Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope vs Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
Junghans's chronograph meets Oris's diver
Quick Verdict
The Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope ($2,500–$5,000) and Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 ($2,500–$5,000) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Max Bill Chronoscope emphasizes Automatic (ETA 2824-2 base) engineering while the Aquis Date Calibre 400 focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,500–$5,000 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Case Size | 40mm | 41.5mm |
| Movement | Automatic Caliber J880.2 | Automatic Calibre 400 |
| Caliber Type | Automatic (ETA 2824-2 base) | Oris In-House Manufacture |
| Power Reserve | 48 Hours | 120 Hours (5 Days) |
| Water Resistance | Splash Resistant | 300m (30 ATM) |
| Crystal | Convex Hard Plexiglass (SICRALAN coated) | 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 Max Bill Chronoscope features a Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Convex Hard Plexiglass (SICRALAN coated) 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 Caliber J880.2 vs Automatic Calibre 400
The Max Bill Chronoscope runs the Automatic Caliber J880.2 (Automatic (ETA 2824-2 base), 48 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
40mm vs 41.5mm — different wrist presence
At 40mm, the Max Bill Chronoscope wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Aquis Date Calibre 400 at 41.5mm. Water resistance differs: Splash Resistant vs 300m (30 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope sits at $2,500–$5,000 and the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 at $2,500–$5,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Max Bill Chronoscope uses Convex Hard Plexiglass (SICRALAN coated) with 48 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
Splash Resistant vs 300m (30 ATM)
The Max Bill Chronoscope is rated to Splash Resistant while the Aquis Date Calibre 400 handles 300m (30 ATM). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 offers superior water resistance.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Case alloy | Stainless steel 316L. | Oris Caliber 733 |
| Crystal | Convex hard plexiglass (acrylic) with SICRALAN scratch-resistant coating — a Junghans proprietary surface treatment that hardens the acrylic and give | Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating on inside |
| Lume specification | Not applicable — the Max Bill dial does not use lume. | Stainless steel 316L (brushed and polished) |
| Strap material | Calfskin leather (black, brown variants), nubuck, or Milanese mesh stainless steel bracelet. | Unidirectional rotating, scratch-resistant ceramic insert with 60-min dive scale and lume pip |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope saves you $58 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope if…
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Chronograph enthusiasts looking for a proven timing instrument
- Dress watch seekers who want understated elegance
- Heritage enthusiasts drawn to ** Junghans's historical pedigree
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 Max Bill Chronoscope
- Valjoux 7750 base at a $1,500–$2,500 band price. Some buyers feel the base movement doesn't justify the retail price. The defense: you pay for the design heritage and German assembly, not the movement engineering.
- Acrylic crystal scratches. The SICRALAN coating helps but doesn't make it sapphire-equivalent. Buyers expecting absolute scratch resistance should choose a sapphire-crystal sibling reference.
- No lume. The Max Bill dial is intentionally lume-free — Bauhaus design principles take precedence over practical readability in the dark.
- 14.4mm thickness. The 7750-based Chronoscope is inevitably thick for what reads visually as a slim dress watch. The proportions feel less honest than the 38mm time-only Max Bill Automatic.
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
Max Bill Chronoscope
Choose the Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope if you prioritize Automatic (ETA 2824-2 base) engineering, Made in Germany craftsmanship, and Splash Resistant water resistance. At $2,500–$5,000, it delivers Automatic Caliber J880.2 with 48 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 Max Bill Chronoscope 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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