160 Years of Keeping Time

Erhard Junghans and his brother-in-law, Jakob Zeller-Tobler, started their little watchmaking business in 1861 in Schramberg, Germany. The Black Forest is well known for the incredible cuckoo clocks produced by talented artisans and products were exported all over the globe. Junghans grew rapidly, and by 1903 they were the largest clock manufacturer in the world. To celebrate their anniversary, the manufacturer is releasing a collection of three new watches that represent their roots in the past, their mastery of the present and their dreams for the future.

Unique Power Reserve Indicator

The three models all share the same movement inside the case. The Caliber J810.2 is a self-winding movement with a three-positional crown for winding, setting the date and setting the time. The 48-hour power reserve has a unique power reserve indicator on the dial just beneath the central hands. Junghans introduced their first mechanical watch with a power reserve indicator back in the 1950s. By using a color display, the vertical power reserve bar lets the wearer know when the watch requires winding. At full power, the window blends into the dial, however, as the power reserve winds down, the indicator changes every 25 percent until the window is completely red at zero power.

A discreet date window sits just inside the 3 o’clock, well integrated into the design of the dial for minimal disruption of the clean design. With a 5 bar water resistance, the timepieces are robust enough for any daily wear environment and activity.

Meister Gangreserve Edition 160 27/4112.46

The Reference 027/4112.46 is a classic stainless steel with clean white colorway. The 40.4.mm case is a thin ring of stainless steel, barely outlining the dial. The dial is a smart matt silver-plated white, and the slender hands are coated with a white environmentally friendly luminous material and the date window is nearly invisible with its white sub-dial and sans serif numerals. The watch is paired with an elegant stainless steel bracelet with alternating bands of polished and satin finished links. The power indicator begins with a green full power indication in the baton-styled indicator and transitions to yellow at 50 percent power then to red once depleted. The style is minimalist and understated.

Meister Gangreserve Edition 160 27/7113.02

The Reference 27/7113.02 changes things up a bit with a gold colored PVD coated case and matching hands. The indices at 12, 3, 6 and 9 are changed from stainless steel to gold, giving the dial a bolder overall look. The power indicator is different as well, beginning as a matching white rather than green. This means that at full power, the complication is almost invisible. As the power drains, the power indicator changes to half-white/half-gray and then to full gray. After 50percent of the power is gone, the half-gray/half-red and then full red begins to liven up the dial.

This model is paired with a taupe colored leather band with matching PVD coated buckle.

Meister Gangreserve Edition 160 27/4114.02

The final model, the Reference 27/4114.02, infuses a burst of color with a deep blue sunray dial that pairs beautifully with the stainless steel case and accents. Once again Junghans has chosen to match the full power indication to the dial for a very subtle sub-dial. It uses the gray and the red color indications for further depletion of power reserve. The date window shows up a little more with its white sub-dial against the rich blue, but retains the harmony with the whole aesthetic of clean and classic.

A light brown leather strap pairs well with the blue and silver colorway for a very striking timepiece.

A Celebration of Time

The three models represent the best of 160 years of design, craftsmanship and the modern concepts of elegance and innovation. The power indicator is an interesting design element that increases in visual interest as the day goes on, and the super thin case gives ample real estate to the classic styling of the dial. The overall look is a clean, classic watch that will stand the test of time. Each model will be a limited release of 160 pieces.

Tech Specs

Case: 40.4mm x 11.1mm, Stainless steel or PVD coated
Movement: J810.2 automatic movement, 48 hours power reserve
Functions: Hour, minute and second, date, Power reserve indicator
Strap: Leather strap, or stainless steel bracelet
Availability: Limited Edition of 160 pieces for each design
Price: USD 1,700/USD 1,800