Form Follows Function

The underrated German watchmaker you should keep an eye on

- Farhan Shah

HERE, AT AUGUSTMAN , we are spoilt by the number of timepieces that cross our cluttered desks on a daily basis. From the minute repeaters to the weighty chronographs, we have worn a lot of mechanically impressive watches.

As most horology enthusiasts will tell you, the best watches are usually made in two countries – Switzerland and Germany. While the former’s Swiss Made label has been an indicator of quality for decades, Made in Germany is increasingly becoming a mark of recognition.

The Saxon watchmakers to note are the usual suspects – A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte Original and Nomos Glashütte among others. But there is one that has been flying under the radar for a long time, perhaps too preoccupied with making incredible timepieces, and it’s time we give the brand its due.

A Century-old Heritage

Based in Schramberg, Germany, Junghans first opened its doors in 1861, creating clock components such as wooden cases, bronze signs and pendulums.