The following three entry level watches are prime examples
of what is possible, with a somewhat limited budget. All three are sub 2,000$,
feature mechanical movements and fit perfectly together in a collection, as
there is no overlap. You have the quintessential every day watch, the consummate
sports watch and the intricate, yet subtle dress watch.
Introducing the Muhle Glashutte Terrasport Beobachter, the
Anonimo Nautilo and the MeisterSinger Phanero. The Muhle represents a clean,
easy to read, comfortable everyday watch. The Anonimo is obviously, a fun
weekend / sports watch. Lastly, the MeisterSinger is a quirky, yet exquisite
dress(ier) watch.
All thee feature stainless steel cases, with the Aninomo boasting a solid case back, which is screwed down, while the other two have
display backs, which are held down my screws. The Anonimo features the greatest
water resistance, with a rating of 200m. The Muhle is next with a rating of 50m
water-resistance, while the svelte Meistersinger is rated to a “please don’t
get me wet” 30m.
While both the Anonimo and Glashutte feature screw-down
crowns, I would be quite hesitant to take the latter anywhere near a swimming
pool or the beach. The Anonimo, on the other hand, could take anything you can
throw at it. I know many will snarl at its meagre 200m rating, but I would
easily trade 100m or more, to have a thinner watch on my wrist. As a result,
despite its impressive girth, the Anonimo is comparatively slim and fits under
cuffs with ease.
The Anonimo’s dial looks blue in most pictures due to the
generous anti-reflective coating that is underneath its domed sapphire crystal.
It is in fact black, with circular
texture and applied markers. You can see design elements from the old Anonimo,
but its revival has brought with it refreshing design elements, that bring the
Nautilo into the 21st century. It is big and daring, but still
subtle enough not to draw to much attention to itself. More of a “hum... hey,
that watch looks interesting, let me ask him what it is” and less “whoa that is
a monster watch, I could never pull it off." In keeping with design symmetry, this one features a date window at 6pm,
which is my preferred position.
The diminutive MeisterSinger is no slouch in design symmetry.
The dial is perfectly balanced and the blued steel applied hour numerals are
exquisite. The latter paired with the LONE blued hand make this watch
incredibly attractive and difficult to put down, partly because of to
the learning curve of telling the time in such an unorthodox manner. Though the learning curve is somewhat steep, but
once you get used to it, it is quite fun and a reminder that most daily time
telling does not necessitate the knowledge of the seconds or even precise minutes.
When I wear it and look down, I immediately feel less stressed.
Both the Muhle and Anonimo feature Sellita SW-200 movements (quality ETA clone), but Muhle adds a special woodpecker neck regulator system,
a custom rotor, characteristic surface finishing and blued screws. The Anonimo
does not feature a display back and my best guess is that the Sellita movement is pretty
pedestrian looking inside. That said, both watches have been performing
admirably and keep time within chronometer specks when worn.
Unlike the other two, the MeisterSinger features a manual
wind Sellita SW-210 movement, which is very nicely decorated with Geneva waves and blued
screws. Winding this one is pure joy, as the motion is ultra smooth and
effortless. One of my biggest pet peeves over the years is seeing giant watches
with exhibition case backs displaying tiny movements. At 35mm, this watch’s
movement fits in there perfectly. Performance has been slightly better
than the other two.
The Muhle is on a somewhat stiff buffalo strap, which did
not take long to conform to my wrist, despite its thickness it has become extremely
comfortable. I just wish the buckle would have been brushed stainless steel to
match the rest of the watch.
The Anonimo is on a high-grade, great smelling, rubber
strap, with equally impressive signature buckle. It is quite stiff and sharp and has yet to completely conformed to my wrist, but it still very wearable. The
quality is remarkable and it feels extremely secure once strapped on. I would like
Anonimo to eventually develop a stainless steel bracelet for this model,
as I believe there would be a demand for it. I know I would certainly prefer it.
The MeisterSinger is on a dark brown suede strap, which is
very supple and it conformed immediately to my wrist. It is thin and narrow, which
compliments the watch very nicely and the buckle is polished, to match
the entire design. This one would be fun to experiment with different straps.
In fact, the MeisterSinger website has a tool to swap straps from alligator to
stainless steel mesh and everything in between. Nice touch!
I have to admit, if I had to pick one favorite of the three,
I would have a very hard time choosing. All three merit a place within a
collection and just like I would not wear the Anonimo with a suit, I would not
wear the MeisterSinger on a beach vacation. If you are looking at beginning a
collection, I cannot see why these three would not make for a great start.
For more information on these models and others from these
brands, click on the following links:
