Junghans have always produced quintessentially Bauhaus watches, whether that’s classic minimalism in the sense of their dress watches or sporty and robust in terms of their chronographs. The same is true of the new, updated Meister fein Automatic that has joined one of Junghans’ oldest collections. The new piece introduces the finesse of rose gold to the design.
It’s often said that simplicity is the hardest style to execute well and Junghans have really nailed it here. The 39.5mm diameter stainless steel case forms a gentle discus shape in conjunction with its domed sapphire crystal and mineral crystal exhibition caseback. It’s then lifted with a sense of warmth provided by the rose gold PVD coating. Rose gold is more restrained than yellow or white gold and instead has a quiet elegance that compliments the Meister fein Automatic’s minimal aesthetic.
On the dial it’s a similar story. Long, thin hour markers show that the watch is well named, “fein” meaning “fine” in German. Those black indexes are offset by slightly thicker baton hands that are rose gold coloured, another first for the updated version. The dial also bears a small date window at 3 o’clock. It’s a stark contrast to the purposely large date complications we see from other German watchmakers like Glashütte Original’s panoramic date.
The final element that really drives home the watch’s finesse is the strap. It’s a black leather number that has a very unique look courtesy of being seamless. It is a singular smooth shape that rises slightly towards the centre before tapering. Arguably the most minimalist strap it’s possible to manufacture.
Housed inside the watch is the J800.1 automatic movement, which has a 38-hour power reserve. It’s nothing too crazy, based on the ETA 2824-2, although it does have nice diamond finishing on the back. It means that despite the addition of gold PVD, the new watch has a similar price to the existing Meister fein Automatics at €1,340 (approx. £1,110)
Price & Specs:
Model: Junghans Meister Fein Automatic
Reference: 27/7150.00
Case/Dial: 39.5mm diameter x 10.3mm height, stainless steel case with rose gold PVD coating, polished white dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: J800.1 calibre (ETA 2824-2 base), automatic, 25 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 38h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Strap: Leather
Price/availability: €1,340 (approx. £1,110)
More details at Junghans.
