Junghans: Time to enjoy
Press release
Schramberg, February 2017
Time to enjoy
The new Meister Driver Automatic from Junghans reflects a time in which the freedom and enjoyment of travel prevailed.
A journey through time
The 1950s saw the dream of travel, a holiday by the sea and an own car come true for many people. It is the age of the German economic miracle, characterised by a tangible lightness, which is also evident in the new Meister Driver Automatic from Junghans. The newly-acquired mobility is manifested in a general mood of vibrancy – and in colourful automobiles. The colours typical of these decades can be found in the new models of the Meister Driver Automatic.
An homage to the 50s
Flame red, sky blue and mint green – colours that express enjoyment and lightness characterise the new models of the Meister Driver Automatic. The dashboards of historical automobiles served as inspiration for the design of the Meister Driver: The domed dials with effective polished lacquer and distinctive hour and minute markers are typical for automobile design, as is the calfskin strap with perforated lining leather. The engine of the watch, the self-winding movement, conveys the feeling of freedom and independence that emerged in the 1950s. With the Meister Driver Automatic Junghans presents a timepiece that brings true emotion to the wrist.
Junghans Meister Driver – passion and the pioneering spirit
The strong links between Junghans and the automobile have been in place since the end of the 19th century. Arthur Junghans, son of the company founder Erhard Junghans, was a close friend of Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. As a consequence, he bought one of the first Daimler test cars in 1892. Just three years later Arthur Junghans ordered a four-seater Motor-Viktoriawagen, for which he created worm gear steering. At the beginning of the 20th century the company produced car clocks. Numerous inventions were also made – in 1905 Dr. Oskar Junghans, son of Arthur Junghans, developed a speed measuring device with integral speed logging. His brother Helmut shared his passion for the automobile. In 1924 he developed a "Viadicator" driving direction indicator in co-operation with the Leitz company of Wetzlar, a predecessor of the present-day indicator. More than a century of affinity for the automobile is continued today by the Junghans owners, Dr. Hans-Jochem and Hannes Steim. The Steim car collection in Schramberg, which celebrates its 10th birthday in 2017, contains a cross section from over 110 years of automobile history – with stylish classic vehicles that serve as inspiration for the models of the Meister Driver series, bringing this passion to the wrist.
Junghans – The German watch
Junghans was founded in the Black Forest town of Schramberg in 1851. Over 150 years of expertise in precision and design is reflected in memorable milestones: In 1093 Junghans was the largest watch manufacturer in the world, with over 3,000 employees. The development of precision movements made the company the largest German manufacturer of chronometers in 1951 and the third largest worldwide in 1956. In 1972 Junghans was the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games in Munich, setting new standards in timekeeping. After an eventful and turbulent company history, the Schramberg entrepreneurs Dr. Hans-Jochem and Hannes Steim became the new owners of the venerable company in 2009. Each watch is produced in Schramberg with great attention to detail, technological expertise and high standards of design and quality. The collection comprises charismatic timepieces: The Meister watches, which have been produced since the 1930s, reflect the history and present of the company. In 1956 Max Bill designed watches that have become absolute classics. Distinguished by the Bauhaus philosophy, they are still produced today in nearly unchanged form. Junghans set new standards in 1990 with the invention of the radio-controlled wristwatch – a technology that is still used today, in combination with environ-mentally-friendly solar power. A wide variety of technology as unique as the watches bearing the star.