MeisterSinger, a German watchmaker celebrated for its innovative single-hand timepieces, has teamed up with Parisian retailer Ocarat to celebrate a momentous occasion – the reopening of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. Scheduled for December 8, 2024, the reopening marks a significant milestone following the cathedral’s extensive restoration after the devastating fire in April 2019. This fire resulted in significant damage to the structure, including the loss of its iconic spire and portions of the roof.
In honor of this historic event, MeisterSinger and Ocarat are releasing a special edition watch, the MeisterSinger Edition Notre-Dame. Limited to just 70 pieces, this exquisite timepiece is a tribute to the resilience and enduring beauty of one of the world’s most iconic Gothic structures. The design of the watch draws heavily on the architectural elements that make Notre-Dame a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
The most striking feature of the watch is its dial, which features a meticulously crafted depiction of Notre-Dame’s famous rose windows. These windows are among the largest and most intricate stained glass windows in the world, and their representation on the dial is nothing short of breathtaking. The dial itself is sandstone-colored, artfully milled to recreate the complex design of the rose window. Beneath this, a dark blue sunburst pattern provides a vivid contrast, adding depth and an element of brilliance to the overall design.
The watch is driven by MeisterSinger’s proprietary MS Bell automatic movement, which includes a unique “Sonnerie au passage” complication. This feature allows the watch to chime delicately on the hour, a nod to the hourly bells that have historically rung out from Notre-Dame itself. The movement, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), boasts a 38-hour power reserve. Over an hour, the movement gathers enough energy to strike a precise, well-measured tone against the sound fork located behind the dial. For moments requiring silence, the chiming mechanism can be disengaged via a pusher at 2 o’clock.
The watch’s casing is equally impressive. Measuring 43 mm in diameter, it is crafted from stainless steel with alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces that highlight its refined lines. The large crown is prominently embossed with the MeisterSinger logo, stylized as a musical notation symbol for a pause, reflecting the brand’s deep connection to musical themes.
Turning the watch over reveals another artistic touch – the rose window motif is mirrored on the glass exhibition case back, which also displays the unique edition number of each piece. The watch is water-resistant up to 5 bar (50 meters / 165 feet), ensuring durability alongside its aesthetic appeal.
To complete the luxurious feel, the watch is fitted with a high-quality cowhide leather strap. The leather is tanned with oak bark and dyed by hand, emphasizing the artisanal craftsmanship that goes into each timepiece. Priced at €4,599, the MeisterSinger Edition Notre-Dame is available exclusively through Ocarat in Paris or via MeisterSinger’s website.
This limited edition not only celebrates the architectural and cultural significance of Notre-Dame de Paris but also showcases MeisterSinger’s commitment to horological artistry and innovation. It serves as a wearable symbol of history, resilience, and the shared heritage of timekeeping and architecture. Also this watch could be a great option for watch investment.
