Welcome back to Watchmakers of the World where we shed light on some our favorite watch manufacturers each country has to offer – today we take our second trip to Deútschland for another adventure in German watches.
In case you missed the first instalment of German watches you can find that here. Now, without further ado, let’s get into it!
#1. Junghans
Junghans was founded in 1861 as a black forest clock manufacturer. By 1903, the once humble brand had transformed into the largest clock manufacturer in the world before creating their first wristwatch in 1927. In the 1950’s the master of Bauhaus design, Max Bill created many clocks and watches for the brand that are still very much at the core of Junghans product offering.
Junghans is known for producing some of the most beautiful Bauhaus designs in the game, living by the philosophy that watches should be understated because true style is never loud.
Year Founded: 1861
Founder: Erhard Junghans
Our Picks: max bill Chronoscope, Meister Telemeter, max bill
Price Range: $575 – $2,500
Who we see wearing one: Young Professional, University/College Student, Design Fanatic
Learn more here
#2. Stowa
Founded is Hornberg this brand is named after its founder using the first three letter of his last name STOrz followed by the first two letters of his first name WAlter. The company has a long history of producing clocks dating back to 1927.
Stowa gained much acclaim when they were selected among 5 other manufacturers to provide B-Uhr style watches to the German air force (Luftwaffe) during WWII. Today Stowa is considered to have the closest design to the original B-Uhr watches in its Flieger lineup. Stowa watches are clean, functional and built to last which is a perfect trifecta in a watch manufacturer and the reason they’ve made the list.
Year Founded: 1927
Founder: Walter Storz
Our Picks: Flieger Classic, Marine Classic, Chronograph1938
Price Range: $1,200 – $5,500
Who we see wearing one: Minimalist, Military Buff
Learn more here
#3. Chronoswiss
This one is a little bit of a stretch as the brand is currently headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland and has the word “swiss” in its name, however, Chronoswiss was actually founded in 1983 in Munich, Germany. While the brand is relatively young its founder Gerd R. Lang brought tons of watch manufacturing experience from major brands, most notably Heuer.
Chronoswiss uses off the shelf movements to power their watches, although by the time they are housed in the watch case they are almost unrecognizable due to the incredible hand finishing of its watchmakers. While the look of the watches may be a little too out there for some, their offering is very impressive.
Year Founded: 1983
Founder: Gerd R. Lang
Our Picks: Opus Chronograph, Regulator Classic, Flying Grand Regulator
Price Range: $5,000 – $50,000
Who we see wearing one: Eccentrics, Seasoned Collectors, Art Lovers
Learn more here
#4. Damasko
Damasko is the youngest brand included on this list but they are the real deal. Starting in 1994 this family owned shop set out with a purpose to create watches that are both innovative and durable. Fast forward to today and the brand now holds over 100 patents on all aspects of their watches from its nano-technology hardened case coatings to its lubrication free escapements. Damasko is here to stay and are a true contender for producing the most rugged watches around.
Year Founded: 1994
Founder: Konrad Damasko
Our Picks: DK30, DC86, DSub1
Price Range: $1,200 – $5,500
Who we see wearing one: EDC Fanatic, Military (or Military Buff), Outdoors Lover
Learn more here
#5. Mühle Glashütte
Founded in Glashütte in 1869 the company has now been in the family for 5 consecutive generations. While the company has been around for over 150 years they remain relatively unknown for their watchmaking as they made a name for themselves by producing on high end chronometers and time keeping devices featured in cars, motorcycles, boats and yachts. Mühle Glashütte did not start producing wrist watches until 1995, when they were contracted to produce a watch suitable for one of their ship working clients. Since creating its first watch the brand has grown their offering and consistently puts out high quality robust watches at an affordable price point.
Year founded: 1869
Founder: Hans-Jürgen Mühle
Our picks: ProMare Go, 29er Casusal, Terrasport I Chronograph
Price range: $1,000 – $3,550
Who we see wearing one: EDC Fanatic, Trend Setters, Adventurer
Learn more here