Updated
Junghans Form A Automatic vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde
Two dress watchs compared — $1,000–$1,500 vs $100–$150
Quick Verdict
The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) delivers Quartz technology in the tier below the Junghans Form A Automatic ($1,000–$1,500). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The Form A Automatic justifies its premium with Made in Germany heritage and Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2). Both represent excellent choices in the dress watch category.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Junghans Form A Automatic | Stauer 1920s Retrograde |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,000–$1,500 | $100–$150 |
| Case Size | 39.3mm | 43mm |
| Movement | Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) | Quartz |
| Caliber Type | Swiss ETA Base, German-Finished | Quartz |
| Power Reserve | 38 Hours | Battery |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer |
| Crystal | Flat Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating | Mineral crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) |
| Origin | Made in Germany | Stauer (USA brand, imported) |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Junghans's design language vs Stauer's approach
The Junghans Form A Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39.3mm with Flat Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic J800.2 (ETA 2824-2) vs Quartz
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 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. The Form A Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39.3mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence
At 39.3mm, the Form A Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.
Value & Cost of Ownership
Stauer sits in the lower tier
The Junghans Form A Automatic sits at $1,000–$1,500 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Form A Automatic uses Flat Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating with 38 Hours, against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
The Form A Automatic is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The 1920s Retrograde offers superior water resistance.
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.
View the dossierStauer
1920s Retrograde
Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Junghans Form A Automatic and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to the dress watch category — the Junghans bringing Made in Germany tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.