MeisterSinger’s single-handed watches have gained over legions of followers and numerous design awards. Based mostly in Münster, Germany, the concept behind Manfred Brassler’s model was to supply a substitute for hyper-precision time consultations with a extra approximate and relaxed strategy to telling the time. In a considerably sudden transfer for a model related to traditional, elegant fashions, MeisterSinger launched the Kaenos, a sports activities watch with an built-in bracelet. Plunging into this populated and cut-throat pool, the Kaenos adopts some necessary sports activities watch traits however maintains its signature show mode. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the Kaenos and Kaenos Open Date unveiled at Watches & Wonders earlier this yr.
The Kaenos will not be the model’s first sports activities watch. In 2021, MeisterSinger launched the Unomat with a 43mm diameter, a screw-down crown flanked by guards, a 300m depth score, and a beefy five-link metal bracelet with a folding buckle. Nonetheless, its formidable diameter limits its enchantment to giant wrists, and it doesn’t have an built-in bracelet.
You may see that a lot thought and design have gone into crafting the Kaenos. Though the dial is a signature MeisterSinger, the case and the bracelet attest to the care invested within the habillage.
Described by Brassler as a “dependable, useful companion in on a regular basis life,” the primary impression when dealing with the watches is of solidity. Not solely does the construct really feel strong, making certain it’s sturdy sufficient for sports activities actions, however the finishes are top-notch (and never solely contemplating the value), making it an acceptable candidate for the office.
The 40mm chrome steel instances have a thickness of 11.20mm and a streamlined, built-in bracelet. In contrast to so many built-in sports activities watches, the Kaenos doesn’t have a geometrical multi-sided bezel or jutting crown guards. As an alternative, it sticks to a traditional spherical bezel on high of a tonneau-shaped base and has a big, non-slip screw-down crown. The place issues get attention-grabbing, although, could be appreciated within the dynamic finishes. The perimeters of the case and the big outer hyperlinks of the bracelet are adorned with a noticeable horizontal-brushed end. The brushed areas distinction with the brightly polished bezel, the central hyperlinks of the bracelet and, one of the crucial enticing options of all, the huge exterior bevel operating from the case band down the tapering flanks of the built-in bracelet.
Though the Kaenos has averted imitating iconic luxurious sports activities watch fashions with angular geometric bezels, the built-in H-link bracelet has a whiff of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato. Streamlined and very snug on the wrist, its mixture of satin-brushed and brightly polished hyperlinks actually catches the attention. Fitted with a foldover clasp with a push-button launch, our solely gripe relating to the bracelet is the shortage of a micro-adjustment system.
Given as we speak’s pattern for extra compact case sizes, the 40mm diameter of the Kaenos is now thought of giant. Nonetheless, the lugs venture downwards at fairly a steep angle to make sure a greater match, and the lug-to-lug is an honest 47mm.
Accessible in 4 dial colors – Black, Sunburst Petrol, Sunburst Ice Blue and Sunburst Gray – the extra simple Kaenos mannequin has a date window at 6 o’clock, and the extra attention-grabbing Kaenos Open Date encompasses a recessed pointer date like that discovered on the Perigraph.
Each dials have a sandwich building with cutout stencil-style double-digit numerals and, as you’d anticipate, a single central hand. Due to the layered building, the dial acquires depth, and the decrease degree is handled with luminescent materials that shines via the cutouts on the dial. Matching the end of the case and bracelet, the dials and the one hand on the gray, ice-blue and petrol inexperienced dials function a outstanding sun-brushed end. You may respect the daring linear end in our images of the Gentle Gray mannequin. The central hand can also be handled with a strip of luminescent materials.
Lining up all of the fashions, our unanimous favourites are the Petrol Blue and Gentle Gray. Though the Ice Blue has adopted an on-trend color, it doesn’t have as a lot presence.
The Kaenos is powered by a Sellita SW400 automated with a considerably bigger diameter, permitting the date to be bigger and nearer to the sting of the dial. The Kaenos Open Date depends on the Sellita SW200, a typical automated motion based mostly on the ETA 2824 structure. Each run at 4Hz and retailer a modest 38-hour energy reserve.
In conclusion, the Kaenos excels within the well-built and thoroughly completed case and built-in bracelet. It may be on the massive aspect for some, however the downward curving lugs and the comparatively contained lug-to-lug guarantee a snug match. Whereas sure options and finishes insinuate the type of a classy built-in sports activities watch, it’s nearer to a trendy but sturdy on a regular basis beater for followers of MeisterSinger’s quirky, single-handed type.
Competitively priced, the Kaenos retails for EUR 2,650; the Kaenos Open Date for EUR 2,950. Extra info at Meistersinger.com.
