Junghans is one of Germany’s most famous and historic watch brands, located in Schramberg. Combining a rich history of industrial clock production with modern design, Junghans is internationally celebrated for its minimalist watches designed in collaboration with Swiss Bauhaus designer Max Bill, establishing them as a cornerstone of modernist design.
Overview
Founded: 1861
Based in: Schramberg, Germany
Typical Price Range: £500–£3,000 GBP
Known For: Max Bill, Meister, Form
Website: junghans.de
Brand Story
Founded in 1861 by Erhard Junghans and his brother-in-law Jakob Zeller-Tobler, Junghans grew to become the largest clock manufacturer in the world by 1903, employing over 3,000 workers. In the mid-20th century, Junghans became an important developer of mechanical chronographs, including supplying the German military. In 1956, Junghans began collaborating with Swiss artist and designer Max Bill, who created a series of kitchen clocks and watches that remain in production today as icons of 20th-century design.
Design Language
Junghans’ design language is defined by the strict simplicity of the Bauhaus school. Max Bill models feature exceptionally thin bezels, highly domed acrylic or sapphire crystals, thin stick hands, and clean, functional typography. The cases are shaped like shallow bowls to sit low on the wrist, resulting in a elegant, weightless profile.
Movements & Manufacturing
Junghans utilizes reliable Swiss mechanical movements supplied by ETA and Sellita, which they customize and regulate in-house under their ‘J800’ calibre designation. For their high-end Meister series, they also utilize chronometer-certified movements to ensure precision.
Notable Models
Max Bill Automatic: The defining minimalist dress watch, featuring Bill’s original 1961 dial design and a domed crystal.
Max Bill Chronoscope: A minimalist chronograph that maintains the clean Bauhaus look by using integrated pushers and thin sub-dial registers.
Meister Chronoscope: A sportier, vintage-inspired chronograph featuring a classic German style and recessed dials.
Why Enthusiasts Care
Junghans is a design powerhouse with genuine historical weight. The Max Bill collection is not just a watch; it is a design object that belongs in the history books alongside the famous chairs of Charles Eames and the lamps of Wilhelm Wagenfeld. It is a must-have for design-focused watch collectors.
Official Website
Featured Models
Max Bill Automatic
The Max Bill Automatic is a legendary Bauhaus dress watch, representing the perfect expression of modernist design in a 38mm case.
