retro hue was extremely popular, gracing cars, furniture and clothes.
The Neo subscribes to MeisterSinger’s highly popular needle-like single hand and double-digit design language. Black, elongated isosceles triangles collaborate with Arabic numerals to denote the hours. A combination of white strokes denote 5-minute and 15-minute intervals. Positioned above 6 o’clock, a silver-toned circlet frames the date aperture. Crisp white numerals set against a black backdrop proclaim the date clearly. And that’s it.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo
Well, not quite. Appraise the dial and ask yourself, could a detail or function be added or removed without detriment to the dial’s overall appearance? I suspect your answer is ‘no’. MeisterSinger has always had an incredible knack for producing sublime dialscapes.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo
Despite scrutinising the dial with a loupe, I’m still unsure whether the dial slopes downwards around the edge or whether it’s an optical illusion created by the profile of the arcing glass. Nevertheless, one thing is certain, this detail adds to the overall aesthetic charm of the dial.
MeisterSinger Neo Plus
Measuring 40mm in diameter, the Neo Plus, as its name implies, is larger than the regular 36mm Neo. The shape of the dial, glass and case subscribe to the same design, only on this occasion, a black vista supplants the azure blue canvas. The aforementioned black elongated isosceles triangles are now presented in contrasting azure blue. However, look again, and you will note that some elements remain the same. The Arabic numerals and the white strokes positioned at 5 and 15 minute intervals remain the same. Likewise, the date aperture features the same white on black combo. It’s somehow different, but the same.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo Plus
Having worn both watches, I can attest they exhibit a very different character. The larger watch is more conservative and less likely to polarise opinion. Indeed, the MeisterSinger Neo azure blue is the bold option, more likely to appeal to gregarious types.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo Plus
Expansive dials
Despite each watch being modestly sized, they have surprisingly expansive dials. After a bit of head scratching, I eventually realised this apparent contradiction can be attributed to the absence of any bezel, a feature that can add 4mm – 6mm to the girth of a watch. The slither of gleaming brightwork visible from the front is actually the slender upper rim of the caseband. Interestingly, MeisterSinger has opted for a two-piece case construction where the case sizes and lugs are conjoined to form one part and the caseback is a discrete component; yet again, another vintage-inspired element.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo
Sellita SW 200
Both the Neo and Neo Plus are fitted with a Sellita SW 200 movement. This self-winding calibre is crafted in Switzerland by the largest independent, family-run supplier of mechanical movements. Used by several competing brands, the SW 200 is known for being precise, reliable and simple to service and repair.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo
Closing remarks
My wife and editor often criticises me for mentioning my large wrists, however, fearless of her looming wrath, I’m going to talk personal statistics. Measuring 19cm in circumference, my left wrist is notably large. Ordinarily, I favour watches 42mm or more, however, this depends on the shape of the case and how far the lugs extend outwards.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo
Having worn the MeisterSinger Neo Plus for a number of days, I have grown accustomed to its proportions and appreciative of its cosseting wrist-fit. The dial is simple to read and its chosen hue sits in concert with numerous garments. With an asking price of €1390 (RRP as of 12.4.2023), the Neo Plus ticks lots of boxes.
Image – MeisterSinger Neo Plus
The colour of the Neo’s azure blue dial is gorgeous. It appeals to my flamboyant side, albeit it is possibly less versatile than the soberly attired Neo Plus. I applaud MeisterSinger for offering a bold dial colour rather than just ‘playing it safe’. I concede the ebullient, vintage-inspired dial hue may not be to everyone’s taste, but I love it.
The only slight problem with the MeisterSinger Neo azure blue is that it looks just a tad small for my oversized wrists. Normal-sized would-be wearers will be fine, but I urge the German marque to also offer the Neo Plus in azure blue. Personally speaking, this dial option not only evokes happy childhood memories, but also proves the perfect travel companion in my present-day life.
Further reading
Video
Technical specification
- Model: MeisterSinger Neo
- Reference: NE914
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 36 mm, height 9.7mm, water resistance 3ATM (30 metres), hardened acryl glass to front and solid case back
- Functions: Hours and minutes indicated with one hand, date
- Movement: Sellita SW 200; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz), power reserve 38 hours
- Strap: black suede leather strap paired with a steel pin buckle.
- Price: €1290 (RRP as of 12.4.2023)
Technical specification
- Model: MeisterSinger Neo Plus
- Reference: NE402T
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 40 mm, height 9.7mm, water resistance 3ATM (30 metres), hardened acryl glass to front and solid case back
- Functions: Hours and minutes indicated with one hand, date
- Movement: Sellita SW 200; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz), power reserve 38 hours
- Strap: black Cordovan leather strap paired with a steel pin buckle.
- Price: €1390 (RRP as of 12.4.2023)