Glashuette Original

Glashütte Original: Masterful German Watchmaking

1. Heritage & Origins

Founded in 1994 following the privatization of the East German state-run VEB Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB), Glashütte Original represents a revival of Germany’s esteemed Saxon watchmaking tradition . However, its roots trace back much farther—to 1845, when pioneers like Ferdinand Adolph Lange, Moritz Grossmann, Julius Assmann, and Adolf Schneider laid the foundation for Glashütte’s watch industry .

The term “Original” emerged to emphasize authenticity—differentiating genuine Glashütte-made watches from imitators that falsely styled themselves as “System Glashütte” .

2. Craftsmanship & In-House Expertise

Glashütte Original is celebrated for its manufacture excellence, producing around 95% of its components in-house, including movements and even dials . That includes hallmark features such as:

• The three-quarter plate

• Swan-neck fine adjustment

• Hand-engraved balance cocks and gold chatons

• In-house dial production with distinctive finishes .

Such attention to precision and detailing reinforces its standing in the prestige** segment of German luxury watchmaking .

3. Iconic Collections

Glashütte Original offers five celebrated collections, each embodying a different facet of its excellence:

Each watch carries a unique four-digit serial number, ensuring exclusivity and aiding authentication .

4. Innovation & Modern Advancements

Beyond tradition, Glashütte Original is committed to innovation:

• Its calibers, like the Calibre 36, integrate modern performance and precise finishing .

• The brand also runs the Alfred Helwig School of Watchmaking, sustaining local talent—named after the inventor of the flying tourbillon in 1921 .

• The manufactory retains a transparent atelier where visitors can observe watchmaking first-hand, reinforcing its legacy and craftsmanship .

5. Artistic Recognition & Global Appeal

Glashütte Original blends technical artistry with aesthetic subtlety. As noted by watch enthusiasts:

“Glashütte is a small watch company… Even the dials, hands and date disc are made by Glashütte. The details of execution is stunning… money well spent.”
— A satisfied owner emphasizing the brand’s meticulous production and exceptional qualit .

Today, as part of the Swatch Group, Glashütte Original benefits from global reach while staying true to its unique identity .

Summary at a Glance

• Founded: Revived in 1994, with watchmaking roots from 1845.

• Ownership: Subsidiary of Swatch Group, honoring Saxon traditions.

• Production: Comprehensive in-house manufacturing, from movements to dials.

• Collections: Senator, Pano, Spezialist, Vintage, Ladies.

• Hallmarks: German precision, historic complications, asymmetric design, exclusive craftsmanship.

• Legacy: Integration of artisanal tradition with modern innovation and education.