MeisterSinger Salthora Meta X
Angus Davies gets hands-on with the MeisterSinger Salthora Meta X
This detailed review of the MeisterSinger Salthora Meta X includes live images, specification details and pricing.
MeisterSinger is a byword for originality. Several of its models use one hand to convey the hours and minutes. Most models exhibit a note of formality with traditional typography employed and restrained colours used.
Earlier this year, the watch brand from Munster unveiled a new timepiece with a wholly new aesthetic. The sole hand on the dial does not impart both hours and minutes, a trait many MeisterSinger customers have become accustomed to, but simply displays the minutes, with the prevailing hour displayed courtesy of an aperture at noon.
Also, the design codes of former MeisterSinger models have been set aside in favour of a modern sports watch aesthetic. A black ceramic unidirectional bezel bestows a diver’s watch mien, albeit as I come to later, certain omissions prevent this watch from being classified as a diver’s watch.
The dial
The dial canvas is black, while the two digit minute markers are delivered in white. Positioned between each of the 5-minute indexes are small stokes denoting one minute intervals.
A sole red hand imparts the minutes. Its profile resembles an isosceles triangle and it articulates time wonderfully. The red hue of the hand appears different in some light conditions, indeed, sometimes appearing orange in extremis.
Below noon, a round aperture reveals the prevailing hour. The hour is expressed as a two digit value in red text on a white disc. Every 60-minutes, the next hour jumps into view without a moments hesitation. This is owing to a module which is affixed to the base movement, a detail I will return to later.
The hour window is framed with a highly polished circlet, perfectly delineating the hour display from the remainder of the dial.
If the Meta X had been fitted with a second hand and line indices on its bezel it could have been officially classified as a diving watch. By choosing not to add these specification details, MeisterSinger has kept the dial and bezel clean. While some would-be buyers will lament the absence of such diver’s watch credentials, many potential purchasers, myself included, will not be troubled by these matters.
After wearing the Salthora Meta X for a few days, I found the dial display intuitive to use and a paragon of clarity.
The case
The Salthora Meta X measures 43mm in diameter and, as such, does not overwhelm the wrist, according a neat appearance.
MeisterSinger has expended much effort blending different surface finishes on the case. The edge of the bezel, vertical flank of the case-band and underside of the case are satin brushed, while the upper and lower surfaces of the crown protector are highly polished.
The crown protector smoothly originates from the lugs and neatly terminates adjacent the crown. The crown protector appears integrated to the case and not a bolt-on afterthought which often blights the appearance of some sports watches.
The unidirectional bezel features a ceramic insert, a material which is especially resistant to scratching.
Interestingly, the Salthora Meta X is equipped with a dressy Milanese-style bracelet which in theory is at at odds with a sports watch, but in reality, works wonderfully. The bracelet is equipped with a folding clasp.
The Salthora Meta X is equipped with a solid case-back.
The movement
The Salthora Meta X is powered by an ETA 2824-2 or Sellita 200-1 movement. The self winding movement features a module for the ‘jumping hour’.
A jumping hour has the potential to gulp energy, robbing the main spring barrel of power. However, the Salthora Meta X is fitted with a module which accrues power over a 60 minute period via a snail attached to the minute wheel. By adopting this approach ‘power is not withdrawn suddenly from the main spring barrel, but continually, which only influences the workings to a minimal degree’.
The balance has a frequency of 28,800 VpH (4Hz) and the movement delivers 38 hours of autonomy.
Closing remarks
The MeisterSinger Salthora Meta X eschews the conventional two-hands for hours and minutes to which we have grown accustomed to and delivers time with a highly original combination of jumping hours with a customary minutes display. This bold and novel means of expressing the time is refreshing and highly likeable. However, rest assured that lucidity is not compromised in the pursuit of originality. Everything is simple to see with time proving easy to discern.
I found the jumping hours to be particularly fascinating to observe. Precisely on the hour, the two digit value changes in the blink of an eye. The hour changes with an impressively slick action without the merest hint of hesitation.
The case looks and feels solidly built and evinces quality from every millimetre of its form.
MeisterSinger has cleverly engineered a system to mitigate the sudden depletion of energy from the main spring barrel. It cleverly harvests energy over a 60 minute period, reaffirming that the brand from Munster is technically proficient at conceiving solutions to potential horological issues.
I have enjoyed my period of association with the Salthora Meta X. It has an array of qualities and although quirky it proves highly practical and a pleasure to wear.
Technical specifications
• Model: MeisterSinger Salthora Meta X
• Case: Stainless steel; diameter 43mm; water resistant to 20 bar (200 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid caseback.
• Functions: Jumping hours; minutes.
• Movement: ETA 2824.2 or Sellita 200-1; Self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz); power reserve = 38 hours.
• Strap: Milanese type bracelet with folding clasp
• Price: £2995 (leather strap) (RRP as at 18.7.2017)
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