MeisterSinger Metris Black Line

Single-handed watches are the bread and butter of German brand MeisterSinger offering a more laid-back and original approach to consulting the time. In a departure from the 38mm steel Metris models introduced a year ago and the 2019 bronze model, the collection is enlarged with this cool matte black DLC steel case. This Black Line model, using a similar case material to the black edition of a Circularis, changes the look and feel of the watch noticeably. The Black Line Metris is positioned as a robust watch that can deal with the real wear and tear of everyday situations, including a very satisfying water-resistance of 200 metres.

Background

Manfred Brassler’s idea when he founded MeisterSinger in 2001 was to give wearers a general overview of the time, not a hyper-precision reading of the seconds. By taking the stress out of the inexorable ticking of seconds, MeisterSinger’s watches relay the hour and the minutes with just one hand and are inspired by historical single-hand timekeepers like sundials and medieval tower clocks.

Being German, the watches stick to a minimalist design ethos with clear markings and uncluttered dials. Other shared traits are the double hour digits, adding in a zero with single digits, and the peripheral minutes track, divided into 5-minute strokes, features longer markers at the hour and half-hour intervals.  Having just one hand does not rule out more complex models at MeisterSinger which has watches with GMT functionality, moon phases, date, day and power reserve displays.

Dark new Metris

Original, and rugged at the same time, this new black version is a casual, sporty take on the single-hand.

The first thing you’ll notice is the more elaborate and dynamic case construction. Many MeisterSingers feature simple cases with almost non-existent bezels in keeping with their vintage vibe. The 38mm Metris is shapelier and features arching lugs surmounted by a round sloping bezel with contrasting brushed and polished surfaces in the steel and bronze models. This Black Line model measures the same as its siblings – 38mm diameter x 10.3mm height – but strangely enough, the black DLC material, which usually has the effect of ‘slimming down’ a watch blurs the architecture of the case making it look bigger than its counterparts. That probably has to do with the way the matte sandblasted finish absorbs the light producing a more stealth effect. Can you see the silhouette of Batman’s ears too?

The diamond-like carbon coating (DLC) used to cover the steel case is more resistant to scratches than the more usual PVD process. Another unusual feature for a MesiterSinger watch is the presence of crown guards giving it a sportier look. Coupled with the sealed caseback, this daily beater offers a robust water-resistance of 200 metres (most models are water-resistant to 50m).

The dial follows the black colour scheme of the case and features ‘Old Radium’ beige double-digit numerals. During the day, they recall old radium/tritium dials thanks to the sand-beige colour; when night falls, the numerals glow in the dark thanks to a Super-LumiNova coating. The hallmark needle-shaped hand with its red tip reaches all the way out to the minutes track and the hour markers at 12, 03, 06 and 09 o’clock are also distinguished with a red stroke. The date window at 6 o’clock, with a beige background and red numbers, is covered by a magnifying glass for heightened legibility. Like many of MesiterSinger’s watches, the dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal.

Equipped with a reliable Swiss automatic movement – ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW 200-1 – the power reserve is of 38 hours. Completing the rugged, laid-back look is the thick saddle leather strap with seams stitched in the same colour as the vintage lume and a matching black DLC pin buckle.

Thoughts

The resilient black DLC armour covering the steel case of this Black Line Metris makes this watch an ideal candidate as a daily beater; a casual, laid-back companion for everyday wear and tear. With its more solid case construction than other MeisterSinger models, the 200m water-resistance is a nice perk. The combination of sleek matte black surfaces and retro touches of beige works well but the winning card is the single-hand time display which gives the watch a unique personality in the vast sea of traditional two-hand watches. It’s hip, it’s kind of quirky and it’s accessible.

Availability & Price

The price for the Meistersinger Metris Black Line model is EUR 1,690. It is now available at official retailers. More information on Meistersinger.com.