Glashütte Original - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Glashütte original is a renowned German watch brand, embodying the excellence and tradition of Saxon watchmaking for over 175 years. Based in Glashütte, a small town in Saxony that has become the cradle of German watchmaking, the brand is distinguished by its artisanal know-how, technical innovations and commitment to the in-house production of its components.

Origins and History

The history of Glashütte Original dates back to 1845, when the first watchmakers, including Ferdinand Adolph Lange, settled in Glashütte to develop the watch industry. Thanks to a loan from the Saxon government, Lange founded the city's first watch factory, thus laying the foundations for a watchmaking tradition that continues to this day. Over the decades, the city became synonymous with high-quality watches, recognized worldwide for their precision and elegance.

After the Second World War, the Glashütte watch industry was nationalized under the regime of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). In 1951, all the city's watch factories were grouped together to form the VEB Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB), a state conglomerate. Despite the economic and political challenges of the time, watch production continued, emphasizing traditional mechanical movements.

With the reunification of Germany in 1990, GUB was privatized and became Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH in 1994. Under the direction of Heinz W. Pfeifer, the brand was renamed Glashütte Original, reconnecting with the region's watchmaking traditions of excellence. In 2000, the brand joined the Swatch Group, one of the world's largest watchmaking groups, thus strengthening its international presence while retaining its unique identity and know-how.

Main Collections

Glashütte Original offers a diverse range of watches divided into five main collections, each reflecting a distinct aspect of traditional and contemporary watchmaking:

Collection Pano : Characterized by innovative asymmetrical dials, this collection offers a modern and timeless aesthetic. The PanoMaticLunar and PanoReserve models are emblematic of this line, highlighting complications such as moon phases and power reserves.

Collection Senator : Embodying classic elegance, the Senator collection offers watches with sleek designs with sophisticated complications, such as perpetual calendars and chronographs. These models are ideal for those who appreciate traditional refinement.

Collection Vintage : Drawing inspiration from designs from the 1960s and 1970s, this collection pays homage to past eras with modern interpretations. The Sixties and Seventies models are distinguished by their colorful dials and retro shapes, capturing the spirit of these iconic decades.

Collection specialist : Aimed at adventurers, the Spezialist collection offers robust watches designed for extreme conditions. Inspired by Glashütte's first diver's watch, the SeaQ line offers maximum reliability both on land and underwater. 

Collection Ladies : Developed for women, this collection combines inner and outer beauty. The models feature delicate dials, refined color combinations and elegant details, reflecting the irresistible charm of the brand.

Know-how and Innovation

Glashütte Original is one of the few watch manufacturers to produce up to 95% of its components in-house, including movements, dials and cases. This vertical integration guarantees rigorous quality control and allows the brand to continually innovate in the watchmaking field. In 2002, the brand founded the Alfred Helwig Watchmaking School, named in honor of the watchmaker who invented the flying tourbillon in 1921. This institution trains the next generation of watchmakers, ensuring the transmission of traditional know-how while integrating modern technologies.

Commitment to Quality

Each Glashütte Original watch has a unique four-digit serial number, limiting production to 9,999 pieces per model. This exclusivity, combined with strict quality controls, assures customers of the authenticity and value of their watch.

Conclusion

Glashütte Original embodies the essence of German watchmaking, combining tradition, innovation and artisanal excellence. With a rich history and a diverse range of high-quality timepieces, the brand continues to appeal to watch enthusiasts across the world, continuing a legacy that began in the heart of Saxony over 175 years ago.

Glashütte original has been owned by the Swatch Group since 2000, along with other famous high-end watch brands such as Breguet or Blancpain, and produces around 15,000 watches per year, all models combined. To choose the Glashütte Original model that best suits you, Dialicious owners’ reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience.

(Updated February 2025)