Junghans Meister Driver Chronoscope: An expression of pure passion
Press information
Schramberg, February 2016
Meister Driver Chronoscope: An expression of pure passion
Junghans and cars enjoy a close connection dating back over 100 years. Inspired by this, the Meister Driver Chronoscope combines the charm of classic cars with a passion for mechanical timepieces.
Time travel
Arthur Junghans had an enduring influence on the relationship between Uhrenfabrik Junghans and the automobile. Having ordered one of the first Daimler test vehicles in 1892, 1895 saw the son of company founder Erhard Junghans acquire a second automobile: a four-seater Motor-Viktoriawagen. To enable the use of a steering wheel in the car the Schramberg businessman had to produce the worm gear steering himself. At the beginning of the 20th century the first laws were passed regulating speed in built-up areas, increasing the significance of clocks in automobiles. As a consequence in 1908 Junghans produced its first car clocks. These not only aided the time orientation of the driver, they were also a form of tachometer: using the time taken to travel a known distance it was possible to determine the speed at which it was covered – making the car clock a key instrument for drivers.
True passion
From Arthur Junghans to Dr. Hans-Jochem and Hannes Steim, present-day owners of Uhrenfabrik Junghans, the passion for automobiles remains undimmed. The Steim car collection in Schramberg comprises vehicles representing a cross-section from 110 years of automobile history. Classic Maybachs from the 1930s and Mercedes models from the 1950s have served as inspiration for the new timepieces.
Optical allure
The new Meister Driver Chronoscope incorporates design elements of these classic cars in its appearance. The dial resembles a speedometer, evoking the charm of the instruments found in vehicles of times gone by. Large minute and hour markers are based on the speed indicators of cars, lending the timepiece a distinctive character, further accentuated by a nostalgically-styled minute-track. The classic car flair is also underscored by colour-contrast zones and the two totalisers in bicompax arrangement, set into the dial in the bowl-shaped form typical of the Meister range. The stopwatch function of the mechanical movement enables the driver to measure his own time precisely, not just in the hourglass class of classic car rallyes, where only mechanical timekeeping is permitted. Whether it is with a stainless steel bracelet or leather strap featuring the perforation typical of car seats, it is not just car enthusiasts that are fascinated by the Meister Driver Chronoscope.
Meister Driver Chronoscope – passion for the wrist
Junghans – the German watch
For more than 150 years, the Junghans brand has stood for quality, reliability and passion. Based in Schramberg, Germany, the long-established, independent company designs and manufactures watches that set new standards and are held in high regard around the world. Having close ties to the company’s location and being committed to the values that Junghans embodies, the owners work hard to maintain traditions and to move purposefully forward to a successful future. Tradition and an unswerving spirit of innovation are also reflected in the design and engineering of the company’s watches. In this regard the spectrum embraces all current watchmaking technologies: from classic mechanical watches and quartz technology all the way to the company’s own radio-controlled and solar technology. With innovative products ‘Made in Germany’ and an international outlook, Junghans will continue in future to further develop the unique success story of the watch with the star. For more information see www.junghans.de