
When most individuals consider solar-powered watches, it’s often the assorted Japanese manufacturers that first come to thoughts, though German-based Junghans is one other title that must be on collectors’ radar relating to this specific area. At the moment, photo voltaic watches solely make up a relative fraction of Junghans’ total choices, though they in the end supply fairly superior actions wrapped up contained in the model’s basic Bauhaus-inspired design language. Generally it’s simple to see a brand new Max Invoice launch and easily write it off as only a novel colorway of the mechanical items which were round for years, however the Junghans Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic watches signify considerably totally different timepieces from a motion and performance standpoint. The newest new duo of latest releases from Junghans for 2023 develop the model’s solar-powered choices with two very totally different colorways for its Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic lineup, and the brand new fashions in the end have much more in frequent with one thing like a Seiko Astron or a premium G-Shock from a performance standpoint, whereas nonetheless providing the Max Invoice assortment’s clear and basic total look.
The pair of latest Junghans Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic watches options chrome steel circumstances that measure 38mm in diameter by 9mm thick with a standard spherical profile and a crown positioned on the 3 o’clock location. Whereas the reference 59/4325.02 encompasses a basic polished end on its case, the reference 59/7324.02 affords the identical case with a gold-colored PVD therapy. On condition that the brand new Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic watches characteristic radio-controlled actions, an extra push-piece is positioned on the aspect of the case on the 4 o’clock place with a view to facilitate their operation, though for the reason that case curves inward beneath the bezel on the decrease aspect, the push-piece and its housing are hidden from view when immediately wanting on the face of the watch. The dial aspect of the brand new Junghans Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic fashions will get fitted with a domed sapphire crystal that has anti-reflective therapy on each side, whereas the screw-on caseback is fitted with a non-transparent mineral glass crystal that encompasses a solar motif, and water resistance for the brand new fashions is available in at a reasonably normal 50 meters. At a fast look, these new watches may simply be confused for the model’s conventional mechanical fashions, though what actually units these solar-powered variants aside is the actions used to energy them.
Inside the brand new pair of Junghans Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic watches is the model’s Caliber J101.85 radio-controlled related motion. Developed and manufactured in Schramberg, Germany, the Junghans Cal. J101.85 is powered by a curved photo voltaic cell that sits beneath the watches’ semi-translucent dials, and it additionally affords a power-saving characteristic that can permit it to maintain correct time for as much as three years in complete darkness. That mentioned, arguably probably the most spectacular characteristic of the Cal. J101.85 is its superior performance, and other than its solar-powered capabilities, the radio-controlled motion additionally affords a perpetual calendar, computerized adjustment for daylight saving time, and straightforward setting and time zone synchronization by way of both the crown or the model’s smartphone app. On paper, the Junghans Cal. J101.85 photo voltaic motion seems to be extremely promising, as typically the best disadvantage of feature-rich analog actions can typically be the convoluted course of concerned with setting them. Having the watch able to being configured by way of a smartphone simply cures this subject, and it additionally permits the brand new Junghans Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic watches to retain their clear signature Bauhaus look.
To enhance their totally different case ending, every of the 2 new Junghans Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic watches receives a distinct dial and strap. With that in thoughts, the general design and format of the 2 dials are similar on each fashions, and each variations of the dial are primarily based upon the identical domed white semi-transparent floor that provides the basic Max Invoice aesthetic. Nonetheless, the chrome steel ref. 59/4325.02 receives a dial with shiny purple numerals and matching purple printing on its calendar disc, whereas the gold PVD-finished ref. 59/7324.02 has a dial that provides these identical particulars in a extra conventional black printing. Equally, each fashions are fitted with fingers that match the respective steel colours of their circumstances, and whereas the gold PVD ref. 59/7324.02 is fitted with a taupe-colored leather-based strap that has a signed gold PVD pin buckle, the chrome steel ref. 59/4325.02 receives a shiny purple vegan-friendly strap comprised of recycled apple fiber with a tan microfiber lining and a stainless-steel buckle.
Regardless of their wealth of options, the brand new Junghans Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic watches are literally priced barely beneath their computerized counterparts, with the chrome steel ref. 59/4325.02 coming in at €1,075.00 EUR, whereas the gold PVD ref. 59/7324.02 prices barely extra at €1,175.00 EUR (or roughly $1,180 USD and $1,290 USD, respectively, on the time of writing). Whereas you will get many of those identical trendy options from one of many big-name Japanese manufacturers for a bit much less cash, these new Junghans Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic watches in the end appear fairly pretty priced if you take a look at the remainder of the German model’s present catalog. Though traditionalists will doubtless at all times choose mechanical actions, these new solar-powered fashions aren’t essentially aimed on the die-hard fanatic demographic, however quite they’re the proper timepieces for individuals who love the basic Max Invoice Bauhaus design however need it in a up to date bundle that provides completely trendy conveniences with true set-it-and-forget-it performance. For extra data on the Junghans Max Invoice Mega Photo voltaic assortment, please go to the model’s web site.