MeisterSinger Perigraph 2022
The MeisterSinger Perigraph 2022 comes in two new black dial variants with a choice of Bordeaux or petrol-toned accents. It perpetuates the brand’s penchant for single-hand watches and reinforces its endearing view of time. Angus Davies gets ‘hands-on’.
In the United Kingdom, the average employee works 36.5 hours per week, earning an average of £598. Many of these individuals live in an average home costing £274,000 where an average of 2.4 people reside, including both adults and children. In the world of horology, the average watch is round with two hands for indicating hours and minutes.
While some individuals are happy to adhere to an average existence, others prefer to exercise free thought and go their own way. Step forward MeisterSinger.
Although MeisterSinger’s models are presented in round cases, they are certainly not average. Indeed, MeisterSinger’s timepieces differ from their rivals by expressing hours and minutes with a single hand. This lone hand rotates around the dial slowly, shunning the haste of the typical minute hand. Each marking on the minute track denotes 5-minutes.
Manfred Brassler and John van Steen, the co-owners of the brand, invite wearers to view time in a broader sense, not as nanoseconds, but as a series of moments where time is spent with friends and loved ones. MeisterSinger ownership is about calm and reflection, traits that often come with wisdom.
The Perigraph is a wonderful example of the brand’s creativity. It has been a popular member of the company’s portfolio for a number of years. However, the German marque has not rested on its laurels, choosing to play with a number of dial hues. Last year, the brand unveiled the Perigraph Mellow Yellow, a name that evokes nostalgic thoughts of Donavan’s chart-topping hit of 1966.
Now, the luxury watch firm has just released the MeisterSinger Perigraph 2022 in two new dial variants, both predominantly deep black, but with a choice of coloured accents: Bordeaux or petrol. Recently, the brand sent me a couple of examples of the model for hands-on evaluation.
The dial
The MeisterSinger Perigraph 2022 subscribes to the tried and trusted Perigraph layout. An elongated single hand reaches to the track hugging the inside of the case. The marks on the track are spaced five minutes apart, while the hours are shown with Arabic numerals in a two-digit format. Depending on the model selected, this track is presented in Bordeaux or petrol.
A recessed circlet sits in the central area of the dial. It’s marked with 31 date values, again presented in either Bordeaux or petrol. This circlet or ring rotates with the prevailing date shown beneath noon, indicated with a corresponding triangle. There is an absence of numerous complications, subdials and multiple apertures. The dial conveys essential information, free of clutter, but with a notable degree of style.
The case
The MeisterSinger Perigraph 2022 measures 43mm in diameter and is encased in stainless steel. The bezel, upper lug surfaces and caseback are presented in a gleaming, highly polished finish. Conversely, the German firm has chosen to dress the sides of the case in a subtle satin brush. The flamboyance of the polished sections of steel is tempered by the softly spoken character of the satin brush.
Both versions of the new Perigraph models are supplied on a black ‘vintage’ leather strap. Creamy-white stitching enlivens the stealthy nature of the strap, delivering a becoming contrast. The strap also has a quick-release feature, making it possible to exchange it for an alternative without the need for tools. A pin buckle affixes the strap to the wrist.
The movement
An exhibition caseback, secured with six screws, allows the wearer to view the self-winding movement within. The Swiss-made, Sellita SW 200 is a popular movement known for its excellent reliability. Moreover, it is simple to service and repair.
The balance has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and the movement is fitted with 25 jewels. Assuming the mainspring is fully wound, the watch will operate autonomously for 38 hours.
Closing remarks
When MeisterSinger unveiled the Perigraph Mellow Yellow in 2021, the playful use of colour imbued the model with an exuberance that was difficult to ignore. The MeisterSinger Perigraph 2022 with its Bordeaux or petrol accents is more understated by comparison. Nevertheless, whilst these latest models differ from their older sibling of 2021, they, once again, demonstrate the brand’s prowess for design. Indeed, just in the way the Perigraph Mellow Yellow was the proud recipient of a Red Dot award, the 2022 references have repeated the feat.
To date, MeisterSinger has won a total of 34 design awards, including German Design Awards, Red Dot Design Awards, IF Design Awards and Good Design Awards. Clearly, the styling of its models is extraordinary, a fact backed up by its vast collection of silverware.
Some individuals subscribe to being average, following trends and viewing life through the same lens as others. However, MeisterSinger shows there is another way, where design, horology and time can be viewed from a different perspective.
Further reading
https://www.meistersinger.com/
Technical specification
- Model: MeisterSinger Perigraph 2022
- Reference: AM1002R (Bordeaux) / AM1002P (petrol)
- Case: Diameter 43mm; height 11.5mm; water resistance 5ATM (50 metres); sapphire crystal to front; exhibition case back.
- Functions: Hours and minutes with a single-hand; pointer date
- Movement: Sellita SW200; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 25 jewels; power reserve 38 hours.
- Strap: Black ‘vintage’ leather contrasting stitching paired with a stainless steel pin buckle
- Price: €1,890 – (RRP as of 10.5.2022)