Who knows an alternative to the Max Bill?
I like the style and looks of this Junghans Max Bill, but I'm not too fond of the specs and value - 500€ used for 3atm and a Ronda is not Bauhaus :)
So, fellow crunchniks: I want a silver case, silver dial - pref. sunburst or better linen (oo yes), no numbers, and it's gotta!! have that bulbous domed dial shape and crystal. Plexi is welcome, date too, at least 5atm would be swell, quartz, mall brand and/or vintage will do fine. Can also be a finer piece. Must be 36-39mm.
Any suggestions?
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The Archimede 1950-1 fits most of that bill (although it is automatic not quartz and still 3atm):
https://www.archimede-watches.com/1950-s/1950-1/
I can't think of any watch that fits to that description but I can recommend this one. It's got both the bulbous domed dial and crystal, automatic movement, simple design etc but it's 42mm.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mKy15HA
Just a suggestion. 🍻
Try Sternglas?
https://www.sternglas.com/
I don’t have any personal experience with the brand but I have often thought that Iron Annie make very similar watches. That may be an option for you 👇
Yep, check out Sternglass or Junkers*
I can't think of any watch that fits to that description but I can recommend this one. It's got both the bulbous domed dial and crystal, automatic movement, simple design etc but it's 42mm.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mKy15HA
Just a suggestion. 🍻
I was going to suggest Feice as well.
Loreo do a nice one too.
The model is 6112G.
And there's a chronograph version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAe5uJShOUs
Look at options in the Stowa Bauhaus line. It's a great German brand - superb build and design. Great to buy from if you find what you are looking for from them.
Okay so this exact watch was featured in the MoMA in London for its innovative design back in the day (it was the symmetry in its lack of visual lugs that was so unique). It is a legit design icon in the space and it’s currently less than $100 US on Amazon. It’s 38mm and 50m WR. There’s a sub seconds version for a very little more and automatic versions that stretch up to a few hundred.
Sternglas make similar style watches for around £250.
its 40mm but i think it got the same bauhaus feel
I can also vouch for Sternglas. I got my Naos XS basically as the watch that triggered my getting into this - hobby? Obsession? - so at the time I knew about Bauhaus generally but didn't know Junghans and its significance specifically. That being said, for me the Naos really gives me the pleasure of the Bauhaus aesthetic without the Max Bill price tag, so much that I don't really ever think about getting a Junghans. And the Naos XS has a really nice domed crystal that feels like a polished pebble, while the small size keeps it from feeling like a rock. (Aside: at one point I really wanted a Seiko "Cocktail Time," but while it's very attractive and also has a kind of similar domed effect to the crystal, it felt too large for me - more like a big rock than a pebble for my 6.5" wrist.) I don't know the Naos XS specs but think it's much smaller than 38mm - might be as small as 34mm. But because of the crystal shape and the dial constituting basically the entire surface view - no bezel to speak of - I think it wears much larger. Can't say about how other Sternglas models will wear, but just another $0.02.
I'd also argue that, if Bauhaus is about functionality first and form following, then in spirit Sternglas is genuinely Bauhaus given the use of reliable movements (Ronda quartz for the Naos XS, I think Miyota for the automatics) and the price.
Best of luck!
I have the Iron Annie Bauhaus, automatic with a Sellita SW200 that I got new on eBay for $290. I love it.
I have the Iron Annie Bauhaus, automatic with a Sellita SW200 that I got new on eBay for $290. I love it.
But I ended up getting the Max Bill Chronoscope eventually...
Try Sternglas?
I've looked at them, and they're nice - and from my hometown!- but not silver and no domed dial. 😥
Loreo do a nice one too.
The model is 6112G.
And there's a chronograph version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAe5uJShOUs
Sold out, unfortunately ...😥
Look at options in the Stowa Bauhaus line. It's a great German brand - superb build and design. Great to buy from if you find what you are looking for from them.
Not bulbous enough :)
This, perhaps?
The Max Bill is an amazing watch, don't let the specs scare u away. I had similar qualms until it arrived in hand.
But if you must settle, try Sternglas of even Zeppelin. I would stick with German made.
The Max Bill is an amazing watch, don't let the specs scare u away. I had similar qualms until it arrived in hand.
But if you must settle, try Sternglas of even Zeppelin. I would stick with German made.
Yea, seems there is no alternative so far ... guess I better try one on IRL. Luckily all the ADs here carry it.
Yea, seems there is no alternative so far ... guess I better try one on IRL. Luckily all the ADs here carry it.
Yeah, the value doesnt lie in the specs for the Max Bill, its purely in the design, heritage and quality. I have mine on an aftermarket strap, but the stock strap is the best stock leather strap of any watch that I've purchased. The winding on the movement (SW200) is excellent. The date change is super audible and tactile. The dome on the crystal is like wizardry. I love how the dial curves with the crystal. I love how the strap ends disappears under the case. Etc.
For all the folks reading this post at a later date, here's some dome-dials (btw what is the correct horological term for this?) I found at Ali's. All of them look great -- but unfortunately, are all 40mm and up, and have goofy names - "Reef Tiger" is kinda cool tho :)