The history of Junghans, which began in the Black Forest in 1861, is one of the most lively and fascinating success stories in the German watch industry.

Junghans – the German watch

The Junghans brand has demonstrated a clear affinity with Germany as a location for the last 150 years. Shaped by a long-standing tradition, innovations and values, the name Junghans is associated with quality, reliability, passion and precision. During its long history, the Schramberg-based traditional company has succeeded in shaping the history of the German watch industry with new and ever-developing technologies, thereby staying true to its philosophy: to combine forward-thinking ideas with striving for precision. Modern national and international business structures enable the Junghans watch factory to preserve its ‘Made in Germany’ status in the future through innovative products and to continue the unique success story of the watches with the star.

Traditional and modern go hand-in-hand

The Junghans company was founded in 1861 by Erhard Junghans and his brother-in-law Jakob Zeller-Tobler in Schramberg, a traditional place which is still home to the company headquarters today. Junghans has stood for precision and top quality production from the very outset. While the company initially specialised in producing individual components for watch products, by 1866 Junghans watchmakers were making their first watches. The registering of the company’s now famous trade mark in 1890 – an 8-point star – triggered the start of an era of patents and processes for Junghans, granting the company the highest quality and production benefits available: Junghans watches became the epitome of timepieces accessible to all, enjoying worldwide popularity. By 1903, Junghans employed 3,000 workers and sold three million watches per year, being the largest watch factory in the world at that time. The 1930s were of particular significance to mechanical watch construction. During this time, the first models from the legendary Meister range were produced, deemed to be the company’s finest watches. The 1950s too were particularly special in the company history: it was during this time that Junghans estab-ished itself as Germany’s biggest manufacturer of chronometers.

The highest standards of technology and design

A unique company-specific design culture is just as much a part of the Junghans design culture as ongoing technical development. This has been enhanced even further by the design and production of Junghans watches based on the designs of Max Bill since 1956. This collaboration gave rise to a legendary watch collection, which developed to include some modern design classics. Some innovative new design features were launched in 1990, including the world’s first radio-controlled watch, the Mega 1, developed in collaboration with FROG Design. The years before this even were certainly exciting too, with the company presenting the first German quartz watch – ‘Astro-Quartz’ – in 1970. Other milestones in the trendsetting 1990s include the first radio-controlled solar watch in 1993 and the use of hightech materials such as ceramics, not forgetting the first multi-frequency radio-controlled watch in 2004 and the expansion of the mechanical collection.

Junghans is celebrating its 150 year success story with three limited edition models and new interpretations of historical series such as the Meister Chronometer. Fitted with a blue hairspring from Schramberg, this model demonstrates just how important mechanical watchmaking is for Junghans. A glance back at the company’s achievements over the last 150 years motivates it to continue the success of these watches with a star in the future.

Old masters given a glamorous new look

A modern reminiscence: Junghans is marking its 150th anniversary by remembering the heyday of mechanical watch construction and is bringing a brand new interpretation to two limited edition models from the Meister range – the Meister Chronometer and the Meister Chronoscope.

A work of masters

The production of the first Meister models in the 1930s signalled the start of a new era for Junghans. The watches are deemed to be icons today and were characterised then in particular by their elaborate movements. The calibre J80 was even fitted with a central seconds hand. The J80/2 movement was decorated with Geneva stripes and represented the very finest in design as the heart of the Meister watches. Since 1951, the Meister models have benefitted from the use of the chronometer movement J82 with its unusually large screw balance which was produced to perfection until 1960 and incorporated into thousands of officially tested chronometers each year. Today the Meister range stands for the mechanical competence of Junghans, reinforced by the ‘Made in Germany’ quality seal. In its anniversary year, Junghans will be reevoking this traditional heritage and presenting an officially certified chronometer at the forefront of its design.

Meister Chronometer

With this new interpretation of the Meister Chronometer to mark its special anniversary, Junghans looks back with pride at a time when the company was achieving great success on the world stage. The anniversary model fitted with the J820.1 movement draws upon the 1950s, which were very significant years for Junghans as a time when the company became the world’s third biggest producers of chronometers. Just like the Meister Chronometer today, the chronometer calibre J83 was also fitted with an automatic winding mechanism. Today, this is one of the most beautiful movements to be produced in Germany. The anniversary Meister Chronometer model is limited to 150 copies and is an exclusive model from the Junghans anniversary tour 2011, representing an exceptional reference point in the company history as a continuation of its historic predecessor. Like the J83, this model also contains a hairspring made by Carl Haas in Nivarox 1 quality, now designed in blue for the first time. This has played a significant part in the Junghans chronometer being issued an official certificate for accuracy.

Meister Chronoscope

The retro-look Meister Chronoscope is just as historical as the Chronometer. The design is reminiscent of the days when Junghans was scoring great successes with its chronograph movement J88. The harmonious face of the Meister Chronoscope, which impresses in particular with its shell-like totalisers, is a truly eye-catching feature on this limited edition timepiece (1500 copies only). The design and construction of the case are particularly striking. This is also clear from the flowing free forms of the lugs with the strap and case forming a stylish unit. Inside, the calibre J880 keeps things accurate with its blued screws and Geneva cut decoration.

Meister Automatic

The new Meister series is completed with the Meister Automatic. This model too is based on a historic model, as reflected by the consistent use of curved plastic glass. This gives the watch a flat and elegant appearance. The use of the exclusive Junghans SICRALAN coating gives the glass a high level of scratch-resistance. When combined with the well-devised case construction, the watch is made water-proof down to 3 atm – as are all of the new Meister models. In addition to classic leather straps, a fine 9-row metal strap has also been created which securely surrounds the arm and creates an attractive interplay of light with the satinated and polished surfaces.

About Junghans

The watch company Junghans was founded in Schramberg in 1861 and since then has been a great success in the German watch industry, based on the unique Junghans philosophy which is determined by a spirit of innovation and constant striving for precision. Even today this shapes the thought processes and actions of all the employees and is visible and tangible in every Junghans watch. The Junghans programme is based on the motto of combining traditional craftsmanship with the latest watch technologies and contemporary design. This makes every watch bearing the Junghans star something special so that it is possible to say with pride: Junghans – the German watch.