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 (~$1,255) offers Swiss ETA Base, German-Finished precision at $1,340 less than the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 (~$2,595). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective price points.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Junghans Form A Automatic | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1,255 | ~$2,595 |
| 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
Movement & Performance
Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) vs Automatic Calibre 400
Wearability & Fit
39.3mm vs 41.5mm — different wrist presence
Value & Cost of Ownership
Junghans is $1,340 more affordable
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM)
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 $1,450 — fair value but not prestige movement. NOMOS offers in-house at $1,680.
- 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 $2,300 — 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 ~$1,255, 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 ~$2,595, 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.