The picturesque town of Glashütte has a long history in luxury watchmaking. 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 that you will certainly know are: A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte Original, Mühle Glashütte, Moritz Grossmann and Bruno Söhnle. What is it that makes the watches from the small Glashütte so special and popular?
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 major boost. This material is extremely suitable for making watch parts. In 1845, the talented watchmaker Ferdinand Adolph Lange decided to establish the first watch factory, which marked the beginning of a flourishing watch industry in Glashütte. Since then, the city has built a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. At one point it was known worldwide.
Technical innovation
In addition to their respect for tradition, watchmakers in Glashütte have always strived for technical innovation. Over the years, many innovations have come from Glashütte that are still used in the production of mechanical timepieces. The best known is the Glashütter three-quarter plate. This part replaces the traditional classic bridges in a timepiece and provides extra reinforcement. In this way, the timepieces are not only sturdier, but also more shock-resistant. The reputation of the brands from Glashütte does not come out of the blue.
A global icon
Glashütte watches have earned a worldwide reputation as symbols of luxury, precision and craftsmanship. In addition, the designs are also a reason for the popularity. They are often classic designs with a twist that shows that a lot of attention has been paid to them. Whether it concerns elegant dress watches, robust sporty models or beautiful leisure watches, Glashütte watches remain an excellent choice for anyone who values good quality and design.
Glashütte at Techzle
New collection: Bruno Söhnle
Precisely because Glashütte watches are so special, we are proud to offer a brand from this place: Bruno Söhnle.
Compared to the other Glashütte brands, Bruno Söhnle is relatively young. After working for various watch brands for 43 years, Bruno Söhnle decided to set up his own brand. Naturally according to local customs and, above all, attention to craftsmanship. To guarantee this, the brand works with small production instead of mass production.
What sets Bruno Söhnle apart is his ability to combine timeless designs with contemporary flair. The brand’s watches embody a classic elegance that never goes out of style, while still adding a touch of modernity and sophistication. The brand does not hesitate to occasionally apply a bold color to appeal to a new, younger target group. Of course, all without losing sight of the values of the region.
Vintage Glashütte: Mühle and Nomos
Also in our vintage collection you can find a number of 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 start. 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 aesthetic. 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, loved for its excellence in craftsmanship, functionality and design.