ReviewThe Meistersinger Lunascope: Astronomically Single-Handed

The German ‘wunder’ Meistersinger has already established a niche for itself among the millennials as an über-cool brand with traditions intertwined in all their watch aesthetics. It has settled in the watch connoisseur circuit with its unique aesthetics, and especially with its single-hand watches. The 2018 novelties from the brand are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, specially designed for those who want to solely keep track of time.

Back To Basics

The brand has a unique, relaxed approach that does not compromise on precision. Manfred Brassler, founder and executive partner of Meistersinger, explains, “The DNA of the brand lies in going back to the beginning of watchmaking, to make a very simple watch that almost feels like an instrument of measurement.” Sundials and 18th-century clock towers serve as muses and the brand’s sole endeavour is to reflect a ‘simple and primordial design’ with new-age technology and modern fervour. These Swiss-made watches feel like an instrument minus the minutes and seconds hands. Among their 2018 offerings, the Meistersinger Lunascope stands out in particular for all the right reasons.

Ingenious Watchmaking

This year marks the launch of the first astronomical watch from Meistersinger and is a refreshing timepiece for watch collectors and first-time watch owners alike. The watch forms a new collection altogether and the larger Classic Plus line-up, which includes avant-garde collections such as the 2018 Metris, Perigraph, Salthora Meta X and Adhaesio. Striking a perfect balance of poise and perfection, the 40mm stainless steel case of the Lunascope has an uncanny resemblance to its classic Pangaea collection. The sleek and slender case is just the apt size, neither too overbearing nor too diminutive, making it comfortable on the wrist.

The watch is a visual treat as the top half of the dial features an unusually large but feisty moon phase display window with the moon evolving across a starry background. A dial in deep blue or silver dial serves as a pleasing backdrop for the star-filled window just below 12 o’clock and the moon plying across the window elevates that imagery. The hours are depicted in a 12-hour format encircled by 144 indexes, which resembles a measuring tape.

Precise To A ‘T’

Meistersinger has taken a giant leap in terms of astronomical technicalities in the watch world. The moon cycle typically entails 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.9 seconds to circle the Earth. Watch brands generally round off that figure to 29.5 days, which eventually leads to a deviation of eight hours per year and the watch needs to be corrected by one complete day every three years. However, Meistersinger has incorporated cutting-edge technology in the movement of the Lunascope ensuring that the moon phase indicator is accurate for a whopping 128 years. At the heart of the watch is an automatic ETA 2836 movement—visible through the glass exhibition caseback—offering a 38-hour power reserve.

The Swiss-made Lunascope is available in two versions—one with a dark blue sunburst dial to complement the moon’s background and the other as a silver opaline dial. Both have a circular date window at six o’clock. The blue Lunascope sports a calfskin strap in cognac, while the silver dial version exhibits a classic look, fitted with a crocodile grain, deep brown leather strap.

Over 15 years, the brand has evolved and increased its portfolio by leaps and bounds with an assorted mix. This one-of-a-kind, single-hand watch from Meistersinger, is a treat for the eyes and even more special since it marks the launch of the first moon phase watch by the brand. With its German roots, Meistersinger has joined the bandwagon of brands that boast of exemplary watchmaking.