Ever since I serviced Torsten’s Junghans watch, I wanted to get one myself. Now the big questions was used or new, and the main trade-off is that Junghans doesn’t make their own movements any more. So if you want a genuine Junghans movement, you have to go vintage. As I quite like the ETA2824-2 for it’s precision and reliability, I wasn’t too worried about that. And I do like the excitement of unpacking a brand new watch!
I need a date on my watch, as I’m not great at remembering that, so that decision was easily made. Now for the strap… my thinking here is that you will never be able to preserve the original strap, as it deteriorates very quickly when you wear it. But an original bracelet can be preserved for decades, so you always have a watch that is 100% original, and that’s important when it comes to selling. If I don’t like the bracelet, I can always fit a strap for a while…
So the only choice left was the 027/4002.44, as it has a metal bracelet and a date.
The watch comes in a lovely box with a little pull-out drawer for the instructions. “Die Deutsche Uhr” is a bit exaggerated – the movement is a Swiss ETA 😉
This Max Bill design for me is one of the most beautiful watch designs. Simple, no frills, good readability, and a classic.
Considering that this is an automatic date movement, the case is quite slim at 10mm.
The case back has “Design by max bill” etched on, which gives it a nice touch.
The instruction manual echoes the watch design, too.
And this is why I don’t mind the ETA2824-2 – it’s hard to get a movement that performs better for this sort of money.
The watch measures 38mm without the crown, and is 10mm thick. The bracelet is 20mm.
Now for the price – the watch retails around £805 in the UK. With a bit of googling, I found a French site (http://www.timefy.com/), that had a father’s day promotion with 15% off all watches – so I paid £670! That’s a watch:movement value ratio of 7:1, and I consider that very good value for a designer watch that looks this good. If this were a Breitling, it would cost you £2000 😉
The rotor is nicely decorated as you would expect.
I just got the quartz version of this watch and i am absolutely over the moon with it! Its such a cool looking watch and has become my daily driver! It looks great with a suit and also with jeans and a t shirt.
Ive got a fair few watches Rolex etc but this is 100% my favourite! so classic but would look great on anyone, no matter their age or style.
I was trying the Classic 1950 look on my relatively small wrist and it looked perfect with this watch. However i cam back a bit disappointed when I found that the Glass on this is some plastic, no sapphire etc. With a bulging glass cover is it not a problem.. my question is to some of the users of this type of Max bill Automatic
Pretty much all watches from that era have acrylic crystals. You can’t make a properly domed sapphire crystal.
Thanks for the great review, I’m trying to have one soon 🙂 is the site still offering the good price? and also, there is another lmodel using hand winding movement. How do you see the model?
Google is your friend.
Hi,
Great choice. I always wanted one as well. Noticed that on some of the advertisements, it has “MR” or “CJ” at the end of the model 027/4002.44.
Do you know what the differences are?
Cheers,
Alan
I’m looking to get the same watch, and also with the intention of changing out the bracelet (and after much research, your post was the clincher). Is it hard to do? It looks like there isn’t much clearance between lug and bracelet for a spring bar tool, although I noticed on the backside in your picture of the rotor, there seem to be small notches to reach in to the spring bar.
The watch has standard spring bars, and it’s no problem changing the bracelet.
I have the Max Bill Automatic with Date, but with the black strap and numbers on the dials (this one: http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server5600/d1f13/products/5792/images/23660/Max_Bill_Automatic_Wrist_Watch_3__71097.1351929669.400.400.jpg)
I have had it for a while now, and I love it. It is the perfect watch along Bauhaus principles of form / function. The dial is clear, the movement smooth, the overall balance is just right.
When I see people on the train wearing bulky, ugly and far too expensive watches, the Max Bill gives you a quiet feeling of contentment.
Classic design that will never age! A really nice looking watch. How bright is the lume?
Pretty bright – with the sun down (it’s 8 p.m. now), I can see it glowing slightly in ambient light when I turn away from the window…
Great posting! It provides several different insights on Junghans watches.
If it were a Breitling it wouldn’t look half as elegant…
So true , bling bling Breitling is not my thing!! 😉
I couldn’t possibly comment on that 😉
Oh go on! 😉
Very nice one! I have tried picking up some second hand ones, but they have all “slipped my net”. Incredibly clean design (a true classic), and a quality movement! I am also a fan of the “Milanese” style strap. They will last a loooong time if taken care of, they look nice, and are comfortable to wear.
Congratz!
Very nice pick up Christian. 🙂 I like the simple design! I’ve been looking at the Autodromo Monoposto for a while which isn’t a million miles away from the Junghans, but in the end I decided on an Omega! Not sure if I made the right choice now!
http://wornandwound.com/2013/01/23/autodromo-monoposto-review/
Hmmmm – now I want one, too!
The more watches you have, the more you want. This can’t be right!
Yep its an illness!! 🙂
BTW I think the Nato on this watch would like excellent on your watch!!
http://wornandwound.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/AUTODROMO_MONOPOSTO_NATO.jpg
I agree. A very good looking piece. Looking at this piece makes NOMOS Glashuette spring to mind. Similarly simple, and clean bauhaus-esque design. I wouldn’t mind one myself, but maybe for when I’m a bit older.
Yes, only the Nomos waches cost twice as much.
How dare you call me old! 😉
Yes, Nomos are indeed on the pricier side (especially the “World Timer” which I am secretly coveting). On the plus side they are a manufacture, everything they make us in-house, so I suppose the price differential is justified.
I absolutely did not mean to call anyone old. My point was that, aged 23, it might not suit me. 🙂
I was just joking – and you are right, the watch is more for the fuddy-duddy generation 😉
Point taken on the Nomos. I was thinking about the old days when they used the ETA7001.
I am 24 and this watch looks great one me! I think this watch is perfect for anyone, any age (-:
Really beautiful! Congratulations.