MeisterSinger Unomat
The MeisterSinger Unomat is another single-hand creation from the Münster-based brand, albeit this model is quite different from its siblings courtesy of its all-terrain, go anywhere robustness. Indeed, it is water resistant to 300m and protected from magnetic fields up to 24,000 A/m. However, like other models from the German marque, it is wonderfully handsome, an attribute that has recently been acknowledged with a Red Dot Design Award.
A few months ago, my wife and I acquired a lovely cocker spaniel puppy. ‘Oscar’ is a child substitute and welcome addition to our family, especially now that our offspring have flown the nest. He is a happy little chap and has certainly changed our lives. I no longer have time to sit in my armchair watching television, dozing off. Instead, my life is punctuated with walking my loyal canine pal.
The thing about walking a dog is that you soon realise that an elegant pair of suede Church’s don’t cut it when strolling along muddy country lanes, pockmarked with rain-filled holes. However, I am not a fan of behemoth boots because my size 47 feet invariably resemble a pair of supertankers. When it comes to strolling with my faithful prince, I now favour an attractive pair of Barker’s, stylish yet practical. The soles are manmade, grippy and certainly not afraid of getting their hair wet, while the leather uppers prove simple to clean. In the last few months I have amassed much dog-related knowledge, including the best attire for my twice daily treks.
As I type this feature I am looking at an example of the recently-launched MeisterSinger Unomat. It reminds me of my beloved Barker’s. Allow me to elaborate.
MeisterSinger is synonymous with the ‘single-hand watch’ and its products are notably stylish. Indeed, the German company has gained a reputation for understanding proportions as well as the importance of when and where to add dial detail. Indeed, the firm instinctively knows when to eschew elements in order to sidestep clutter and deliver an eminently clean display. Similar to my super-sexy Church’s, the male equivalent of Laboutin stilettos, MeisterSinger models tend to suit well-maintained pavements, not the muddy country lanes mentioned previously. Each model is genteel and normally water-resistant to 50m.
However, with the advent of the Unomat, the firm from Münster has created a model that it claims ‘can endure rough treatment and never gives up’. It’s a bold statement and to this end, I decided to appraise the timepiece’s composition at close quarters and consider its validity.
The dial
First of all, MeisterSinger disciples can relax, the single hand and double-digit hour markers are alive and well. The model is available in two dial options, steel blue and black. My press sample featured the latter.
The crisp strokes, positioned adjacent the double-digit hour markers, are treated with luminous material and evince a green hue in dim light. The aforementioned lone hand again features luminescent fill. In daylight, the hand appears slightly orange but in dim light it emits a green tone similar to the previously mentioned strokes.
On occasion, when public speaking, I have been asked by an attendee about the intelligibility of the combined hour and minute hand found on a MeisterSinger watch. Having worn numerous its models over the years, I can attest they prove very intuitive to read.
A circular aperture, positioned at 6 o’clock, reveals the prevailing date. The MeisterSinger Unomat is equipped with the new Sellita SW400-1 movement (something I will return to later). By using this larger calibre, the brand state the model has ‘30% larger date window’ than its No.3 model. Certainly, the legibility of the date indication is impressive.
Having worn the Unomat for a number of days, I have noticed that the black dial appears to change colour depending on the prevailing light conditions and the position the watch is held. I suspect this is a function of the sapphire crystal which appears unusually thick. In my opinion, this is a charming aspect of the watch. Moreover, the thickness of the crystal contributes to its 300 metre water resistance and overall sense of robustness.
The case
Measuring 43mm in diameter, the steel case reinforces the perception of toughness. Its generous scale delivers much wrist presence and is consistent with the all-conquering character of the watch. The Unomat is fitted with a screwed crown that nestles between the broad shoulders of a crown protector. The screwed steel caseback shuns glazing, a clue that something is very different about this watch.
The movement within the MeisterSinger Unomat is shrouded in layers of soft iron, effectively working like a Faraday cage. In addition, the dial is formed of soft iron. The result of incorporating this ironwork is that the watch is protected from magnetic fields of up to 24,000 A/m. In today’s world we are surrounded with devices such as mobile phones and various electrical gadgets that can adversely affect the operation of a conventional wristwatch. Therefore, endowing the Unomat with a high degree of anti-magnetic protection seems eminently sensible.
Often practicality is accompanied by utilitarian looks. However, as one has grown to expect from MeisterSinger, a brand currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, style and refinement are omnipresent. The Unomat tastefully combines polished and satin finished surfaces, a feature which invariably heightens cost but also, if executed properly, enhances the overall appearance of a watch. The bezel is presented in a highly polished form, the upper surfaces of the watch head are also highly polished, while the caseband is satin finished. The resultant blend of different surface treatments exudes refinement.
Unusually for a MeisterSinger, a company that normally equips its models with leather or textile straps, the Unomat is fitted with a five-row stainless steel bracelet. It combines polished and satin finished elements making it appear quite ‘dressy’ on occasions. Indeed, the bracelet provides a perfect accompaniment to both casual and formal attire. The brand state the bracelet is presented in ‘anti-allergenic’ stainless steel.
The movement
The self-winding Sellita SW 400 is an interesting alternative to the ubiquitous SW 200. Measuring 31mm in diameter, the movement is larger than the SW 200. The SW 400 has been designed specifically to suit case sizes of 40mm – 46mm. As previously mentioned, a benefit of using this larger movement is that the date display is much bigger, aiding readability.
Sellita, is the ‘the biggest independent, family run supplier of mechanical movements in Switzerland’. The movement specialist has gained an enviable reputation for producing reliable movements that simultaneously deliver value for money. By employing this movement, MesiterSinger is able to offer a lot of watch for a comparatively modest price.
Owing to the solid caseback, I am unable to appraise the movement finishing and proffer any opinion. The balance has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and the movement contains 26 jewels. Assuming the mainspring is fully wound the watch will run autonomously for 38 hours.
Closing remarks
MeisterSinger is refreshingly different from competing marques and continues to enjoy growing popularity. The single-hand approach to imparting time proves user-friendly and perfectly suited to daily wear. It was therefore a risky move to embrace a radically different design, potentially alienating the company’s numerous admirers. Thankfully, this new model shows the wisdom in sometimes being courageous.
In my opinion, one reason the Unomat makes a compelling case for acquisition is that it not only shares the same facial features as its siblings, no doubt pleasing die-hard brand devotees, but it also possesses a well-honed physique.
This is a watch that you can wear in the swimming pool without fear of water ingress. Furthermore, the presence of a soft iron core is particularly relevant in today’s world where mobile phones and electronic devices are commonplace. All too often, the rate of a watch is adversely affected by coming in contact with a strong magnetic field.
The MeisterSinger Unomat is a highly attractive watch that is more robust than its siblings and brims with testosterone. Once again, the watch brand’s prowess for design is clear to see. Indeed, it has just been presented with a Red Dot Design Award. Lastly, despite its many virtues, the watch remains keenly priced at £1990 (RRP as at 10.6.2021).
In closing, I like my Church’s as well as my Barkers. Likewise, I like the MeisterSinger No.1 as well as the Unomat. With the advent of this latter model, MeisterSinger now provides a watch for every scenario.
Further reading
https://www.meistersinger.com/
Technical specification
- Model: MeisterSinger Unomat
- Reference: UN902
- Case: Stainless steel; diameter 43 mm; water resistance 30 ATM (300m); sapphire crystal to front and solid case back
- Functions: Hours and minutes indicated with one hand; date
- Movement: Sellita SW 400; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz); 26 jewels; power reserve 38 hours
- Stap: 5-rows stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp
- Price: £1990 (RRP as at 10.6.2021)