Junghans Meister Chronoscope with Gold and Blue Scheme

The German Junghans Meister collection was first introduced in the 1930s and we recently reviewed some compelling models including the Meister Driver Handaufzug and Meister Hand-Winding, concluding that both were excellent value propositions. The Meister Chronoscope line adds a chronograph complication to the distinctive styling of the collection. Limited editions are always eye-catching, but new colour palettes can keep a line fresh when the design is otherwise perfected. That’s what we have with the new Meister Chronoscope sporting a steel case with a PVD-coating, striking blue dial and blue alligator strap. It’s otherwise the same well-received Meister Chronoscope, but the new colour combination adds a character that Junghans states “signifies elegance and harmony and exudes relaxation.” Let’s take a closer look at this latest Chronoscope makeover.

The 316L stainless steel case has a gold PVD-coating (physical vapour deposition) that provides a warmer aesthetic to the cooler untreated steel models. The diameter is 40.7mm with a height of 13.9mm. The crystal is convex plexiglass with a Sicralan coating to increase hardness and scratch resistance. As mentioned in previous Meister reviews, the use of acrylic can be a polarizing element for a modern watch, although it provides a mild distortion and vintage character. Recognizing this, Junghans offers a sapphire crystal option for those wanting modern durability. A five-times screwed caseback has a mineral glass exhibition window showcasing the Swiss automatic movement.

The dial of the Junghans Meister Chronoscope has a dark blue finish with fine sunray brush, accented by four applied gold indices at 12, 6, 3 and 9 o’clock, and gold hands for both time and chronograph functions. A day-date complication sits to the left of the 3 o’clock index. Two large, recessed sub-dials sit at 12 and 6 o’clock offering chronograph counters, and a smaller seconds sub-dial sits at 9 o’clock. The signed knurled crown is flanked by polished chronograph pushers, all gold PVD-coated, and the case is water-resistant to 30 meters.

The Junghans Meister Chronoscope is powered by the Junghans calibre J880.1 automatic, based on the ETA 7750. It has 25 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 48-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock and a day-date complication at 3 o’clock. The ETA 7750 dates back to the 1970s and is a real industry workhorse. Seen from the exhibition caseback, the Junghans rotor is decorated with Côtes de Genève with some additional perlage on the movement and blued screws.

The 21mm dark blue leather strap has an alligator pattern and compliments the blue dial well. It features a gold PVD-coated steel pin buckle. This blue version of the Junghans Meister Chronoscope retails for CHF 1,940 and can be purchased at Junghans’ online store or participating retailers. More information can be found at the Junghans website. This latest edition to the Meister Chronoscope collection enhances Junghans’ portfolio of affordable, stylish and vintage-inspired mechanical watches from a storied brand founded in Schramberg, Germany back in 1861.