Before we get to my Junghans Max Bill Manual Wind review, a little history. Founded in 1861 and the largest watch and clock factory by 1903, Junghans is a German watch producer best known for their Max Bill line (and making detonators during the war), so called after the infamous Bauhaus schooled designer Max Bill and modeled after his popular wall clock design for Junghans.

Re-released in 2010, the Max Bill denomination of pieces come in a variety of configurations. This Junghans Max Bill Manual Wind version comes in at a classic 34mm. Topped by an acrylic crystal on a natural calf leather strap, it feels as though you’re wearing nothing at all on the wrist. The design is the Max Bill’s strongest point. Easily dressed up or down with a dial that positively glistens in the sun, it wears best on a leather strap.

If you’re somebody like me who wants to try smaller watches to experience times gone by, the Max Bill is a great option that can be found for less than AU$1000. Purely in terms of design aesthetic, this little guy stands up tall next to Nomos and has the history to back it. One curious thing is the significant “tinging” noise which can just be heard in a silent room, thanks to the domed acrylic acting like an amplifier.

The strap does leave much to be desired. It’s a very very soft leather and begins to wear and mark at the buckle within a mere 2 weeks of ownership, taking away from the value proposition. When I feel like dressing up a little or wearing something different that, purely because of its size, can start a conversation, I wear this. I absolutely love it. The aesthetic design of the Junghans Max Bill Manual Wind is absolutely faultless and for sure capable of making you study every detail. It’s not every day you see a Junghans and it is, sadly, missing from many collections out there.