ReviewThe Maximum Minimalist: The Junghans Max Bill 2018 Edition
Known for its bold and beautiful timepieces, German watchmaker Junghans is making a grand statement with its 2018 novelties 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 has a major presence in the Black Forest region, 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. 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 structure that ascends the Black Forest slope in nine steps. Originally built so unusually for reasons of space, 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.
Turning Points
With a 500-people 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 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 environmentally-friendly solar power. Today Junghans is embodied by historic collections like 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.
More than 50 years ago, Max Bill designed a timepiece for Junghans that went on to become a design icon. The Max Bill 2018 edition has been given a contemporary touch while retaining the minimalistic design that makes the collection so distinctive. The balanced proportions and characteristic numerals on the white dial are given a hint of colour with a green date window positioned at three o’clock, which matches the green stitching of the calfskin strap and its green under layer.
On the caseback, the ‘sicherheit’ artwork of three yellow, red, blue and green triangles each formed into a square pays a beautiful homage to the artist along with reflecting the core motto of “form follows function” in every detail. This timepiece is powered by a quartz movement.
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 an expression of pure passion and abounding energy.
