Junghans is well-known for its Max Bill wristwatch designs, which all boast a unique, yet recognizable aesthetic that was popularized in the mid-20th century and is still attractive even after fifty years. Junghans now offers a variety of Max Bill watches with different functions and technical systems, like quartz and automatic chronographs. The newest addition, the Max Bill Mega Solar, is especially eye-catching due to its combination of modern technology and classic style.
First impressions
Junghans is well-known for their reliable timekeeping technology in their Mega radio-control watches, yet a lot of them lack an attractive look, particularly for those who prefer mechanical watches. Most of them appear like a blend of a device and a traditional wristwatch. This is why the Max Bill Mega Solar is such a blessing. In the late 1950s, the notable Swiss architect and designer, Max Bill, created several clocks for Junghans, and then wristwatches in 1961, which were based on his minimalistic and Bauhaus-influenced style. The Max Bill watches available today are almost identical to their 1960s counterparts. Now this minimalistic design has been merged with a solar-powered, radio-controlled movement. For someone who likes gadgets and appreciates good design, this watch is unbeatable.
Overview – Max Bill Mega Solar
Max Bill, a Swiss architect, artist, and product designer, attended the Bauhaus in Dessau and co-established the renowned Ulm School of Design in Germany. His MEGA Solar product incorporates his popular minimalist design style of those days with the most recent technology. In 1961, he created a selection of wristwatches which is still being constructed based on his original designs. The dial has a clear, unique design that concentrates on the basics. The size of the hour and minute markings demonstrates the artist’s flawless comprehension of proportion.
True to Max Bill’s fashion, luminescent dots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, as well as a dual dot at 12 o’clock, ensure maximum clarity. Apart from its Bauhaus-inspired style, the max bill MEGA Solar also boasts of cutting-edge technology: it is powered solely by the sun’s rays and is extremely productive. Merely two minutes of sunlight per day is enough to keep it functioning. Owing to the advanced Junghans connection technology, the watch shows the exact time.
The crown or the app can be used to modify the different time zones, even in places without signal reception. The titanium case of the max bill MEGA Solar is strong and surprisingly lightweight, providing comfort when worn. Its design reflects Max Bill’s favorite features – a combination of usefulness and exquisite aesthetics.
Ensuring Radio-control
The Max Bill Mega Solar is a newer version than the original Max Bill Mega that has a quartz movement and steel case. This new model has a titanium case and is powered by the sun. It has the capability to last for up to three years with a full charge, with the dial actually serving as the solar cell. Furthermore, it has a quick-charging feature that allows it to have a full charge after just eight minutes in the light. Both models of the Max Bill Mega feature the same primary purpose which is to keep time utilizing radio-controlled timekeeping.
Although Japanese watchmakers are renowned for creating electronic watches – Seiko and Citizen both have a history of crafting timepieces that are linked to GPS signals – Junghans was actually a trendsetter in the realm of radio-controlled watches. The company first unveiled their radio-controlled clock in 1985 and the very first wristwatch of this kind in 1990.
Watches that are controlled with a radio can pick up a time signal from a radio transmitter, which implies that it can get the signal no matter where a radio signal can be detected. This is distinctive from a GPS watch which can only be synchronized when outside. Nevertheless, since radio reception is largely limited to a country, it was originally only possible to use Junghans’ radio-controlled watches in Europe, the UK, the US and Japan.
The most recent Max Bill Mega Solar watch can only be operated in certain countries or locations with the help of radio-control. However, with the introduction of the Junghans Mega app designed for both iOS and Android, the watch is able to work anywhere in the world. Junghans states that the synchronization of the watch to a smartphone or radio signal only takes about 30 seconds on average. Moreover, the timekeeping accuracy of the watch is very precise and only deviates by a maximum of eight seconds annually.
A high-tech watch
Despite its basic design, this watch is equipped with many features such as a perpetual calendar. Furthermore, the watch’s movement has an Advanced Moving feature which allows the hands to begin their motion “before the exact time” so that the watch always displays the exact time, not just a few seconds behind.
The movement is equipped with Intelligent Time Correction that continuously scans the second hand’s location 1,440 times in a day, and once for the hour and minute hands for accuracy, comparing it to the radio signal’s reference time. Additionally, the date display is cross-checked once a month.
Final thoughts
The classic design of this dress watch, crafted by Max Bill for the German watchmaker Junghans, masks the impressive modern technology powering it, such as solar charging. Junghans has been producing watches since 1961, and they have recently invested in digital technology. Watches with the “Mega” designation use radio signals to sync the seconds hand with a time signal 1,440 times daily, and they can be synced to world time with a smartphone app. This combination of solar charging and world time synchronization make these watches ideal for the modern traveler.
Every one of these elements exist in previous models from Junghans, however, the most recent versions have included all of them in the Max Bill collection. Typically, the solar cells are not obvious, which allows this dress watch to remain clean and sleek in appearance. The brand is renowned for their timepieces which resemble beautiful accessories rather than electronic tools. Moreover, the extremely light case made of titanium allows for an even more comfortable fit. You can find different models featuring different dial designs and finishes. With a price range starting from $1,180, this gorgeous timepiece stands on the more affordable end of higher-end watches.