The Original Radio-Controlled Watch Gets a Rare Minimalist Reissue

Junghans revisits a groundbreaking digital watch design from 1990 and redevelops it for the modern era.

Closeup of Junghans Mega Futura watch on black background

Published March 10, 2025

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Over three decades ago, Junghans revolutionized the watchmaking industry by launching the first-ever radio-controlled watch, the Mega 1. Since then, the development has become a go-to convenience and quality-of-life feature for analog and digital watches alike.

Now, the brand has returned to that game-changing, iconic design, modernizing it for present-day audiences in the Junghans Mega Futura.

Junghans Mega Futura watches on blue background — Along with the gunmetal-and-black version, the Mega Futura comes in two silver-cased editions with slightly different styling highlights.

Modern revival

The watch’s design is very similar to the original Mega 1, but there are some significant changes. The display is more prominent, easier to read and more minimalist overall — all boons for lovers of convenience and modern design.

The case is made from PVD-coated steel and has a sapphire crystal over the display. It’s also water-resistant to 5 bar, which makes it safe from rain, splashes, and quick submersions.

The strap is a key feature that’s still quite similar to the original. Like its predecessor, this new version has an integrated leather strap with a stainless steel buckle. However, the material is sleeker and more modern than its textured inspiration.

The case’s shape is also somewhat different. Expanding on the original, this one is even more asymmetrical and juts further out on the left-hand side. While it makes the watch more distinct and immediately recognizable, it will also likely be a polarizing choice that further separates fans and detractors.

Junghans Mega Futura caseback on blue background — The watch’s back is etched with a world map and marked with the applicable radio control zones.

Time to travel

Funny enough, the best feature of the original watch is still one of the best in this new edition. In case it’s not obvious, it’s the radio-control function — part of the watch’s J604.90 multi-frequency movement.

The watch automatically self-adjusts based on signals received from the DCF-77 transmitter in Germany, the WWVB transmitter in the United States and Japan’s JJY40 and JJY60. That makes this edition an ideal and convenient travel companion.

The watch can also be switched between 12- and 24-hour display options, and it can be set to show the specific date, day of the week and calendar week, offering some customization.

Junghans Mega Futura watch on black background — While the case’s design cues harken to the original, the new pared-down display is much easier to read.

Pricing and availability

You can check out all three versions of the Junghans Mega Futura on the brand’s website. However, they’re only available to purchase at select retailers. Check the site to see which ones are available near you.

The two silver-cased options are priced at €490 (about $530), while the gunmetal version is €590 (about $640).

Remember that these watches are limited to just 80 examples of each, so they’re likely to sell out quickly.