Meistersinger, one of the first brands that come to mind when it gets to the German origin brands that get more effective every day, is under the spotlight once again with its brilliantly designed and affordably priced Neo and its larger cousin Neo Plus models.
While we share our impressions about Baselworld 2017, we talked about the success of the German brands’ models mostly with entry-level prices and pointed that the German influence in the industry as a whole is more noticeable than ever. The new models from Meistersinger and Nomos Glashütte were the main reasons for above testimonies which we all shared as a team.
Among German brands, of course, there are names that offer products in different price segments. While Glasshütte Original, which is known as the flagship of the group, is mostly involved with Hi-End luxury category, Sinn, which is my favorite German brand, continues to make very successful models with moderate prices.
Although Meistersinger is located at the entry-level range within the industry due to its relatively affordable prices, it is better to leave the classic entry-level definition aside since we are dealing with German Engineering here. The brand is quite famous with its single-handed aka Regulator watches and Meistersinger Neo & Neo Plus models are among them.
The Neo Collection comes in a 36mm diameter case designed with very minimalistic and elegant lines. Made of mirror polished stainless steel, the case’s thin structure is arguably its most important feature as its play a significant role about the vintage appeal of the model. The vintage vibe continues with the domed sapphire crystal on the front side. Thanks to its fine structure and thin lugs that recalls the timepieces of 1950s, the case wears a tad bigger than 36mm but in a very comfortably manner. The Neo Plus version shares the same design platform but comes in a larger 40mm case.
The solid stainless steel caseback is decorated with an interesting pattern designed by using Meistersinger logo. The case is water resistant to 30 meters which is possibly the only drawback of the model as it is a below average rating even for a non-sports watch.
Meistersinger Neo Collection comes with a single-hand Regulator-style dial which became more like a signature feature for the brand. Tevfik Aydın -Authorized Distributor for Turkey- sent us a few versions in terms of dial (and strap) colors as well as case sizes. My favorite is definitely the cobalt blue dial Neo model however, I would like to say that black dial Neo Plus and cream dial Neo models are also stunning.
As I mentioned above, one of the two important elements involved in the design of the model is the vintage concept. Well, the other is the “Less is More” motto which we frequently encounter in German designs. The elegance and simplicity of Meistersinger Neo’s case continues on its dial as well. The only extra detail on the dial is the date display window located at 6 o’clock. Please note that the red background date disk on the blue and black dial versions look pretty cool.
The Meistersinger Neo model family ticks either with the industry’s tested and approved work horse ETA 2824 or its clone Sellita SW 200-1. Considering the production costs, I believe Sellita will be (or maybe already is) the standard movement for the collection but don’t get me wrong on that as Sellita movements are very reliable calibers and found in most of the entry and mid-level Swiss automatics.
The collection comes on nubuck straps with different colors depending on the dial options. The straps are secured with polished stainless steel standard buckles signed with Meistersinger logo.
To see the Meistersinger Neo Collection and other product groups represented by Tevfik Aydın from senior brands of the sector in our country, all you need to do is stop by a Tevfik Aydın store and enjoy. Neo models retail for 1050,00 EUR while the Neo Plus models come with a 1295,00 EUR price tag.
In the meantime, if you would like to read about the Quartz version of the collection Neo Q from the perspective of our dear editor Witchwatch, please click here.
