Hugo Junkers
Hugo Junkers made aviation history with his aeroplanes, above all the J 1, the F 13 and the JU 52. His inventions and achievements paved the way for civil aviation. They are still in use today, in every Airbus and Boeing that flies high above our heads. Of course, times bring innovations and the beginning of the 20th century was particularly rich in them. But it was Hugo Junkers who, through his tireless drive for research and determination to fight against the resistance in the minds of his colleagues, consistently realised these developments and, contrary to the opinion of the time, made metal fly. In 1910, he patented the idea of accommodating the struts, propulsion and, if possible, the cargo and passengers of an aeroplane in a hollow body, the shape of which was instrumental in providing lift for the aircraft. The so-called thick wing is taken for granted today and is used worldwide.
Hugo Junkers did not design any of his aeroplanes himself. He knew how to recognise and promote talent and work towards a common goal. As a result, the name of a designer whom Hugo Junkers was able to commission and challenge to realise his vision is always closely associated with every Junkers aircraft. Due to this attitude, he also recognised the potential of the Bauhaus early on, which no longer saw research, art and craftsmanship as separate from one another, and became one of its best-known patrons at the time.
As a result of his research, for which purpose he constructed a wind tunnel and built it on the roof of his first teaching facility, the RWTH Aachen, aeroplanes were created that were also visually ground-breaking. Nowadays they may seem clunky, but if you compare them with the "flying boxes" of the past, the revolution becomes clear.
The Junkers A50 - streamlined pure form
The Junkers A50 Junior is an outstanding example of the streamlined shape of a Junkers aeroplane. Designed purely as a sports aeroplane, the reduction in weight was particularly important here. This led to the reduced, narrow fuselage, which still looks extremely aesthetic today.
The perfect, beautiful shape of its aeroplanes and the fact that technology that is over a hundred years old is still valid today continues to inspire time and time again. Two Hugo Junkers models, built by Junkers Flugzeugwerke, are currently back in the air, practically true to the original. Engines have evolved and have been adapted accordingly, and digitalisation has of course been incorporated into the instrumentation. However, the basic shape has hardly had to be altered and pilots can now fly safely and efficiently in a legendary aircraft that can call itself a timeless classic.
Junkers is not just thinking about yesterday when it comes to watches either. Of course, the development of a portable watch dates back to the 15th century. Their shape has not changed significantly either. Watches play an important role in aviation for various reasons. Similar to nautical instruments, they have always been an integral part of steering and navigation instruments. With our analogue timepieces, we want to give people of today an accessory for everyday life that reminds them of the achievements of mankind, reflects their own style and also makes their practical use a constant source of pleasure. The spirit of invention and aviation is deeply rooted in our DNA. Junkers watches are currently working on a very special material innovation in collaboration with the aircraft factories. Who says that an innovation can't be transferred from one discipline to another, from the past to the present?
The Junkers A 50 special edition
The Junkers A 50 special edition comes with an appliquéd aeroplane on the corrugated metal dial, reminding us of the feeling of flying over mountains and valleys in an open sports plane every time we look at the watch. As it is equipped with a GMT movement, an individual second time zone can be set.
