OK, here is my review of the Junghans against Ventura...........
Firstly over the years i have had all watch types and makes,autos,manuals solar etc,but find im back with digitals,despite their "geeky" lower rent image.
It nice to know at least two manufacturers have bucked this trend to design, manufacture and assemble some genuine superb higher end digitals,which are featured here.
HISTORY- Both these companies are the best in the business for higher end digitals,both have applied there own technology and build using their own modules .
More than could be said for the dozens of ETA engine automatics in the market. With this in mind these products are unique,and deserve their place among the best available.
Junghans is a much older company than Ventura however both have suffered financial problems in their past.Both were/are famous for their automatics and chronometers.Ventura are now sole digital ,while Junghans offer a far bigger range of watches,covering many types.
Also worth noting,Ventura have gone through another company restructure,and its main "rescue" anchor man,Mr Pierre Nobs is no longer there.I am not sure how this will affect the company,but i have been informed that the main players now are confident of the companies future.........................................
A large price reduction has been applied across all Ventura products ( temporary ) however this may be part of the companies new direction,which makes these fare more affordable.
QUALITY-Both are superb,little to chose between them,although my Sigma is on a higher plane, its case design,and brushing is a work of art.You need to handle a Sigma to appreciate it.The leather band on the Junghans is more comfortable with its traditional clasp.The Ventura rubber is comfortable but the clasp design is not.It tends to cut into the wrist and the spring pressure clasp that holds the rubber strap to the required length can loose its tension which makes this even worse. With this in mind i am giving both equal marks on Quality.Both have sapphire crystals.Also worth noting ,although the Sigma is pressure tested to 3 bar its water resistance is reported much,much higher.....
DISPLAY- The Futura uses a very large ,more traditional style but it has been modified to offer a more refined segment design and with a unique display.It is digital time in its purest form,no leading zeros,hrs largest,followed by smaller mins and smaller seconds.The contrast on the segments is very high, by using the thicker ,larger segment display.It is very good against the black case and band,the time really "pops" and is very clear.This "no leading zeros"style is very easy to read,and you appreciate it very quickly. Overall it ranks above all other lcd displays for clarity ....except the ven-03 module Ventura.Although its slightly more cluttered and marginally less easy to read at a glance with the time and date in the same even sized numbers,there can be no disputing its beautifully fully formed segments and its amazing contrast.This is a more polished display.
I rate it above the newer module design,as its a slightly more mozaic look to the segments because of its increased size,although still excellent and bettered by no other (i must purchase the Ventura Gamma )
So a win here for Ventura,although the Futura is easier to read at a glance.
DESIGN- Both are fabulous,the Sigma is like nothing else and is a work of wearable art,its totally exqusite.The Futura is also beautiful and builds on the companies Mega 1 styling design. Worth noting the Sigma appears on Nicholas Cages wrist on the movie "Bangkok Dangerous" However comfort goes to the Futura,so i am calling it even here.............
FUNCTIONS- The Futura has no count down timer,chronograph,alarm or second time zone,it does have radio control which means its always spot on,despite the odd non sync occasionally. Depending on your needs ,i am giving this one to the Sigma.
DESIRABILITY- Both off the scale here.!
VALUE FOR MONEY- With the current price reductions at Ventura,a clear win for the Sigma. (down from a genuine euro 1490 to euro 535) An absolute bargain,and probably of equal quality to a watch of euro 3000.
VERDICT- With the recent price reductions at Ventura,it makes it very hard for the Futura to win,it is beautifully built and of superb quality,but against the Sigma it stands no hope.Technically it beats the Ventura,with its radio control,but then again the Sigma has more features and the unique scroll wheel for setting and operation.I would highly recommend them both,they are unique,desirable,and beautiful and worlds apart from mainstream digitals.The Sigma is IMO destined for cult status,and is the most stunning piece of craftsmanship in the digital watch world,indeed maybe the entire watch world.
A winner? Ventura but please,please get them both!!