Junghans Form A Automatic vs Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
Junghans's dress watch meets Oris's diver
Quick Verdict
The Junghans Form A Automatic ($1,000–$1,500) offers Swiss ETA Base, German-Finished precision in the tier below the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 ($2,500–$5,000). The Form A Automatic measures 39.3mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Junghans Form A Automatic | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,000–$1,500 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Case Size | 39.3mm | 41.5mm |
| Movement | Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) | Automatic Calibre 400 |
| Caliber Type | Swiss ETA Base, German-Finished | Oris In-House Manufacture |
| Power Reserve | 38 Hours | 120 Hours (5 Days) |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 300m (30 ATM) |
| Crystal | Flat Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating | Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Made in Germany | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Junghans's design language vs Oris's approach
The Junghans Form A Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39.3mm with Flat Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating protection. The Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 offers Stainless Steel construction at 41.5mm with Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) vs Automatic Calibre 400
The Form A Automatic runs the Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) (Swiss ETA Base, German-Finished, 38 Hours power reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency. The Aquis Date Calibre 400 uses the Automatic Calibre 400 (Oris In-House Manufacture, 120 Hours (5 Days) reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39.3mm vs 41.5mm — different wrist presence
At 39.3mm, the Form A Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Aquis Date Calibre 400 at 41.5mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Junghans sits in the lower tier
The Junghans Form A Automatic sits at $1,000–$1,500 and the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 at $2,500–$5,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Form A Automatic uses Flat Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating with 38 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating and 120 Hours (5 Days) on the Aquis Date Calibre 400. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM)
The Form A Automatic is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Aquis Date Calibre 400 handles 300m (30 ATM). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 offers superior water resistance.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Junghans Form A Automatic | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Case alloy | 316L stainless steel — standard grade for mid-range watchmaking. Hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant. | Oris Caliber 733 |
| Crystal | Flat sapphire (Mohs 9) with anti-reflective coating on the underside — provides excellent clarity with minimal internal glare. Note — Unlike the Max Mohs 9 | Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating on inside |
| Caseback crystal | Tinted mineral glass (smoke/grey tint) — provides partial view of the movement while maintaining a subtle aesthetic. | Stainless steel 316L (brushed and polished) |
| Dial material | Brass-base dial with matte silver lacquer finish, embossed (stamped) square minute track producing three-dimensional relief. | Unidirectional rotating, scratch-resistant ceramic insert with 60-min dive scale and lume pip |
| Strap | Black calfskin leather with polished stainless steel pin buckle. Leather is adequate quality but not luxury-grade. | — |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Junghans Form A Automatic saves you $964 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Junghans Form A Automatic if…
- Enthusiasts wanting proven Swiss/Japanese quality in the $1,000–$2,000 sweet spot
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Dress watch seekers who want understated elegance
Pick the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 if…
- Dive watch enthusiasts — 300m water resistance is proper dive spec
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Dive watch collectors who appreciate proper ISO-rated tool watches
- Buyers who prefer a commanding wrist presence — 43mm case
Junghans Form A Automatic
- ETA 2824-2 at a $1,000–$1,500 band price — fair value but not prestige movement. NOMOS offers in-house for only slightly more.
- 38-hour power reserve — leaves unworn for a weekend and it's stopped by Monday
- No lume / dress-only — not versatile for active or outdoor use
- Limited US distribution — difficult to try on in person outside major cities
Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
- Sellita base movement at this price — fair value but not in-house prestige (Caliber 400 variants resolve).
- 43.5mm large for smaller wrists (smaller variants available).
- Proprietary endlinks limit strap options.
Our Verdict
Junghans
Form A Automatic
Choose the Junghans Form A Automatic if you prioritize Swiss ETA Base, German-Finished engineering, Made in Germany craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. At $1,000–$1,500, it delivers Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) with 38 Hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonOris
Aquis Date Calibre 400
Choose the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 if you value Oris In-House Manufacture technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 41.5mm proportions. At $2,500–$5,000, the Automatic Calibre 400 with 120 Hours (5 Days) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Junghans Form A Automatic and Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Junghans bringing Made in Germany tradition while Oris delivers Swiss Made engineering.
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