FeatureThe 100-Year Rise Of German Watchmaker Junghans
Known for its bold and beautiful timepieces, German watchmaker Junghans has been introducing horological advances for 156 years and giving the bigwigs of the watchmaking world a reason to worry
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The ever-expanding German watch industry that has brought major international horological advances to the forefront have their roots in the Black Forest, and Junghans is one brand that has been a part of this tradition for 156 years. Founded in the Black Forest town of Schramberg, this multifaceted watchmaker first opened its doors in 1861.
Junghans truly believes in honouring its past by celebrating historic achievements and milestones that have helped in shaping its future. As a remarkable way to present watch lovers a piece of value for posterity, the 156-year-old German watchmaker recently introduced a pair of Junghans Meister Chronoscope Terrassenbau watches that commemorate the 100th birthday of the company’s factory in Schramberg. This architectural masterpiece is presently recognised as a landmark in the Black Forest town of Schramberg.
A Mirror Of History
Before talking about their wide portfolio of watches, it is pivotal to note how Junghans stands apart in the world of architecture as well. In 1918, Stuttgart industrial architect Philipp Jakob Manz – commissioned by Arthur Junghans, son of the company’s founder Erhard Junghans – designed a terraced building that is structured in such a manner that it ascends the Black Forest slope in nine steps.
With greater emphasis on precision and quality, this aspect of the building helped each watchmaker to benefit from direct daylight at the workplace. In the 50s and 60s, manufacturing of key components, calibre and watch assembly, assembly and regulation of chronometers – all were transpiring in the building at a fierce pace.
Nine Steps To Success
This unique piece of history was originally built for reasons of space in the already cramped valley in Schramberg. The terrace structure is now globally known as a unique example of industrial architecture on a sloping site and has become an important landmark of both Junghans and Schramberg. What’s most astonishing is that this magnificent nine-stepped terrace building was built directly on the slope in less than two years.
The Junghans factory is a tangible depiction of clever form and function. More than being the birthplace of iconic timepieces, it is a beautiful edifice of passion, creativity and every inimitable element that forms the legacy of Junghans.
Turning Points
With a 500-person-strong workforce, Junghans initially gained prominence for producing clock components such as wooden cases, bronze signs and pendulums, pocket watches, and later went on to manufacture wristwatches and chronometers. Akin to the uniquely constructed terrace structure of the company site, the watchmaker’s devotion towards utmost precision and striking design is reflected in their many milestones.
With over 3,000 employees, Junghans had become the largest clock manufacturer in the world in 1903. In the 1950s, they came to be known as the largest German manufacturer of chronometers and the third largest worldwide. In 1972, the brand was even the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games in Munich.
In 1990, Junghans attained greater heights with the invention of the radio-controlled wristwatch functioning on the environment-friendly solar power. Today Junghans is embodied by historic collections such as Meister Pilot, Meister, Meister Driver, Form, Radio Control & Solar, and Max Bill. With a strong desire to forge a connection with the general public, the watchmaker inaugurated the company museum to mark the 150th anniversary of the watch factory in 2011.
A Celebration Of Design
The brand gained paramount recognition in 1961 when it started working with one of the most influential Bauhaus designers of the 20th century, Max Bill. The legendary Swiss architect serves as an inspiration for the Junghans Max Bill range of watches that borrow his name and enjoy a cult status in today’s times.
The Junghans brand has tasted huge success with its inventive design philosophies, traditional workmanship and avant-garde technology. Bearing the eight-point star, each Junghans watch is a symbolic representation of pure passion, quality, style and abounding energy.
Entombed in deep traditional workmanship, and blended with state-of-the-art technology and inventive design, Junghans has had a compelling story that facilitates the German brand towards scaling newer heights and climbing the ladder of success.