Glashütte Watches: True craftsmanship in the German state of Saxony

The picturesque town of Glashütte has a long history in luxury watchmaking. Nestled in the hills of Saxony in eastern Germany, Glashütte has been known as the cradle of craftsmanship and precision since the mid-19th century. Some well-known brands you will surely recognize include A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte Original, Mühle Glashütte, Moritz Grossmann, and Bruno Söhnle. What is it that makes watches from the small town of Glashütte so special and beloved?

The Beginning of Glashütte Watches

Glashütte, located in the state of Saxony, has a rich history dating back to around 1850 when the discovery of silver ore gave the region's economy a significant boost. This material is extremely suitable for making watch parts. In 1845, the talented watchmaker Ferdinand Adolph Lange decided to establish the first watchmaking factory, marking the beginning of a flourishing watch industry in Glashütte. Since then, the city has built a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, eventually becoming renowned worldwide.

Innovation

In addition to their respect for tradition, watchmakers in Glashütte have always pursued technical innovation. Over the years, many innovations have emerged from Glashütte that are still used in the production of mechanical timepieces. The most famous is the Glashütte three-quarter plate. This component replaces the traditional classic bridges in a movement and provides additional reinforcement. This not only makes the movements more robust but also more shock-resistant. Thus, the reputation of Glashütte brands is well-deserved.

A Global Icon

Glashütte watches have built a worldwide reputation as symbols of luxury, precision, and craftsmanship. Additionally, the designs are also a reason for their popularity. They often feature classic designs with a twist, indicating meticulous attention to detail. Whether it's elegant dress watches, rugged sporty models, or stylish casual timepieces, Glashütte watches remain an excellent choice for anyone who values quality.

Glashütte at Watch.co.uk

New collection: Bruno Söhnle

Precisely because Glashütte watches are so special, we are proud to offer a brand from this town: Bruno Söhnle. 

Compared to other Glashütte brands, Bruno Söhnle is relatively young. After working for 43 years at various watch brands, Bruno Söhnle decided to establish his own brand. Naturally, adhering to local customs and above all, focusing on craftsmanship. To ensure this, the brand works with small-scale production instead of mass production. 

What sets Bruno Söhnle apart is its ability to combine timeless designs with contemporary flair. The brand's watches embody a classic elegance that never goes out of style while adding a touch of modernity and sophistication. Thus, the brand is not afraid to occasionally introduce bold colors to appeal to a younger audience, all without losing sight of the values of the region.

Vintage Glashütte: Mühle and Nomos

In our vintage collection, you can also find some Glashütte watches: the Mühle Glashütte M1-26-11. This beautiful Big Sports M12 watch from the year 2000 has an understated appearance with a sporty edge. Unlike Bruno Söhnle, Mühle has been there from the beginning. It started as a manufacturer of precision instruments for the watch, maritime, and automotive industries. Later, under the leadership of the Mühle family, the company specialized in producing high-quality watches, with a particular focus on nautical and maritime watches.

Nomos is also represented in our vintage collection with the Nomos 165. The brand is known for its sleek, timeless designs and is often praised for its Bauhaus-inspired aesthetics. Nomos watches are characterized by simple dials, slim cases, and high-quality materials.

In short,  despite its modest size, Glashütte will remain a leading name in the watch industry for a long time, beloved for its excellence in craftsmanship, functionality, and design.