The 160 years of watchmaking anniversary of Junghans in Schramberg brought me to the German Black Forest, where I dove into the history of this vastly underrated brand. Guided by the masterful Junghans Meister fein, I discovered why there is so much more than meets the minimalist eye.
Price
The only downside I think is the price of 6.490 euros, which is quite a lot for a Junghans, although it must be said it has an eighteen-karat gold case.
Reference
27/9101.00
Size
39,5 mm in diameter, 4,5mm height.
Movement
Inside ticks the J800.1 movement, which is a reworked Sellita SW200. It has an incredibly good-looking domed sapphire glass on the back, making the movement come alive in 3D. Some people will complain this is a Selitta, but that doesn’t do it justice. Especially for the domed glass, they redesigned the entire rotor, making it domed as well and larger than the movement. This was made by a local producer, a great step for making watches more unique to Junghans.
#Junghans
Junghans was founded 1861 by Erhard Junghans and a few years later the first clocks were made. The company grew rapidly with a promise of affordable quality, becoming the largest watch and clock manufacturer in the world in 1903, making three million pieces per year. In 1918, the amazing Terrassenbau was built, where besides watches and clocks also cockpit and car instruments were made, making it a true authority in the field of timing instruments. As such, it became the driving force behind German watchmaking.
In 1936, Junghans presented its first in-house movement and that same year the name Meister was first used for a Junghans watch. After narrowly surviving the war, the company introduced its first in-house chronograph movement and it even became the third largest manufacturer of chronometers in the world in 1956.
An even more legendary collaboration came around the same time, as designer Max Bill was invited to a project that would become an iconic kitchen clock and watch, now part of the permanent collection of the MoMa.
Although the company was quick to embrace quartz technology in the sixties, it fell victim to this technology that nearly wiped out traditional watchmaking as a whole. Junghans timed the 1972 Olympics, setting some impressive standards in sports timing, but was soon fighting for survival.
It switched ownership several times until it finally became independent in 2009 with local industrialists Dr. Hans-Jochem and Hannes Steim as its new owners. They restored the Terassenbau in full glory and step by step they are resurrecting the technical know-how of the brand as well.
Why I chose it
This journey to the Schwarzwald is a perfect example of why I started Fresh Faces in the first place. It’s goal is to make watches come alive in in-depth, honest, authentic yet entertaining videos. Seeing, feeling and experiencing that history in Schramberg makes you realize what this company stands for and how much potential it has.
It’s best known for the Max Bill, and although I own one, I don’t think that’s entirely fair.
If you look at the history more closely, [you’ll see that nearly all of the design features that make the Max Bill so great, are actually Junghans design principles.
About Fresh Faces
Promising independent, well-informed real-life watch videos. And if possible with some fun.
I’m a watch enthousiast and professional with 10+ years of experience, who stubbornly believes watches should be intelligent, clever and arousing.
Independence guarantee
All of my reviews are made independently. Watch companies do not get to see the video before it is published.
If the watch company in question does have specific wishes, I always mention this in the video.
All of the watches are borrowed from the watch companies and returned as soon as necessary. No covert advertisements are accepted without mentioning.
Voluntary gifts such as financial support by fans are accepted.
My wrist size
17 cm / 6.7 inch
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#watches #watch #junghans
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