MeisterSinger Salthora Meta X
In the world of watch collecting and horology in general, jumping hour complications are not exactly the norm. MeisterSinger only produces single-handed pieces though, and they make quite the array of models, not just one or two. The MesiterSinger Salthora Meta X I have in hand for review is a cross between a traditional jump hour complication and a dive watch of sorts. Not exactly what you would think of as a regular dive watch, but definitely more sporty than most of their lineup. The Meta X is German designed but made in Switzerland and is available in a few different colors and also with a few different strap options. The one I have here is the rubber and leather combination, but a Milanese style bracelet and a regular leather strap are also available. If you want to get real funky, a skeleton dial version is also available. This is the first MeisterSinger to be reviewed on Watchreport and fortunately, it is one of two, as I have an Astroscope model that will get its one review shortly, but today I will talk about the jump hour complication in general as well as this unique and sporty one-handed timepiece.
MeisterSinger Salthora Meta X Specifications:
43mm
14.5mm thick
51mm lug to lug
20mm lug width
Sapphire Crystal
Ceramic bezel insert
Sellita SW200 Automatic movement
German designed, Swiss made
Leather Strap with rubber coating
$3500 MSRP
https://meistersinger.us/shop-category/casual-en/salthora-meta-x-en-2/
Sometimes I assume that because you are reading a watch review site that you are familiar with all types of watches and complications. Of course, that is not true and you may be new to the watch world or have stumbled across this article. Whatever the case may be, for those that are not familiar with jumping hour complications, it is pretty straightforward. Instead of an hour hand, you only have a minute hand on the dial, and an hour disc under the dial that changes time just like a regular 3-hand watch would, just that you are telling the time by looking at the minute hand and the hour disc-in this case located at the 12 o’clock position. The biggest detraction or negative of a single-hand watch such as this is that you have no running seconds. Frankly, that means it is not going to be a very accurate watch, regardless of the movement (an SW200-1), because even though this watch does hack, without a second hand, you never know exactly the second when you are setting the watch.
The blue used on the dial of the MeisterSinger Salthora Meta X is a beautiful shade and matches the matte ceramic bezel insert pretty closely. The dial is not overdone with text and with only one hand, it is a very clean look. The matte dial was a good choice as well, no sunburst or enamel dial here to cause un-needed reflections and the sapphire crystal appears to have a clear AR coating, allowing for a very easy to read dial. To make the hour dial jump out a little more (pun intended), the dial portion has a pebbled texture and the surround is high polished metal-just enough to stand out while not being flashy. The biggest issue I have though is the printed numbers, text, and logo. It looks just fine, and they are printed properly on the dial, I just expect to see applied markers with a watch at this price. Yes, looking on the web, you can find this watch cheaper than the MSRP, which is the case with a lot of watches these days, but jumping hour complication or not- many shared their views on the new Oris Aquis with the in-house movement and how the price was too high, and this Salthora is exactly the same price yet it has a Sellita Movement and leather strap, not a newly-designed quick-change bracelet.
When it comes to case finishing though, boy is this watch a home run. The case is mostly satin finished, but the sides of the case are really beautiful. Slight chamfers of high-polish on the top and bottom sides of the case with a gorgeous horizontal brushing in the middle really set this watch off, both crown and non-crown side of the case. Looking at the crown, you can see it is large, but large in diameter and does not jet out into the back of my hand, at least not for my wrist size. This is definitely a very useable crown and yes, it does hack, something that is strange for a watch with no running second hand at all. The solid case back has an array of finishes as well, and it is quite an attractive back, except it is not centered. Some may think of this is being too picky, but is it really wrong to want a $3500 watch to have a case back that you do not have to tilt your head to read properly?
When it comes to the strap and how it wears on the wrist, I have to say that I am just not a fan of the leather/rubber strap combo on the MeisterSinger Salthora Meta X. This may sound harsh, but it feels and looks cheap, and the high-polished standard buckle with the almost non-existent logo does not help either. The strap just does not belong on this watch in my opinion but at the very least I would have expected a custom buckle. I am not sure why buckles are such an afterthought on watches of this price from so many brands. There are however two other strap options available for this one-handed dive style watch, and both just on looks alone, seem to be a better choice. The watch head seems to sit flush on my 7 1/2 inch wrist, but I just do not find this strap to be attractive or comfortable.
A watch like this is hard to summarize. I admit a jumping hour complication is not, nor will it probably ever be my first choice for a watch, but I do appreciate that they exist and this MeisterSinger Salthora Meta X is quite unique with how sporty it is, and I think it was smart of them to think outside of the box. Overall, it is a well made and attractive watch, one that will probably get more than a few comments from others. I would personally change a few things as outlined here in this review, but I can definitely see the appeal. For those wondering about the lume, as you can see below, it is not bad at all. I would not put it up there as a Seiko or anything like that, but it can hold its own, and I like how they decided to lume the bezel insert as well, even if it is more of a gimmick than anything, it does always look great in the dark. Yes, this Meta X, as cool as it may be, is not a watch for me, but let me know what you think of it down below. Do you own one already or have been on the fence? Let me know either way.
