A Watch Inspired by Benjamin Franklin

Manufacturer of Swiss made, German designed luxury timepieces, MeisterSinger, has designed a limited edition watch inspired by an idea based upon one of our country’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Known for their ‘one-hand’ approach to luxury watchmaking, MeisterSinger, in collaboration with their Swiss partners, has created a limited edition timepiece—50 pieces worldwide—to commemorate the brilliance of his mind.

Commissioned on a diplomatic visit to England in 1770, Benjamin Franklin’s curiosity in horology piqued as he described his idea of ‘the most original clock’ to English horologist, James Ferguson. Franklin’s horological vision consisted of three wheels, two weights and one pendulum. While he never patented nor published his three-wheel clock’s description, 200 years later his idea would come through to fruition.

Divided into four quadrants, the knowledge of the approximate hour of the day is needed, in order to properly read the watch. Using Franklin’s original design, the image included is the actual watch MeisterSinger created to celebrate his idea. First, the hour is noticed. In this case, since the hand is passed the 12, 4 and 8 o’clock quadrant, we know the hour is either 12 o’clock, 4 o’clock or 8 o’clock. Secondly, the minutes can be determined by viewing the number to which the hand points. Therefore, the time displayed on the watch to the left is either: 12:33, 4:33 or 8:33. An intriguing conversation timepiece, this watch is easily read upon the brief description of its function.

Founded in 2001 by Manfred Brassler, MeisterSinger’s corporate headquarters is in Munster, Germany. With his desire to go back to the basics of the art of watchmaking by creating a simple measuring instrument at an affordable price, the growing success of the brand is a testament to a mission accomplished. As a German company with a streamlined focus on the manufacturing of one-handed timepieces, MeisterSinger stands for high-end design, and together with their Swiss partner, the brand’s concept remains as fresh today as when it was introduced more than 10 years ago—producing high quality, Swiss made timepieces. For more information regarding MeisterSinger and its products worldwide, please visit www.meistersinger.net.