German watch brands are highly respected for their contemporary and opulent tactical timepieces. However, selecting the right brand or model can be daunting with so many options available. Luckily, we have curated a list of our preferred German watch brands that showcase the finest the country has to offer. In this article, you will come across two important cities: Glashütte and Pforzheim. Both cities have played pivotal roles in the evolution of watchmaking in Germany. Pforzheim has been known for producing precision tools and jewelry since the 1700s, while Glashütte has established itself as a hub for watchmaking education in the mid-1800s. Read on to explore our top choices for German watch brands and their unique histories.
Zeppelin
If you’re interested in expanding your collection of German watches, Zeppelin watches are a fantastic option that won’t break the bank. While they may not have the same level of history and prestige as other established brands, they still offer great value for their price range. Zeppelin watches are owned and managed by POINTtec GmbH, a German company with various trademarks in the watchmaking sector. POINTtec obtained the rights to use the Zeppelin name on watches and has concentrated on producing timepieces that pay homage to Zeppelin airships’ rich history.
The designs of Zeppelin watches often feature case lines, subdial placements, logo elements, and hands that are reminiscent of the old Zeppelin Airships, providing a unique and nostalgic feel to the timepieces.
Junkers
The horological brand Junkers has a long and illustrious history of German engineering and innovation. Initially a manufacturer of aviation and engines, Junkers became famous for its revolutionary all-metal airplanes during World War I. Throughout World War II, the brand expanded its production to include jet engines, despite facing financial difficulties in the 1930s that led to the government seizing the patents and forcing out the original owner and primary patent holder, Hugo Junkers.
Although Junkers disappeared in the 1960s due to a series of mergers and acquisitions, it was resurrected in 1996 when POINTtec GmbH was granted the rights to use the Junkers name. They are currently collaborating with the Junkers family members to create and manufacture wristwatches that honor the historical designs of Junkers aircraft. Junkers watches feature a range of historical military designs, such as Bauhaus and Fliegers, across various watch models.
Tufina
Tufina Watches, also known as Tufina & Son, is a distinguished watch manufacturer situated in close proximity to Munich, Germany. With a legacy spanning over two centuries, Tufina is recognized as one of the oldest watchmakers globally. The brand was founded by the Tufina family in 1828 and remains family-owned to this day. What distinguishes Tufina from other luxury watchmakers is their almost artisanal hand-assembly process. Each timepiece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality.
Tufina is a renowned brand that specializes in crafting innovative and stylish watches. Its two lines, Theorema and Pionier, were introduced in 2004 and trademarked with the German government. The founder, Enis Tufina, has been producing German watches for years, starting in Pforzheim and now operating in Oberhaching near Munich. The collection features a vast range of mechanical, automatic, and skeleton watches, catering to watch enthusiasts who value accuracy and elegance. Tufina ensures that each watch is meticulously crafted with the utmost care and precision by controlling production volumes strictly. Tufina’s luxury watches are perfect for those who want to make a statement with their timepiece, rather than just having a simple accessory. With a rich history, high-quality materials, and elegant aesthetics, Tufina has established itself as a true leader in the German luxury watch industry.
Laco
Laco is a well-known watch brand hailing from Germany, with a rich history of innovative designs. Its founder, Ludwig Hummel, established the company in Pforzheim, Germany, as Lacher & Co. From the beginning, Laco set out to distinguish itself from other German watchmakers by producing its own movements in Germany rather than using Swiss-made movements. To accomplish this, Hummel established a movement manufacturing firm called Durowe.
After Timex sold Laco due to its lack of momentum, the company underwent numerous changes in ownership, which resulted in periods of obscurity lasting almost six decades. However, in 2010, Laco finally achieved some stability under its current ownership. Today, Laco offers a range of timepieces with a classic and easily recognizable flieger design style, available in stainless steel or bronze. With automatic movement, Laco continues to provide an affordable option for watch enthusiasts looking to add a classic flieger-style watch to their collection.
Archimede
Archimede is a German watchmaker that may be new to the scene, but its roots trace back to ICKLER, a company established in 1924 by Karl Ickler, an experienced watch manufacturer. ICKLER specialized in producing watch cases for other brands until World War II, during which their Pforzheim factory was destroyed. However, the factory was rebuilt in 1947 by Karl Ickler’s sons, and until the 1990s, ICKLER focused on producing watch cases for high-profile German watch brands.
In the 1990s, ICKLER began considering the idea of creating their own German timepiece. In 2003, Archimede introduced its first timepieces, with a focus on Flieger models that pay homage to both the Ickler family’s horological tradition and Germany’s horological past. Archimede is still a family-run business and is currently owned and operated by Thomas and Lisa Ickler, the third generation.
Archimede timepieces are crafted to a high degree of quality and undergo meticulous attention to detail. This German watch brand is ideal for individuals who want a historically-inspired Fleiger watch of excellent quality but aren’t concerned about whether it’s from one of the main five German watch brands that held the Fleiger contract during WWII.
Stowa
The STOWA brand was established in 1927 by Walter Storz, who derived the name from the first characters of his first and last name. As with many other German watch brands, STOWA relocated to Pforzheim in 1935. In 1938, the German Air Force commissioned the company to produce timepieces for their pilots, with the B-Uhr Flieger (also known as the Type-B Dial Fliger) being the most notable model provided by STOWA (other German watch brands like Laco also provided the same model).
During World War II, the STOWA factory in Pforzheim was destroyed by allied air raids, along with much of the city. In 1950, STOWA began rebuilding the Pforzheim factory while also establishing a new factory in Rheinfelden, Germany. By 1951, both buildings had been completed. Through a series of partnerships, movement innovations, and overseas marketing campaigns, STOWA has become a mainstay German watch brand that continues to thrive to this day.
Wempe Glashütte
In 1878, Gerhard D. Wempe started selling watches and operating a watch workshop in his aunt’s house. His attention to detail and personalized service made him successful in those early days. As his business grew, Gerhard envisioned opening workshops in major cities across Germany. Unfortunately, WWI disrupted his plans, and Gerhard passed away in 1921. His son, Herbert Wempe, took over the business and achieved a significant milestone by acquiring Chronometerwerke Hamburg, a renowned manufacturer of marine chronometers.
Despite WWII interrupting Wempe’s expansion plans, the company continued to grow and expand throughout Germany after the war. Under the leadership of Hellmut Wempe in the 1970s and 80s, the company even entered the international market. Today, Wempe is a reputable name in watch manufacturing, dealing, and jewelry. Kim-Eva Wempe, Hellmut’s daughter, leads the company and strives to uphold its past while also looking towards the future.
Commonly Asked Questions About German Watch Brands
- Is Germany known for producing watches?
Yes, Germany has a long history of producing high-quality watches. The watchmaking industry in Germany gained momentum in the mid-1800s when Glashütte became a center for precision watchmaking and watchmaking education. However, the industry was disrupted by the aftermath of World War II, resulting in Glashütte being destroyed by allied air raids and iconic German watch brands being taken over by the Soviet Union government. Despite this setback, German watchmaking has made a comeback, and today, both traditional and modern German watch brands continue to set high standards for the industry.
- How do German watches compare to Swiss watches?
German watches are just as good as Swiss watches when it comes to legacy watchmaking houses, strict quality control, horological innovation, and mechanical watch production. Both countries produce watches of exceptional craftsmanship.
- Why are German watches so expensive?
German watches are expensive due to their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Brands like Lange are known for their exquisite movement finishing, with every tiny detail being done by hand to perfection.
- Which German city is renowned for its watchmaking industry?
The gold town of Pforzheim and the Black Forest region are well-known for their watchmaking industry in southwestern Germany. Pforzheim’s watch and jewelry industry dates back to 1767, established by Margrave Karl-Friedrich von Baden much earlier than Glashütte’s watch industry.