Junghans 1972 Competition

Junghans revisits a significant period in its history with the introduction of the 1972 Competition watches. These models draw heavily from the distinctive design aesthetics of the 1970s, an era when the German watchmaker was deeply involved in the world of sports timekeeping. The launch presents two distinct variations, each capturing the spirit of that decade through a unique case shape and chronograph layout, directly referencing Junghans' expertise and presence at major sporting events fifty years ago.

The legacy of Junghans stretches back to 1861 in Schramberg, Germany. Initially focusing on producing components for Black Forest clocks, the company quickly evolved into manufacturing complete timepieces. Throughout the 20th century, Junghans established itself as a major force in German watchmaking, known for both its mechanical ingenuity and its adoption of new technologies, including radio-controlled and solar-powered watches later in its history. A key part of this legacy involves precision timing, particularly in sports, where accuracy is paramount.



The 1970s were a notable decade for Junghans in the realm of sports timing. The brand served as the official timekeeper for numerous high-profile competitions, solidifying its reputation for precision and reliability under pressure. This historical connection is the bedrock upon which the 1972 Competition models are built. The design isn't merely retro; it's a direct callback to the functional aesthetics of the stopwatches and timing equipment Junghans developed and used during that period, embodying the dynamism and technological advancements associated with competitive sports.

The design language of the 1972 Competition is overtly influenced by the 1970s. This is most apparent in the unconventional, horizontally-oriented oval case shape. This form deviates significantly from the traditional round cases prevalent today, immediately signaling its vintage inspiration. Furthermore, the placement of the chronograph pushers and the crown at the 12 o'clock position, often referred to as a "bullhead" configuration, strongly evokes the ergonomics of handheld stopwatches, reinforcing the link to Junghans' timekeeping heritage.

The case itself is crafted from stainless steel, providing durability and a sporty feel. Its dimensions are quite specific: measuring 45.5 mm across (from the 9 to 3 o'clock position) and 41.0 mm vertically (from 12 to 6 o'clock), with a thickness of 14.5 mm. This horizontal emphasis contributes significantly to the watch's unique wrist presence. The case back is also stainless steel, secured by four screws for robustness and water resistance. It features an edition engraving, signifying its place within this specific series. A screwed crown further enhances the case's integrity.

Powering the 1972 Competition watches is the self-winding Calibre J880.5 movement. This automatic chronograph movement provides reliable timekeeping and stopwatch functionality without the need for manual winding, assuming regular wear. When the chronograph function is not actively being used, the movement offers a respectable power reserve of approximately 48 hours, ensuring it will continue running for about two days off the wrist.



The functionality provided by the J880.5 movement includes central hours and minutes, along with essential chronograph features. A small seconds sub-dial is positioned at 6 o'clock, providing continuous indication that the watch is running. For precise time-setting, the movement incorporates a stop-second (or hacking) mechanism, which halts the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out. The chronograph itself features a central stop second hand and a 30-minute counter located prominently at the 12 o'clock position. A date complication is also included, typically displayed in a window on the dial, adding practical daily utility.

Turning to the dial options, Junghans offers two distinct variations. The first model (reference 27/4509.00) features a bright white dial. This dial is treated with a sunburst finish, creating dynamic light play across its surface, and is protected by a matt transparent lacquer. The chronograph sub-dials (totalisers) and the tachymeter scale around the dial's periphery are rendered in a contrasting matt white finish, maintaining a clean, legible look while adding textural depth.

The second version (reference 27/4504.00) presents a darker alternative with a dark grey dial. Similar to its white counterpart, this dial utilizes a sunburst finish beneath a matt transparent lacquer. The totalisers and tachymeter scale adopt a matt black finish, offering a subtle contrast against the grey background for a moodier, perhaps more instrument-like appearance. Both dial variants share the same fundamental layout and chronograph configuration.

Legibility is crucial, especially for a watch inspired by sports timing. Both the white and dark grey dial versions feature minute tracks treated with an environmentally-friendly luminous substance. The hour and minute hands are also coated with this lume, ensuring readability in low-light conditions. On the white dial version, the lume is white, blending seamlessly in daylight, while the dark grey dial version also uses a suitable luminous material for its hands and markers.



Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal. This material is highly valued in watchmaking for its exceptional scratch resistance, second only to diamond. It ensures the watch face remains clear and free from minor scuffs over time. Enhancing visibility further, the crystal features an anti-reflection coating applied to both its upper and lower surfaces. This minimizes glare and reflections, making the dial easy to read from various angles and under different lighting conditions.

The strap design complements the watch's sporty, retro character. Both models come fitted with a leather strap featuring prominent perforations, a style often associated with racing chronographs from the 1970s. The leather has a grey lining for comfort against the skin. A distinctive feature is the stainless steel inlay integrated into the strap near the lugs, adding a structural and visual element. The strap is securely attached to the case using two screws, emphasizing a robust connection.

Specifically, the white dial model is paired with a matching white perforated leather strap, creating a cohesive and bright aesthetic. This combination enhances the watch's summery, sporty vibe and makes the unique case shape stand out prominently. The visual continuity between the dial and strap is striking.

Conversely, the dark grey dial model comes with a black perforated leather strap. This pairing results in a more subdued and perhaps versatile look compared to the white version. The black strap grounds the design, allowing the grey sunburst dial and the unique case architecture to remain the focal points, albeit with a slightly stealthier overall feel.



Both strap versions are equipped with a stainless steel folding clasp. This type of clasp offers security on the wrist, preventing accidental opening, and provides a more refined closure compared to a standard pin buckle. It also allows for easier on and off, contributing to the overall user experience.

Junghans has ensured the 1972 Competition is reasonably versatile in terms of water resistance. The watches are rated water-resistant up to 10 bar. This is equivalent to the pressure experienced at a depth of approximately 100 meters (or 330 feet). While not intended for professional diving, this level of resistance makes the watch suitable for swimming, showering, and other water-related activities, aligning with its sporty character. The screwed crown contributes significantly to achieving this rating.

On the wrist, the Junghans 1972 Competition makes a distinct statement. The horizontal oval shape combined with the 45.5mm width ensures it has considerable presence. However, the relatively contained 41.0mm height (lug-to-lug equivalent, though integrated) and the way the strap attaches might make it wear more comfortably than its width suggests. The "bullhead" pusher and crown arrangement at the top is immediately noticeable and functional, offering easy access to the chronograph controls without interference on the side of the wrist.

The chronograph functionality itself is straightforward and practical. The top pusher typically starts and stops the central seconds hand, while the other pusher resets it along with the 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock. This layout is intuitive, mirroring the operation of classic stopwatches. The tachymeter scale allows for the calculation of speed over a known distance, further cementing the watch's connection to motorsport and speed measurement.

The name "1972" is not arbitrary. It directly references a pivotal year for Junghans, coinciding with the Summer Olympics held in Munich, Germany. Junghans served as the official timekeeper for these games, deploying advanced electronic timing systems that captured results with unprecedented accuracy. These watches serve as a tribute to that significant achievement and the brand's technical prowess during that era, embodying the spirit of competition and precision.



Beyond the specific technical features and design elements, these watches represent German watchmaking craftsmanship. Junghans has a long history of producing reliable and well-finished timepieces. One can expect careful attention to detail in the case finishing, the application of the dial elements, the smooth operation of the movement and chronograph pushers, and the overall build quality, reflecting the standards associated with the brand.

The Junghans 1972 Competition watches are priced at €2,590.00 each. Given the "edition engraving" mentioned on the case back, these may be produced in limited quantities or as a special series rather than continuous production. The watches are available for purchase through authorized Junghans retailers and potentially directly from the Junghans official website.

White Dial:

Case: Oval stainless steel case, 45.5 mm (9-3) x 41.0 mm (12-6), 14.5 mm height. Stainless steel case back retained by 4 screws with edition engraving, screwed crown. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating on both sides. Water-resistant up to 10 bar.

Movement: Self-winding movement J880.5. Power reserve of 48 hours (without chronoscope function). Functions include date, small second (6 o’clock), stop second, 30-minute counter (12 o’clock).

Dial: White with sunburst finish and matt transparent lacquer. Totalisers and tachymeter scale in matt white. Minute track and hour/minute hands with environmentally-friendly white luminous substance.

Strap: White leather strap with grey lining leather and perforation. Strap includes stainless steel inlay, retained by two screws. Stainless steel folding clasp.

Price: €2,590.00

Reference Number: 27/4509.00

Notes: Distinctive 1970s design with oval case and "bullhead" crown/pushers at 12 o'clock, referencing Junghans' history as a sports timekeeper. Features edition engraving on the case back.



Black Dial:

Case: Oval stainless steel case, 45.5 mm (9-3) x 41.0 mm (12-6), 14.5 mm height. Stainless steel case back retained by 4 screws with edition engraving, screwed crown. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating on both sides. Water-resistant up to 10 bar.

Movement: Self-winding movement J880.5. Power reserve of 48 hours (without chronoscope function). Functions include date, small second (6 o’clock), stop second, 30-minute counter (12 o’clock).

Dial: Dark grey with sunburst finish and matt transparent lacquer. Totalisers and tachymeter scale in matt black. Minute track and hour/minute hands with environmentally-friendly luminous substance.

Strap: Black leather strap with grey lining leather and perforation. Strap includes stainless steel inlay, retained by two screws. Stainless steel folding clasp.

Price: €2,590.00

Reference Number: 27/4504.00

Notes: Distinctive 1970s design with oval case and "bullhead" crown/pushers at 12 o'clock, referencing Junghans' history as a sports timekeeper. Features edition engraving on the case back.