In a world often measured in fractions of seconds, MeisterSinger, a distinguished German watch brand, stands as a unique testament to a different pace. Their passion for historic watch concepts, especially single-hand watches, is not just a design choice— it’s a philosophy.
The latest testament to this philosophy is the US-exclusive Edition Benjamin Franklin which implements the design of the historic Benjamin Franklin Clock (1757). The concept of this clock is based on a single hour hand that rotates six times a day, instead of twice. Therefore, after a 360° rotation, 4 hours have passed. When the hand points straight up, it is either 4, 8, or 12 o’clock AM or PM. Thus, the viewer is expected to know which 4-hour period they are currently in.
For MeisterSinger, it was a true pleasure to recreate this unique single-hand clock. The classic 43mm case frames a white dial, which is graphically divided into four quadrants. The bold Roman numerals from 1 to 12 are arranged in a spiral towards the center. Though moving a bit faster than usual, the central heat-blued hand still rotates at a leisurely pace.
The Benjamin Franklin Edition is powered by an ETA/Unitas 6498, modified for the 4-hour concept, with a power reserve of 46 hours. The manual winding movement and its fine decorations, such as sunburst-finished wheels, blued screws, perlage, and a bridge decorated with Geneva stripes, can be admired through the exhibition case back.
Limited to 70 pieces, pricing for the MeisterSinger Benjamin Franklin watch is marked at $5,599.
To learn more, visit MeisterSinger, here.
Does it show the time as well? Ridiculously expensive as well…