Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope vs Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
Junghans's chronograph meets Oris's diver
Quick Verdict
The Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope (~$2,588) offers Automatic (ETA 2824-2 base) precision at $7 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 Max Bill Chronoscope | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$2,588 | ~$2,595 |
| 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
Movement & Performance
Automatic Caliber J880.2 vs Automatic Calibre 400
Wearability & Fit
40mm vs 41.5mm — different wrist presence
Value & Cost of Ownership
Junghans is $7 more affordable
Water Resistance
Splash Resistant vs 300m (30 ATM)
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 $2,200. 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 $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
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 ~$2,588, 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 ~$2,595, the Automatic Calibre 400 with 120 Hours (5 Days) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Junghans 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.