As MeisterSinger approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the journey of the German watchmaker that has built its identity around the single-hand concept.
Founded in Münster in 2001 by Manfred Brassler, the brand has established a distinctive position within the watch industry through its minimalist design language, technical innovations, and a philosophy that encourages experiencing time in a more relaxed and deliberate way.
From an early age, Brassler was drawn to drawing and crafting, a creative impulse that has remained central to his life.
Best known today as the founder and designer of MeisterSinger, he continues to pursue artistic expression beyond watchmaking, from ink drawings and oil paintings to, more recently, composing music. As he puts it: “Whether I’m creating delicate little ink drawings, composing an orchestral piece, or designing watches for the next season, it’s all the same to me. And I consider that a great blessing.”
Alessandro Mazzardo, Executive Editor and Founder of Time and Watches, interviewed Manfred Brassler about a quarter century of MeisterSinger and the road ahead.
MeisterSinger's headquarter in Münster
Time and Watches: MeisterSinger will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026. When you think back to 2001, what vision did you have for the brand, and how close is today’s reality to that early idea?
Manfred Brassler: In the beginning, there was only a vague idea: to create a watch that felt like an original measuring instrument. A return to the early days of watchmaking, when it wasn’t about competing with hundreds of rivals, but simply about crafting clear, coherent timepieces with a genuine, artisanal character.
After a long period of refinement, the mix of design elements that came together within just a few days became the very formula that still gives every MeisterSinger its unmistakable inner strength.
The MeisterSinger N° 01 presented at Baselworld 2001
Time and Watches: What originally inspired you to focus exclusively on single-hand watches, and how do you explain their enduring appeal to people discovering them for the first time?
Manfred Brassler: The idea of creating a watch as a kind of original measuring instrument was crucial back then. And when you look at the beginnings of watchmaking, it quickly becomes clear that the second hand didn’t become standard until the mid-18th century.
If you think about it, I took the watch out of the drawer of timepieces that had grown into a category of their own and put it back into the drawer of measuring instruments. Because that’s what a watch really is. And for good reason, neither a tachometer nor a nanometer ever had a second hand.
Time and Watches: How do you think being a German watchmaker, based in Münster, has influenced MeisterSinger’s design philosophy compared to Swiss or other traditions?
Manfred Brassler: Like many, I’m certainly inspired by the ideas of the Bauhaus. Yet the term is often misused, with design reduced merely to its essentials. It’s obvious that this inevitably makes things start to look alike. I think MeisterSinger has managed to avoid that trap and create a product statement that is truly distinctive.
At the same time, I’m equally fascinated by the tradition of watchmaking, starting with Breguet, who in the 18th century crafted extraordinary timepieces with a visual impact that still resonates today. I believe a MeisterSinger connects this early tradition with modern design.
For some of our editions, we deliberately evoke the feeling of time around 1900.
Time and Watches: When creating a new model, what tends to spark the process — the technical concept, a design idea, or a narrative you want the watch to embody?
Manfred Brassler: What fascinates me most about a watch is its movement: the little engine of interlocking wheels, powered by a spring, that day after day moves a hand with extreme precision. To me, watchmakers are heroes. Day after day, they take on the challenge of working with the forces of gravity and pushing mechanical limits to what is possible.
The technology, the way it works, comes first. Then its outer character needs to be shaped. Very important when it comes to designing our watches: a MeisterSinger should be recognisable as a MeisterSinger — even from a distance.
The MeisterSinger Edition Singularis Enamel with its precious enamel dial and, below, the proprietary MSH01 calibre—a hand-wound movement with twin mainspring barrels and a power reserve of 120 hours (read more here)
Time and Watches: Looking back over the last 25 years, what brings you the greatest sense of pride—is it a specific technical achievement, a particular model, or perhaps the consistency of the MeisterSinger vision?
Manfred Brassler: I’m more proud of the fact that over the past 25 years, we’ve stayed the course. The philosophy of slowing down, of less being more, captivates many of our customers and fans. And that’s a wonderful feeling — because we create these little gems for our fans and customers.
Time and Watches: Who do you imagine is the typical MeisterSinger wearer today, and has that profile evolved since the brand’s early days?
Manfred Brassler: Someone once wrote to me that when looking at his MeisterSinger, he felt a distinct inner strength. That touched me deeply, and I have never forgotten it.
I think a typical MeisterSinger wearer is someone with a sense of purpose — a person who appreciates the extraordinary and takes pleasure in things that are perfectly balanced. Back then and today.
Time and Watches: If you weren’t designing watches, what other craft or art form could you imagine dedicating your creative energy to?
Manfred Brassler: In many ways, I am largely self-taught. For example, I have always created ink drawings, and for several years now I have found great joy in composing orchestral and piano pieces in the classical tradition.
Whether I am designing a watch for the coming year, creating an ink drawing, or composing a piece of music, it is all the same to me.
Time and Watches: Looking ahead, how do you see the single-hand concept — and MeisterSinger as a brand — evolving over the next 25 years?
Manfred Brassler: This year, I turn 73, and the leadership of the company has long since been entrusted to my youngest daughter, Tanja.
She manages the business with great care and is very aware of the importance of the core brand values. She will preserve them and develop them further. As Creative Director, I will be available to offer advice and support for as long as necessary.
MeisterSinger had to be created. MeisterSinger has a genuine purpose. MeisterSinger represents a return to oneself. And that’s something we all need in these fast-paced times.
Time and Watches: Can we expect any special creations or projects to mark MeisterSinger’s 25th anniversary in 2026?
Manfred Brassler: For sure! We have big plans for our anniversary year. People who value clarity and reliability will find their perfect watch.
We can hardly wait to release the new products we’ve been working on for so long. I don’t want to reveal any more just yet.
Manfred Brassler with his daughter Tanja
Find more about the MeisterSinger timepieces at meistersinger.com
COMMENTS