Review: MeisterSinger Bell Hora

1 0 Thursday, 22 April 2021 Edit this post

Launched just few weeks ago (you can read our introductory article here), the new Bell Hora by German watchmaker MeisterSinger created lot of interest for its “Sonnerie au passage” complication, one that it is generally found on pretty expensive timepieces.

On occasion of its 20th anniversary, the master of single-hand watches is, instead, presenting the Bell Hora with an amiable slogan: "the hour strikes for everyone".

We had the opportunity to wear and test the Bell Hora for a few days and it is with pleasure that we are now sharing our pictures and impressions with our readers. In particular, we tried out the version with a natural ivory dial (ref. BHO913). The watch is also available with a blue sunburst dial (ref. BHO908).

Protected by a sapphire crystal, the elegant dial is decorated by a spiral that suggests the flowing of time.

This model maintains the peculiarity of featuring just one hand to indicate the time: the needle-sharp hand sweeps over the 12 hours divided by 144 markers, each representing 5 minutes.

The display principle is similar to that of the first mechanical clocks which used just one hand to indicate the time of the day (you can read more about single-hand timepieces in watchmaking history here).

Once you get used to it, this original way to display the time helps you to have a more relaxed way to consider the passing of time, which is exactly the philosophy of the brand.

In addition, the Bell Hora produces a friendly chime exactly on the hour. No need to count the number of strikes. Just one discreet strike informs the wearer that a new hour has just begun.

The sound is really pleasing. You can listen to it in this short Instagram clip.

The watch is driven by a 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) Sellita SW 200 automatic movement equipped with the "Sonnerie" proprietary module.

The energy for the clean hourly chime is accumulated by the movement’s module in the preceding 60 minutes with the device striking the sound fork located behind the dial.

The pusher at 2 o'clock makes it possible to disable the chime so that no sound will be produced when the wearer asks for silence. A black marking shows at a glance whether the watch is going to chime on the hour or remain silent.

The round case is 43 mm in diameter and guarantees water-resistance up to 5 bar (approximately 50 metres / 165 feet). Crafted from stainless steel, it alternates satin-brushed and polished surfaces to highlight its lines. The large crown is adorned with an embossed MeisterSinger logo, the musical notation for a pause.

Visible through the 6-screwed glass exhibition back, the movement features a rotor engraved with the logo of the brand. It offers an autonomy of 38 hours.

Thanks to curved lugs, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, well secured by a dark brown leather strap with double folding clasp.

The MeisterSinger Bell Hora is an amazing timepiece to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the brand, combining the intriguing look of its refined single-hand dial with an entertaining and original complication. Its excellent retail price of Euro 3,490 makes the watch even more attractive. meistersinger.com