Junghans is one of German clockmakers who dominate clock making worldwide. This is not surprising since they have continually built their reputation since starting in Black Forest, Germany. Today, the company exists under the Diehl Group and still known as one of the largest clock making factory in the world. Their antique clocks are highly valued and are widely collected due to its artistic designs and precise movements.
The company was established by Erhard Junghans and brother-in-law, Jakob Zeller-Tobler in 1861. They initially started out as shop for clock parts, but eventually started to make complete clocks. His brother Xaver, a cabinetmaker living in America, bought machinery for making clock parts. Once the factory was ready, Erhard Junghans concentrated on overseeing the business, his brother focused on the production of clock cases and a hired professional clockmaker was assigned in the production of movements.
After Erhard’s death in 1870, his sons Arthur and Erhard Jr. took over the company. They were able to further improve their father’s company and established Junghans as a brand of quality, exquisitely designed clocks. By 1893, the company had already produced its millionth timepieces. Junghans became the largest clockmaker in the world by 1903. They were able to produce an array of clocks from wall clocks to wristwatches. Gebr Junghans Uhrenfabrik, by this time, continued to expand and merged with other well-known German clockmakers, such as Lenzkirch and Gustav Becker.
Despite the decline of Black Forest clockmakers due to competition from American clockmakers, the Junghans brand struggled to adopt. They were among the first to integrate American methods in their production. The factory initially produced American-style clocks then eventually returned to creating German designs. Today, the factory is owned by Diehl, the largest clock making factory in Germany.
Antique collectible clocks by Junghans are distinguished by the factory trademark, the eagle with flag. The Junghans trademark is illustrated as a clock cogwheel made out of eight-pointed stars. These were registered as early as 1877. These antique German clocks are also valued since they integrate the designs of other German clockmakers of the Black Forest area, such as Lenzkirch and Gustav Becker. The antique Junghans clock integrates into their creation parts of the Black Forest artistry. Some pieces have cabinet cases with hand carved carvings, hand painted designs and gilded clock faces. The designs that are widely collected are their wall clocks made of oak and other hard wood, mantle clocks with cabinet cases and cuckoo clocks. Depending on its condition prices could range from as high as $5,000 to as low as $100.
If you are just starting out your collection of antique clocks, it would be best to read and study before purchasing any antique piece. Learn how to distinguish the characteristics of clocks from different brands, such as trademarks, insignias and initials. Some clocks have their makers trademark stamped either at the case, on the movement or on the dial. Serial numbers could help you track down the age of the pieces you would want to purchase. You would also have to decide whether you would settle for pieces that are auctioned or those that can be bought from dealers. There are published literatures and online journals that could help you with your antique hunt.