Quick! How many hands normally appear on a MeisterSinger watch? One, right? Well, up until recently, that would certainly be the case. With the introduction of the MeisterSinger Paleograph, however, that answer is no longer entirely accurate. Sure, you’ve still got the singular hour hand (no minutes hand needed), but then there is a whole new compliment of hands showing up on the dial.

These are most evident on the ivory-dialed version; although for me, I think I actually prefer the dark blue dial MeisterSinger Paleograph . Aside from my own color preferences, the dark blue dial sort of “hides” the chronograph functionality a bit more, making this look and feel more like a traditional MeisterSinger, in my opinion. Further confounding the expectations of a chronograph is the fact that there are no pushers flanking the crown.

Therein lies another clever bit of design – while the Unitas 6497-1 provides the basic movement, MeisterSinger developed a column wheel chronograph module (with the assistance of Jean Fillon) that operates via a single pusher which is integrated into the crown. Through that pusher, you have got the basic start, stop, and reset. All told, the MeisterSinger Paleograph is a 43mm chronograph that looks to be one of the stealthiest “chronos” I’ve seen in some time.

It also introduces a bit of a paradox for any potential owner, I feel. On one hand, if you are going for a MeisterSinger, you like the one-handed aesthetic and how it de-emphasizes absolute time dependency (given you are limited to reading the time with an accuracy of 5 minute increments, unless you opt for the jump-hours model). With the MeisterSinger Paleograph, you start off with that more relaxed attitude about time, and then add in some ability to track things down to the second (either via the central chrono seconds, or the small seconds at 9).

For me, personally, it is a watch that hits on either side of my own preferences. I really am not much of a fan of hours-only watches, and I’ve been finding the utility of a chronograph being, well, less than useful in my day-to-day. That said, I can certainly appreciate the cleverness that went into developing the mono-pusher movement, and I enjoy how they managed to almost hide the functionality within the bi-compax dial. I think it is safe to say that there are not many hours-only chronographs, and if you are looking for one, the MeisterSinger Paleograph is likely your best bet – just bring along $8,645 to add this unicorn to your collection. meistersinger.net

Tech Specs from MeisterSinger

• Model: Paleograph
• Movement: MSYN13 manual winding, 46 hours power reserve
• Case size: 43mm
• Case: Stainless steel, open casing back, water resistance 5 bar, sapphire crystal
• Variants: ivory, sunburst blue
• Price: $8,645 (£5200)