At the end of June Junghans announced they are releasing two limited-edition timepieces inspired by history, the Meister Classic Terrassenbau and the Meister Handaufzug Terrassenbau. Junghans as a brand believes in creating pieces to serve the wearer. The brand’s designs are purposefully understated. Its timepieces allow for the wearer’s personality to shine through, while still maintaining a distinctive high-class silhouette. Introducing the Junghans Terrassenbau watches means delving into the history of the brand.
History
Junghans was founded in 1861 by Erhard Junghans and his brother-in-law under the name Zeller & Junghans. At first, the company manufactured clock components for Black Forest clocks such as wooden cases, pendulums, hands etc. The first clock manufactured by the brand was in 1866. By the beginning of the 20th century, Junghans is one of the most successful and largest clock manufacturing factories in the world. The company had factories and subsidiaries in multiple German cities as well as internationally in Ebensee, Venice and Paris. At this point, Junghans had also expanded its manufacturing portfolio and started producing movement components.
With this growth came the need for more space. Arthur Junghans commissioned Stuttgart architect Philipp Jakob Manz to build an architectural marvel in the Black Forest valley. The steep hillsides of the valley didn’t allow for much freedom when building the factory. However, in true Junghans fashion with resourcefulness and innovation, the terraced factory was built in 1918. The factory spans 9 step-like floors. This smart design allowed for the narrow valley space to be used wisely and provided optimal daylight for the workers inside the factories. The building became a landmark of the Schramberg factory and has now become the inspiration for the Junghans Terrassenbau watches.
Design
Both models are part of the brand’s signature Meister collection. The Meister collection was amongst the first released by Junghans. It was first introduced in the 1930s, however, gained more recognition and popularity in the 50s and 60s. Watches from the Meister collection are characterised by their minimalistic, yet distinctly masculine design, which has now become signature for the brand. A distinguishing feature of the Meister line is the models’ convex bowl-shaped subdials and pronounced indices. This gives all models from the collection that unmistakable Junghans appeal.
There are only 1500 pieces released from each model. Both models are similar in their design, combining high-tech modern precision and classic elegance. Keeping in line with the historical inspiration of the Terrassenbau watches the models have a defined vintage undertone. The clean dials and simple silhouettes make the models timeless. A feature connecting the timepieces to the building which inspired their designs is the colour of the alligator leather strap and the design of the minute track which recalls the wall design inside the factory. The muted green is the exact colour of the tiles which were featured in the stairway of the building. Another unique feature is the intricate engraving of the terraced factory on the case backs. The watch’s movement is visible through transparent windows fitted where the windows of the engraved building actually would be.
Junghans Meister Classic Terrassenbau – Limited Edition 1500 pieces
The Classic Terrassenbau watch features an automatic movement with calibre J820.4. It has a power reserve of 42 hours. The round case is made of stainless steel and measures 38.4 mm in diameter and 9mm in thickness. Adding to the vintage look of the model is a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The matt silver dial is highlighted by a matt white ring surrounding it on the outside. The case and dial are complemented by a set of thin applied indices and luminescent dauphine hands. The model is water-resistant up to 50 meters and features a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position.
Junghans Meister Hand-winding Terrassenbau – Limited Edition 1500
The Handaufzug Terrassenbau timepiece features a hand-wound movement with calibre J815.1 with a power reserve of 42 hours. The stainless steel case measures 37.7mm in diameter and 7.3mm in thickness. Like the Classic model, the Handaufzug has a domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal, thin applied indices and luminescent dauphine hands. Contrasting the matt silver dials is a matt white bowl-shaped subdial for the small seconds. The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters.
What do you think of the Junghans Terrassenbau watches? Let us know in the comments below.
