The review this post is based on was sponsored, by Junghans. However, sponsored or not, I’ll always tell you what I really think. 

You can click on this link to see my full video review for lots of extra details and video footage including many macros. The photos above are screen captures from my review:

https://youtu.be/Y\_mjZWVpZGI?si=IwDd6vfKeXh9OqRA

Specs:

\-All polished stainless steel case

\-38mm across

\-9.9mm thick

\-39.7mm lug to lug

\-20mm lug width

\-Screwed etched caseback(4 flathead screws)

\-Push/pull unsigned crown

\-J800.1 Movement (ETA or Selitta with customs rotor)

\-28,800 BPH

\-38 hour power reserve

\-Silvery white dial with a hint of warmth

\-Lumed

\-Curved sapphire crystal with AR coating

\-Water resistance is 50m

\-Weight on included leather strap is 47 grams

\-2 year warranty

\-Price is around $1620 USD

Lows:

No lows. The Max Bill is a classic for a reason.

Mids

\-The movement here is what’s referred to as a “Forrest Gump” movement because you “never know what you’re going to get.” Officially, it’s known as the J800.1, however, it’s not a true in-house caliber but rather either an ETA 2824-2 or a Selitta SW200-1 with a custom rotor. This will be a mid for some, but in my opinion, either way you’re getting an excellent quality Swiss movement, so I don’t mind.

\-There is a ghost date here. Some really dislike this, so I’ll list it as a mid. I do understand, it makes the watch seem less precisely planned and there is a displeasure in that. That said, it’s an in-principle only complaint as it has no real practical ramifications of consequence. I don’t consider a ghost date to be a big issue, personally.

\-The price of these has crept up over the years and some people have complained about that, so I’ll include it as a mid, however check the highs because I think this watch is a good value.

High 

\-The strap is understated but it suits the watch perfectly and is of good quality.

\-Since the lume pips are so small I didn’t realize how bright the lume would be. This isn’t a dive watch, but they struck a perfect balance while not corrupting the subtle design with excessive lume, and still maintaining legibility in the dark. Great job.

\-50m of water resistance is more than many similar watches offer, and enough for worry free daily wear.

\-Stunning dial with incredible curvature toward the outside edges.

\-Simple pencil hands, as you might expect on a Bauhaus classic like this, but the the minutes and seconds hands curve along with the dial creating a very striking look.

\-Superb macros, in line with what I saw from my Nomos Club Campus, which has been to date, the cleanest watch I’ve ever filmed. German watches have so far impressed me greatly.

\-The case design is almost magical. Max Bill managed to make the lug to lug barely longer than the case width. The secrety is that the curvature of the case intrudes into the lugs, and the lugs sweep downward. Combined with a case that bevels upward on the bottom you have a spot for the strap to tuck in seamlessly. It’s a very elegant solution and it makes this watch wearable for almost any wrist size.

\-Extremely comfortable wear experience. It’s thin, and feather-light. It wears like a dream.

\-This watch isn’t so much a dress watch as it is a perfect daily wearer. It’s almost a re-imagining of a military field watch, when you think about it. It’s incredibly practical, but yet infinitely classy. It’s a great trusty companion.

\-There is a lot of history behind this piece. Max Bill designed it almost 65 years ago. It’s an all time classic. I genuinely believe it’s right up there with the Speedmaster as one of those timeless designs that will always be evergreen. 

\-This isn’t a cheap watch but it’s really affordable considering how incredibly well designed and crafted it is. Especially when looking for watches out of Switzerland or Germany, this one is an exception value. Factor in its legendary status and I’d go as far as saying that it’s one of the true icons of the watch world that remains the most affordable. 

Conclusion:

I love this watch. It’s absolutely brilliantly conceived and beautifully crafted. Max Bill was a genius, imo. 

max bill Review - A True Classic