The MeisterSinger Edition Planet Earth upholds the German brand’s fondness for expressing the time with a single hand. However, where this model is different from its forebears is that it features a photo-realistic depiction of the Earth centre stage. Moreover, with every sale, €200 is donated to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). US-based journalist Meehna Goldsmith shares her thoughts on this watch and its philanthropic intentions.
Up until the 18th century, wall and table clocks, church towers and pocket watches only employed one hand to impart the time. In today’s world, we’re are obsessed with measuring the minutest fractions of time. Zenith makes a chronograph measuring increments down to 1/10th of a second, while Tag Heuer claims the fastest at 1/1000th of a second.
In a world of ever-increasing pace and information overload, Manfred Brasler wanted to revisit a simpler way of tracking time, where every minute and second didn’t have to be accounted for. That’s why 20 years ago he founded Meistersinger with the concept of designing single-hand watches, slowing down life so it can be experienced and savoured.
MeisterSinger watches are designed to celebrate not only the simplicity and aesthetic beauty of our timekeeping forebears, but also their precision, despite marking time with only one hand. The dial of all the brand’s watches features a longer and more tapered hour hand than conventional renditions and point to precisely placed five-minute markings encircling the perimeter. This layout also references the heritage dial layouts admired by Brasler.
Recognising that the Earth is facing an environmental crisis, MeisterSinger decided to take action. Inspired by the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow operating under the motto ‘Uniting the world to tackle climate change’, it has released the MeisterSinger Edition Planet Earth, bringing focus and support to a crucial cause. Working in close cooperation with WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), this limited edition of 500 pieces is intended as a reminder of how precious and beautiful our native planet is and our obligation to protect it. MeisterSinger is putting its money where its mouth is by donating €200 of the proceeds from each watch to WWF’s conservation efforts.
Unsurprisingly, the Edition Planet Earth features a photorealistic picture of the globe in a striking blue colour, which pops front and centre against the black background. In addition, the date is presented on a circlet surrounding said globe, which is a handy little feature, especially if you tend to forget where you are in the month. Guilty as charged over here.
In line with the environmental theme, the MeisterSinger Edition Planet Earth affixes to the wrist with a vegan watch strap made of apple fibre. Although I haven’t yet seen or experienced an apple fibre watch strap, MeisterSinger claims that it’s identical to real leather in terms of form, function and comfort. In addition, the watch comes packaged in an FSC-certified cardboard box, along with FSC-certified paper. Even the cover cushion is made of recycled velour fabric.
MeisterSinger is no dilettante when it comes to protecting the environment. It doesn’t just pay lip service by presenting the Edition Planet Earth as a one-off watch. In fact, the whole brand is shifting to an environmentally friendly model of production based on the Edition Planet Earth. Currently, vegan leather straps are available for purchase online and the brand intends to also make its cases sustainable within the year.
The Edition Planet Earth comes in a nicely-sized 43mm steel case, so you can contemplate the time at your leisure, and also know that in so doing you are helping to protect the Earth.
