Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. New, Clean Black and White Editions of the Funky Junghans 1972 Competition Chronograph
The brand's boldest and most original chronograph is back in more traditional versions.
A venerable German watch brand that was once the world’s largest watch and clock manufacturer by the early 20th century, Junghans is mainly known for its clean and attractive Max Bill collection as well as its elegant Meister range. There is, however, one collection that truly stands apart with its funky design and colours, a watch that couldn’t be more 1970s and yet feels totally up-to-date. We’re talking about the oval-shaped, often brightly coloured, bullhead-style chronograph Junghans 1972 Competition. But if these orange or yellow models are not quite your taste, then the new white or black editions might be more relevant.
Compared to the yellow model we reviewed a couple of years ago, nothing has changed on the technical side. The Junghans 1972 Competition Chronograph is still the same watch that you love or hate. This is a good sign, because sometimes a polarising design is the key to success. This “lemon” edition tested by Robin was… not the most discreet, in all fairness. So here are two new versions that should make things a bit quieter… a bit, as the originality of the case is still present.
What’s identical is the funky 1970s case shape known as a bullhead chronograph. The steel, sanded case is oval, but in a good way. If the 45.5mm width can appear frightening at first, the case length from 12 to 6 o’clock is only 41mm (excluding the crown and pushers), meaning that it can be worn on pretty much all wrists. The thickness is measured at 14.5mm, but there’s another trick: the caseback is dramatically curved to hug the wrist. And so you have a large watch that is very comfortable. The specs include a screw-in crown, a caseback secured by screws, an AR-coated sapphire crystal and a comfortable 100m water-resistance. And the pushers and crown at the top are genuinely cool…
For a more discreet and timeless look, Junghans has given the 1972 Competition Chronograph two new dial options in black or white. The dials are sunray-brushed and lacquered, with tone-on-tone oval-shaped sub-counters. The vertical layout of the counters works in this context, and the dial is framed by a tachymeter scale on a matte inner flange. The date at 3 o’clock feels a bit out of place, but at least we have colour-matched discs. The monochromatic effect doesn’t stop here, as each model comes with a perforated leather strap matching the dial colour. This strap is attached to the case thanks to steel inner inserts and screws, sandwiched between the case and the curved caseback. A folding clasp closes it, and the whole conception guarantees a secure and comfortable fit.
Inside the case, no surprises. The calibre J880.5 is the internal name for a Sellita SW-500, a clone of the venerable Valjoux 7750. This cam-lever automatic chronograph beats at 4Hz and stores about 48 hours of energy. Even if it’s hidden under a solid caseback, the brand mentions that it’s nicely finished with stripes, perlage and blued screws.
Available immediately from the brand and not limited, the new black or white editions of the Junghans 1972 Competition are decently priced at EUR 2,590 with German taxes. For more details, please visit www.junghans.de.
