The collaboration between
Meistersinger and Alain Silberstein has resulted in two limited edition watches, the Kaenos Grande Date and the Kaenos Open Date, both marking a significant point in the evolution of MeisterSinger's design and a celebration of unique horological artistry. These watches were unveiled at the Watches and Wonders Geneva event, solidifying their place among the innovative offerings in the watch industry.
MeisterSinger, established in 2001 in Münster, Westphalia, has carved a niche for itself with its distinctive single-hand watches. This unique approach to timekeeping is a nod to the earliest mechanical clocks, where a single hour hand was sufficient to indicate the time. The brand’s philosophy centers around a relaxed perception of time, encouraging wearers to focus on the present moment rather than being caught up in the relentless ticking of seconds and minutes. This concept, combined with a design language that emphasizes clarity and simplicity, has garnered MeisterSinger over 35 prestigious design awards, including the German Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, IF Design Award, and Good Design Award.
Courtesy of MeisterSinger
Alain Silberstein, a renowned French watch designer, brings a contrasting yet complementary design sensibility to this collaboration. Known for his bold use of colors, geometric shapes, and playful elements, Silberstein’s designs are a departure from the traditional, understated aesthetics often found in haute horlogerie. His eponymous brand established him as an iconic figure in the watchmaking world, making his partnership with MeisterSinger an intriguing fusion of styles.
The central question that arose from this collaboration was how these seemingly opposing design philosophies would merge. Manfred Brassler, founder, designer, and managing director of MeisterSinger, expressed his excitement about working with Silberstein, highlighting their shared passion for unique and compelling designs. The result, as Brassler anticipated, is a pair of watches that beautifully encapsulate both MeisterSinger's minimalist approach and Silberstein's vibrant creativity.
Courtesy of MeisterSinger
Silberstein’s approach to designing these watches began with a story he wanted to tell on the dial. He drew inspiration from the new Kaenos case, a recent innovation from MeisterSinger, characterized by its strong design and integrated stainless steel bracelet. The Kaenos case, with its 40mm diameter, features a mix of polished and brushed surfaces, giving it a dynamic and refined appearance. The seamless integration of the bracelet and the redesigned, non-slip crown, adorned with MeisterSinger's fermata symbol, enhance both the watch's aesthetics and its functionality.
The dials of both edition watches are jet black, providing a stark canvas that accentuates the carefully chosen design details. Silberstein has maintained the core of MeisterSinger's design language while injecting his distinctive flair. The single hour hand, a hallmark of MeisterSinger watches, is rendered in a bold, Silberstein-typical red, making it a dominant visual element. In contrast to MeisterSinger's usual minimalist approach, Silberstein added a slender golden second hand, which adds a dynamic element to the dial and hints at the mechanical movement within.
Golden accents are strategically used throughout the design. The applied hour markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock are gold, as are the fine dots replacing the quarter-hour markers in the 5-minute scale. The MeisterSinger logo is presented in a three-dimensional, silver-colored application, adding depth and sophistication. The Grande Date version features a golden, recessed inner circle and a framed, rectangular date window at 6 o’clock, further enhancing its visual appeal. The Open Date version, on the other hand, exposes the entire date ring, which provides both structure and depth to the dial, with the current date readable below the 12 o'clock position.
Courtesy of MeisterSinger
The attention to detail extends to the movement, visible through the glass exhibition back. The rotor is designed to match the color scheme of the dial, featuring black and gold elements. This cohesive design approach ensures that every aspect of the watch reflects the collaborative spirit of MeisterSinger and Silberstein.
Both watches are powered by the Sellita SW 400 automatic movement, known for its reliability and a power reserve of 38 hours. The movement is housed within a stainless steel case, water-resistant up to 10 bar, and protected by a sapphire glass, making these watches not only aesthetically pleasing but also robust and suitable for everyday wear.
The case back is secured with 4 screws, and it offers a glimpse of the movement. The watches are crafted to meet the high standards expected of both brands, embodying Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship with a German design origin.
Courtesy of MeisterSinger
The integrated metal link strap, like the case, features a combination of polished and brushed surfaces. This design choice not only adds to the visual appeal but also ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The strap’s seamless integration with the case creates a cohesive and modern look, characteristic of the Kaenos series.
Each edition is limited to 225 pieces, emphasizing their exclusivity and appeal to collectors. The watches come with specially designed packaging and an edition booklet signed by both MeisterSinger and Alain Silberstein, further adding to their collectible value. These details underline the unique nature of the collaboration and make the watches even more desirable to enthusiasts and those who appreciate the artistry of both brands.
Courtesy of MeisterSinger
The Kaenos series, of which these collaborative editions are a part, represents a new direction for MeisterSinger. The collection introduces a sportier aesthetic while retaining the brand's signature single-hand design. This blend of sporty and classic elements makes the Kaenos watches stand out within the broader MeisterSinger lineup, appealing to a wider audience while staying true to the brand's core values.
The pricing for these limited edition watches reflects their unique design and craftsmanship. The MeisterSinger X Alain Silberstein Kaenos Grande Date (ED-KSGD-AS2025) is priced at €4,100.00, while the Kaenos Open Date (ED-KSOD-AS2025) is available for €4,400.00. Both models were made available in April 2025, accessible through specialist retailers and directly from MeisterSinger.
MeisterSinger X Alain Silberstein Kaenos Grande Date (ED-KSGD-AS2025)Case: Stainless steel, 40mm diameter. 4 screws exhibition back, 10 bar water resistance, sapphire glass. Partly polished and partly brushed surfaces.
Movement: Basis Sellita SW 400, Automatic. 38-hour power reserve. Specially designed rotor.
Dial: Black with Gold accents. Applied hour markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Golden, recessed inner circle. Framed, rectangular date window at 6 o’clock.
Strap: Integrated metal link strap. Polished and brushed surfaces.
Price: 4.100€
Reference Number: ED-KSGD-AS2025
Notes: Collaboration watch with Alain Silberstein. Limited to 225 pieces. Special packaging, signed edition brochure.
MeisterSinger X Alain Silberstein Kaenos Open Date (ED-KSOD-AS2025)Case: Stainless steel, 40mm diameter. 4 screws exhibition back, 10 bar water resistance, sapphire glass. Partly polished and partly brushed surfaces.
Movement: Basis Sellita SW 400, Automatic. 38-hour power reserve. Specially designed rotor.
Dial: Black with Gold accents. Applied hour markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Open date ring. Current date readable below the 12 o’clock position.
Strap: Integrated metal link strap. Polished and brushed surfaces.
Price: 4.400€
Reference Number: ED-KSOD-AS2025
Notes: Collaboration watch with Alain Silberstein. Limited to 225 pieces. Special packaging, signed edition brochure.