Junghans marks 140th year with 27 millionth atomic timepiece

William George Shuster, JCK Senior Editor -- JCK Online, 9/25/2001 12:48:00 PM

Junghans, the internationally known German watchmaker that pioneered atomic (radio-controlled) and solar technology in timepieces, marked its 140th anniversary Sept. 24 with production of its 27 millionth atomic timepiece. The millisecond accuracy of the watches and clocks are maintained by time signals from government-owned atomic clocks, received by miniature antennas built into the timepieces.

The celebration in Schramburg, Germany, long-time Black Forest headquarters of Junghans, included top officials of Junghans and EganaGoldpfeil (the global luxury goods marketer which bought it in 2000), regional and state government officials, and other honored guests.

The 27 millionth atomic watch (a Mega Solar Ceramic model introduced this year in the Untied States) was presented to Justus Frantz, Germany's best-known pianist and conductor, who is founder and conductor of the Philharmonia of the Nations (featuring 200 musicians from 40 countries). Junghans' U.S. offices are located in Pompano Beach, Fla., headquarters of Egana of Switzerland (America), of which it is a division. Its primary customers are independent jewelers and other fine retailers. Junghans and Eganga officials have said penetration of the North American market over the next several years is a top priority. Egana plans to invest $10 million to $20 million dollars over the next five years in developing the U.S. market for its watches, jewelry and accessories. Junghans officials expect annual U.S. sales to reach a minimum of 50,000 within a few years. Hans Blubath, chairman of the Junghans division, calls atomic watch technology is "the next great technology after quartz, which it will eventually replace."