CLEAN. PURIST. BAUHAUS – JUNGHANS MAX BILL REGULATOR BAUHAUS

Since the 1950s, Junghans have made clocks and watches that conform to the typical purist style of Bauhaus design, and more specifically the artistic hand of Bauhaus disciple Max Bill. The ideals of the designer and design school are conveyed in the max bill Bauhaus series, which, including the new max bill Regulator Bauhaus, now encompasses three models bearing the same design codes. These include a matte stainless-steel case, a white dial, and colourful red accents on the hands and date. All of these elements were consciously chosen, as illustrated in an extract from the book max bill am Bauhaus.

“I remember that morning vividly as the front of the Bauhaus building suddenly faced the front driveway of the Dessau train station. It was something that had never been seen before: white walls and large dark glass facades, and in the foreground was the students’ dormitory with balcony doors like minium-red accents.” – max bill

The Bauhaus idea is topped off with a lavishly designed case back that makes this series something special. The partially transparent back shows the stylised Bauhaus building with printing underneath the crystal, through the window of which the mechanical movement can be viewed.

The Schramberg-based company complements the popular, traditional collection with an exceptional new model: the max bill Regulator Bauhaus. The addition of “Regulator” in the name signifies its special dial design with centrally located minutes and off-centre hour and second displays. The prototype for this dial design is the so-called regulator, a highly precise wall clock that once served to aid in regulating wristwatches. The minute hand played a key role in this, which is why it visually dominates the dial. A diameter of 40 millimeters as well as a domed sapphire crystal and thin bezel typical of this line ensure that this exceptional display format is shown to advantage. Automatic Caliber J800.5 drives the new watch with a power reserve of 38 hours.

Bauhaus designers concentrate on the practical use and efficiency of their designs. For watches, this means that they not only need to be perfectly legible, which these three max bill Bauhaus models are, but also comfortable to wear. This is ensured by the lentil-shaped case with its short lugs and straps made of glove-soft leather. Additionally, the three watches are relatively light. For this reason, one only notices the watch when one is purposefully looking for the time. A look that is always worth the effort.