The fact that luxury timepieces are still machines—albeit miniature ones—is often overlooked. Like with any other technology that started in the 19th century, developed in the 20th century, and is constantly being innovated in the 21st century, watches are still scientific marvels as they are upscale retail items. They can easily be compared to automobiles, which today is still being innovated by the geniuses at premier car manufacturers. In fact, there is a timepiece that links the luxury watch market to the historical automobiles of the past: Junghans’ Meister Driver Chronoscope.
Compare Junghans Meister Driver Chronoscope Watch Prices Online
Release date: January 2016
Retail Price: US$1,900.00
German luxury watch brand Junghans has had a long relationship with the automotive industry. It’s said that the label’s founder, Arthur Junghans, had a lot of friends in the early years of the field and were influenced by their creative genius. It’s only natural that his own brand—that also dabbles in technology—touches upon the same ideas, leading to the Meister Driver Chronoscope timepiece. This model was released back in Baselworld 2016 and is sold at $1,900 each today.
Specifications:
- Diameter: 40.8mm
- Movement: Automatic
- Water Resistant: 30 meters
- Power Reserve: 46 hours
- Frequency: 4Hz
- Strap: Calfskin leather or stainless steel
- Buckle: Folding clasp
Pros
Junghans’ Meister Driver Chronoscope is a novelty luxury timepiece that needs to be on everyone’s collections. Design-wise, it upholds the traditional values in watchmaking that have been passed down from one generation to the next but also celebrates the ingenious designs of automotive during Arthur Junghans’ time. However, the watch is made all the more contemporary with its clean and pristine dial and stainless steel finish that just shimmers in the light. If one wants a more vintage and rustic feel to their own piece, they can also get the watch with a brown calfskin leather strap.
Cons
Although the vintage-inspired style is a huge selling point, it can also possibly drive away potential customers. The overall look of the model’s face is somewhat cartoonish, and not in a good way. The block numbers look as if they were taken from an elementary school textbook and painted on this luxury watch. In terms of the watch’s minute details, the brand could have done more or even different to achieving that vintage feel without having to end up with considerably plain features.
Compare with:
- Montblanc 1858 Geosphere
- Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Day-Date
- Fortis Classic Cosmonauts Steel A.M.
- Longines Lindbergh 47MM Automatic ‘Hour Angle’
Image Credits: Watchuseek (featured image), A Blog To Watch, Monochrome-Watches, Escapement magazine (article images).
