Credits: Article and images by Bhanu Chopra @ Revolution Watch Magazine. See the original article here - https://revolutionwatch.com/max-bill-tells-time/
The first design focuses on the index, with no numbers for distraction. The oversized hour markers are further distinguished by luminous markers, single dots at 3, 6 and 9 and a double dot at 12. Max Bill invented this double dot (colon) device for orientation and Junghans was the first manufacturer to use it.
The second style is a numerical dial with a typeface designed by Max himself. His philosophy of reducing to the bare essential was incorporated into the creation of the numerals. Clearly rounded and without any embellishments, the numbers show the independent signature of the Bauhaus-trained artist, which is most clearly visible in the number four. Max Bill elaborates on the watch design, “The wristwatch corresponds even more perfectly to my own ideas; the one with the steel case, with the silver plated dial, the differentiated scale with minute numbers that also signify the seconds, and the full circle of hour numbers. And what I particularly like about this wristwatch are the fine luminous hands and the luminous dots in the quarters, the double dots at the top in the center, at full hour.”
The final design forgoes the luminous dots and gives more emphasis to the minute markers with thicker lines that are more prominent on the dial. The thicker hour markers are covered with luminous material. This style was created to have the right contrast for a black dial. Max Bill also introduced a variation of this watch with indexes in a galvanic gold plated case.
The original watches were 34mm in size, small by today’s standards but representative of the trend in their time. Modern versions are updated to larger sizes and with technology changes such as automatic winding, date complications, sapphire crystal, solar cells and three-bar water resistance.
Junghans’ max bill Automatic retains the same design elements of the original but now in a 38mm size. Junghans offers them in three variations — with numbers, indexes, with or without date. They are also available in quartz models at a more accessible price point. While most of Junghans’ max bill watches are fitted with mineral crystal, since 2020 Junghans is also offering them with sapphire crystal.
In 2006, Junghans introduced the Chronoscope, their largest 40mm watch that is based on original concepts by Max Bill that delivers a chronograph complication that is both functionally complex and visually minimalist. The design features fine lines, luminous dots, filigree hands that are true to Max’s design philosophy. The watch retains its clarity despite the two minute and hour counters, which are arranged symmetrically. An additional small seconds hand was omitted for a minimalist design. The mushroom- shaped pushers round off the design perfectly.
Credits: Article and images by Bhanu Chopra @ Revolution Watch Magazine. See the original article here - https://revolutionwatch.com/max-bill-tells-time/
