When it comes to quality timepieces, few countries have a reputation that can rival that of Germany. Home to some of the most well-respected watchmakers in the world, Germany has been producing exceptional timepieces for centuries. From the intricate and precise movements to the stylish designs, German watch brands are known for their attention to detail and commitment to excellence. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the German watch brands that are worth giving a try. Whether you’re a watch collector or simply looking for a high-quality timepiece, these brands are sure to impress with their craftsmanship, innovation, and style.
Junkers
The origins of Junkers can be traced back to 1895, when a man named Hugo Junkers established the company. Initially, the company focused on selling military and aviation-related products. Junkers was known for developing numerous cutting-edge technological advancements, which earned them a reputation as a reliable and esteemed supplier for the German military. With their strong reputation in the industry, Hugo Junkers quickly became a significant and influential figure in German design and engineering communities.
Junkers, an interesting German watch brand, has been manufacturing high-quality watches for more than 25 years. They have an average annual production of approximately 150,000 timepieces. Junkers specializes in creating simplistic and minimalist watches, often using Bauhaus design elements in their dials with slim hands and baton-style hour markers. The watches are expertly crafted with luxury movements and are of premium quality.
Tufina
Tufina is not your average watch brand. This German company has been producing timepieces for over two centuries, making them one of the oldest watchmakers. Founded in 1828 by the Tufina family, the brand is still owned by them today. What sets Tufina apart from other luxury watch brands is its meticulous attention to detail and the highest level of craftsmanship that goes into creating each timepiece. Each watch is meticulously hand-assembled in-house by skilled watchmakers, and the brand’s commitment to quality is unwavering.
Tufina’s unique designs are evident in its two lines, Theorema and Pionier, which were launched in 2004 and trademarked with the German government. The collections feature a wide range of mechanical, automatic, and skeleton watches, making them perfect for watch enthusiasts who value precision and beauty. By strictly controlling production volumes, Tufina ensures that every watch is crafted with utmost care and precision. If you’re in the market for a luxury watch that’s not just an accessory but a statement piece, Tufina’s watches are a great choice. With their rich history, high quality materials and lovely aesthetics Tufina has set itself apart as a true leader in the German luxury watch industry.
Sinn
Sinn has gained a significant following within the watch community due to its exceptional engineering. The brand boasts an extensive range of tool watches, encompassing pilot’s watches (referred to as “instrument” watches by Sinn), dive watches, chronographs, and dress watches. Like Damasko, Sinn employs technologies that are not typically used by more expensive brands. For instance, the brand utilizes submarine steel that has been hardened using its exclusive “tegimented” process, Ar-Dehumidifying technology that prevents fogging, and the DIAPAL lubricant-free anchor escapement that minimizes friction and improves accuracy over time. It’s difficult to find a superior collection of tool watches, whether German or otherwise, anywhere in the world.
Laco
Lacher & Co was established in 1925 and later became known as Laco. During World War II, the brand was one of the five manufacturers of pilot watches for the German Luftwaffe. However, it’s important to note that the modern version of the brand should not be judged for its past associations (similar to how BMW is not solely associated with its use by the Nazis). Laco’s Flieger timepieces have a classic WWII design and still use the same case design from that era, as well as features such as thermally blued hands, sandblasted treatment, and the onion crown for easy gripping. The brand offers entry-level models with Japanese hand-wound and mechanical automatic movements. Additionally, Laco has embraced modern times with its attractive tactical timepieces in the Squad line.
Circula
Pforzheim, a city in southwestern Germany, boasts of Circula, a renowned company that has been producing watches since 1927. The business was established by the Huber family and has remained in their possession for generations. Today, the founder’s grandson runs the company and has steered it towards success by introducing modern and captivating diving watches.
Circula’s diving watches have gained immense popularity among watch enthusiasts worldwide. These sports watches boast of an impressive range of features that make them perfect for underwater use. Some of these features include water resistance, luminescent dials, and sturdy build quality that can withstand the harsh marine environment. Moreover, the diving watches come in various designs and styles, making them suitable for any occasion.
Bruno Söhnle
Established in 2000 by veteran watchmaker Bruno Söhnle, the Bruno Söhnle brand may be relatively young, but it has already made a name for itself in the watch industry. While the brand offers both quartz and mechanical watches, its quartz watches are particularly renowned. The watches are powered by Swiss movements from Ronda, which are further refined in Glashütte before installation. The result is an elegant and sophisticated look that allows the refined movement to be admired through a glazed bottom.
It is refreshing to see a brand proudly showcase its quartz movements in this way, as this is a feature typically only seen in high-end brands such as Grand Seiko and Bulova. While some may criticize the oversized watch cases, personally, I find them to be a matter of taste. However, the brand also offers smaller models starting at just 340 euros, making the collection accessible to a wider audience. Overall, Bruno Söhnle’s pride in its products and attention to detail make it a brand worth considering for anyone in the market for a new timepiece.
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