Junghans’s 2020 black-and-white Max Bill release paired the 40 mm Max Bill Chronoscope, reference 027/4008.04, with two simpler three-hand Automatics: the 38 mm 027/4007.04 and 34 mm 027/4006.04. All three were reported with anthracite PVD-coated steel cases, matte white dials and water resistance up to 3 bar. The Chronoscope adds a stop function and elapsed-time counters; the Automatics show the time and date.
These are historical specifications reported in January and February 2020, not current specifications for every Max Bill watch. Junghans’s current collection pages show other references, so current listings do not establish that these exact monochrome models remain available.
Which black-and-white Max Bill models are these?
The monochrome group comprised three references. The Chronoscope is 027/4008.04; the two Automatics are 027/4007.04 and 027/4006.04. The smaller Automatic is often styled “Small Automatic.” The figures below are those reported for these specific variants in 2020, rather than specifications that apply across the Max Bill range.
| Model and reference | Function | Reported case size | Movement and reserve | Reported water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Bill Chronoscope 027/4008.04 | Automatic chronograph with date and elapsed-time counters | 40 mm diameter; 14.4 mm high | J880.2; up to 48 hours | Up to 3 bar |
| Max Bill Automatic 027/4007.04 | Three-hand time display with date | 38 mm diameter; 10 mm high | J800.1; up to 42 hours | Up to 3 bar |
| Max Bill Small Automatic 027/4006.04 | Three-hand time display with date | 34 mm diameter; 10 mm high | J800.1; up to 42 hours | Up to 3 bar |
MasterHorologer reported these specifications on 1 February 2020; they are published specifications, not independent test results. MasterHorologer’s 2020 model report gives the reference-level details.
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What distinguishes the Chronoscope from the Automatics?
Chronoscope: elapsed-time measurement
The 027/4008.04 combines automatic timekeeping with a stop function and 30-minute and 12-hour elapsed-time counters. Monochrome Watches describes day and date apertures at 3 o’clock and vertically aligned counters on the dial. Its account identifies the movement as J880.2 and says it is based on the Sellita SW-500; that movement-origin detail is attributed to Monochrome Watches, rather than independently confirmed by Junghans material cited here. Monochrome Watches’ report covers the layout and movement account.
Junghans uses “Chronoscope” for watches with this additional stop function. In a German press release dated 12 September 2024, the company wrote: “Uhren mit dieser Zusatzfunktion nennt Junghans Chronoscope” (“Junghans calls watches with this additional function Chronoscopes”). The term describes the timing function, not a different way of displaying ordinary time. Junghans’s press release also distinguishes reading stopped time from writing it.
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Automatic: time and date
The 027/4007.04 and 027/4006.04 use the self-winding J800.1 movement, with a reported power reserve of up to 42 hours. Their simpler three-hand layout includes a date display, without the Chronoscope’s stop function and elapsed-time counters.
How the monochrome design is put together
The 2020 versions contrast anthracite PVD-coated stainless steel with matte white dials. Black numerals and hands carry the main display, while grey luminous treatment adds a subtler contrast. The Chronoscope’s larger case and subdials make its layout busier than the Automatics’, but the shared palette keeps the three watches visually related.
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For the Chronoscope, the 2020 report specifies domed hard Plexiglas with a scratch-resistant coating, a screwed caseback, and a calfskin strap with a matching anthracite PVD buckle. The two Automatic references were also reported with domed coated hard Plexiglas and matching calfskin straps and buckles. These details are specific to the reported variants and should not be assumed for other Max Bill references.
Why the Max Bill design is associated with Bauhaus
Junghans describes the Max Bill collection as inspired by Bauhaus and connects the watches’ minimalist approach to designer Max Bill. That context helps explain the restrained dial design: clear numerals and a spare arrangement remain central even when the Chronoscope adds extra indicators. Junghans’s 2024 press release discusses the collection’s design context.
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- Timeless styling that effortlessly takes you from work to play.
- 3 Hand, Day / Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Monochrome Watches adds a more specific historical link: it reports that Max Bill was commissioned to design Junghans’s Exacta kitchen clock in 1957, and that the Chronoscope numeral typeface derives from a custom typeface he designed for that clock. This is the specialist publication’s historical account, not an archival finding independently established here. Read its design coverage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are these exact monochrome references still sold?
Junghans’s current Max Bill collection page lists Automatic and Chronoscope watches, but the collection also includes references other than the three discussed here. Its official page for Automatic item 27/3400.02, for example, describes a different black-dial watch: a 38 mm polished-steel case, J800.1 movement with up to 38 hours’ reserve, domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal and water resistance up to 5 bar. Those specifications should not be substituted for the 2020 white-dial 027/4007.04 or 027/4006.04. Junghans’s Max Bill collection and the 27/3400.02 product page show current, different variants.
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The current Chronoscope page likewise presents a different reference, item 27/7800.02. Collection-level listings establish that Junghans continues to list Max Bill watches, but they do not confirm ongoing production, stock or availability for 027/4008.04, 027/4007.04 or 027/4006.04. Check the exact reference with Junghans or a seller before treating any listing as the same watch. Junghans’s 27/7800.02 page is for that other Chronoscope variant.
Quick Recap
What to check before buying or replacing a strap
- Match the full reference. Confirm 027/4008.04, 027/4007.04 or 027/4006.04; a similar name or dial color does not establish identical specifications.
- Verify the listing’s condition and details. For a pre-owned watch, compare the case, dial, movement and included strap or buckle with the seller’s photographs and documentation.
- Check strap fit before ordering. Junghans lists Max Bill straps and clasps for other references, but that does not establish fit on these 2020 models. Confirm lug width, buckle dimensions and reference compatibility with Junghans or the strap maker. The current Chronoscope page’s accessories are not proof of compatibility with 027/4008.04.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
