MeisterSinger Perigraph AM1003
Angus Davies reviews the MeisterSinger Perigraph AM1003, a watch which eschews a conventional minute hand and dispenses with seconds display, adopting a more relaxed means of expressing the time.
This detailed review of the MeisterSinger Perigraph AM1003 includes live images, specification details and pricing.
‘Rush, rush, rush’ is the fast-paced sound track that accompanies modern day life. Invariably, we all feel compelled to hasten our actions with time seemingly our master. There are numerous competing demands for every available moment.
Whilst some aspects of today’s world place great importance on seconds and portions thereof, MeisterSinger offers a different viewpoint.
The MeisterSinger Perigraph AM1003 does not conform to the restrictive structure society seems to have placed upon its citizens. This timepiece uses one hand to impart the hours and a further triangular index to indicate the date, conferring a relaxed temperament. Indeed, according to the German watch company, ‘only hours and days are relevant’.
The dial
The brand from Münster refreshingly chooses to ignore the frivolity of seconds. Moreover, positioned between the hour markers, minutes are grouped into 5 minute portions of time, denoted with neat black strokes. The sole black hand, resembling an isosceles triangle, exhibits a relaxed gait as it circumnavigates the dial.
A sense of serenity accompanies the dial layout. The hours are marked with Arabic numerals and displayed in two digit form, according a welcome balance to proceedings. The ivory dial canvas, together with the coordinating brown leather strap, bestow an aged, almost sepia-like appearance.
Sitting below the main dial surface is a trench-like circlet marked with odd-numbered dates. This disc revolves and collaborates with a red triangular index, positioned below noon, to indicate the date.
The MeisterSinger definitely subscribes to the design doctrine of ‘less is more’ and, in my opinion, the styling of this watch is a resounding success. Moreover, I am not alone in my opinion, the Perigraph has won awards from two design institutes, a ‘Designpreis der Bundesrepublik Deutschland Nominierung’ and a ‘Red Dot Design Award’.
The case
The 43mm stainless steel case blends both highly polished and satin finished surfaces. The latter surface treatment appears on the vertical flanks of the lugs and caseband, whilst all other surfaces exhibit the brilliant gleam of highly polished metal. The mix of surface treatments works well and the result is a watch which is neither unduly flamboyant nor excessively shy.
The crown features the brands emblem on its vertical plane. It slightly curves away from the caseband and this, together with the knurled grip, makes winding and setting user-friendly.
An exhibition caseback is fitted to the Perigraph AM1003 according a view of the self-winding movement within.
The movement
The watch features an ETA 2824-2 / Sellita SW 200-1 movement. The frequency of the balance is 28,800vph (4Hz), the movement contains 26 jewels and the power reserve is 38 hours.
The oscillating mass is adorned with Côtes de Genève motif, but otherwise the movement decoration is minimal. This is not surprising bearing in mind the affordable price of the watch.
Closing remarks
The MeisterSinger Perigraph AM100 treads a unique path, delivering a refreshing change to the ubiquitous three hand watch. It is competitively priced and sports a very attractive dial composition.
Interestingly, the German watch company has redefined the notion of luxury with the Perigraph AM100, ideally suiting those who can afford not to worry about each minute and every second. Indeed, this is a harmonious timepiece which eschews the pronto tempo of modern-day life, granting a refreshing alternative to a frenetic lifestyle.
Perhaps we could all learn something from MeisterSinger; pause, take time to smell the flowers and embrace largo time.
Technical Specification
- Model: MeisterSinger Perigraph
- Ref: AM1003
- Case: stainless steel; diameter 43mm; water resistant to 5 bar (50 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; date.
- Movement: ETA 2824-2 / Sellita SW 200-1, Self-winding movement; frequency 28,000 vph (4Hz); 26 jewels; power reserve 38 hours
- Strap: Brown leather strap presented on stainless steel pin buckle
- Price: £1,590 (RRP as at 10.9.2015)
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