Introduction To German Watchmaking - 11 Brands You Need To Know

[@EEE_MMM]

For many, A. Lange und Söhne is the pinnacle of German watchmaking. For me personally, they're the pinnacle of watchmaking anywhere. They're my favourite luxury watch brand and it's not even close

[@nelsonpatel8624]

There is also a brand made in Glashutte called Union which was once made in the same factory as Glashutte Original. I have one limited edition Julius Bergter edition manual wind Union with caliber 30 movement and 45 jewels chronograph. I had visited the Saxony region and Glashutte in Germany and took a watch factory tour at the Glashutte Original and it was a great experience seeing watches made step by step. Great video Teddy!

[@cmuchmore]

Thanks, Teddy. An idea for a topic. Explain the proper use of "Geneve" and the 12 requirements to permit a Swiss watchmaker to use "Geneve" on its dial. It took me a lot of digging to figure it out and I think (and maybe I'm wrong) it is a guarantee of some level of excellence. Always enjoy your comments.

[@horacephistbump]

I had a long weekend in Dresden a few years ago and we went to Glashutte for a day. Fantastic trip. In the video at 13:34 is actually the German Watchmaking Museum. It is absolutely brilliant. Dresden is a fantastic city. Beautiful (mostly restored/ rebuilt) buildings, great restaurants and beer. Some great watch shops too!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

That sounds like a wonderful trip. I had a plan to visit Glashutte but the pandemic spoiled the plans. Hope to make the trip soon.

[@SinnerAndSaint]

@@TeddyBaldassarre Definitely check out the bigger city Dresden nearby. It's really one of the German gems. Hope to see you on this trip soon!

[@drnick40]

Thank you, Teddy! Excellent overview of the German watchmaking industry. As usual, you present a concise historical background and present the modern achievements of the manufacturers. This is very informative for the new watch enthusiasts who will get excited both by tradition and modern design and technology. An interesting line characteristic for the German watchmakers is their distinctive design features and the rebirth of the industry after the fall of the Berlin wall. To me a Bulgarian American this has important historical significance being a symbol of the supremacy of the free enterprise over the socialist dictatorship and planned economy. Outstanding video, Teddy!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you very much, Nicola. I really appreciate the support. Enjoy the day!

[@Electromanx3]

The supremacy of free enterprise over planned economy in terms of producing luxury goods was never in question.

[@dsvillalva]

Lange is in a class all its own. They finish all their movements with the same level of detail from their entry level to their most exclusive offerings.

[@JupiterTarts]

Considering their "entry" level starts at $20k, they better!

[@chia-mingyang5804]

Actually their Handwerkskunst series is finished better; overall Lang & Heyne and Moritz Grossmann have higher finishing level.

[@quarters-eye8922]

If you knew the history of Lange, You might not be so enthusiastic.

[@quarters-eye8922]

Lange used female Jewish prisoners of war in its factory for the Nazi’s during WWII. One prisoner was worked to death.

[@songoku-jx3cb]

Go is not very far behind and that’s mind blowing taking into consideration price difference

[@tomastomastomas1521]

Junghans and nomos are my favorites

[@mikekimmitt7907]

Keep 'em coming Teddy, just wanted to say thanks for the continued great content.... it IS appreciated, you are single handedly responsible for me actually spending LESS on watches as I am now enjoying a new appreciation of pieces from more affordable price brackets. All the best from Yorkshire here in the UK 🇬🇧 👍

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you, Mike. All the best from across the big pond!

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Great selection, awesome video! I really love the historical background you covered on each brand. As a German guy I highly appreciate this video! I think you covered all of the essential German brands from low to top tier that are also probably the most 'important' ones. I'm most fascinated by the variety German watchmaking offers. Most brands have their own unique styles and models and don't only copy each other or the Swiss. Thank you so much for showing!

[@jonlim88]

This is great! Would love to have you continue this series of videos going through known and less-well-known brands for countries that have a strong watchmaking heritage. Thanks again, Teddy!

[@m4jqp]

I'd love to see more brand spotlights. You and the team are so knowledgeable, that shedding light on the history and legacy of different brands (well known or lesser known) would be great.

[@markikn3183]

Glad to see Wempe make your top 20 list in the blog post, Teddy. Have never regretted picking up my Zeitmeister Small Seconds handwind, a real stunner for those dress watch moments at an excellent price.

[@YaWaffles]

Your timing is impecable, I was just trying to explore different German watch makers the other day. I would love to see a video on different regulator watches! Lange 1 is my grail watch and I really can't find to many regulator watches like it outside of GO's Pano watches! Great video as always!

[@walkthroughonthego2476]

there's another low key brands called the zeppelin that has dials, which in my opinion, are the best in their price range. would love for you to to bring light to their watches!

[@paulcochrane1028]

Bought a Laco Augsburg after watching one of your videos. Can’t praise it enough.

[@derKunstler]

Very nice video Teddy! For me as a German, it's always nice to hear you pronounce German words like "Luftwaffe" and all the names like Helmut. You do a great job, but it's still fun to hear an American pronounce it.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I try my best. Not the easiest language to pronounce IMO. I tried nearly everything but I had to give up when trying to say Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe and settled on GUB because I know the comments would be coming for me haha.

[@pablomunoz2138]

@@TeddyBaldassarreHaha learn the International Phonetic Alphabet!

[@plamen2110]

Excelent video showcasing some of the best lesser known German brands that deserve more attention. Thank you Teddy!

[@shadrianshadrach3804]

I love the Lange Zeitwerk what an incredible watch. Teddy you got me hooked on Automatic movements

[@theroadlesstraveled6253]

Content is great. Thank you for the extra focus on German watchmaking. Please continue adding in this format!!

[@RicardoRodriguezFL]

This is why I watch your channel. The history with the watches, as well as their founders, gives these watches more depth, and makes them more attractive to purchase.

[@punkypink83]

Loved this. Really shone a light on a sector of the industry that doesn't get much attention. Recently picked up a Zeppelin 100 Jahre and I would love to get a couple more German watches.

[@Hipnosis65]

The Damasko DC57 is my grail... right now. Love it!

[@mark7035]

As an owner of Moritz Grossmann, I can wholeheartedly endorse them as the best finished watchmaker in Glashuette. They are not inexpensive, but they have a limited number of watches in stainless steel much closer to $20K than $30K. At about 100 watches per year, you’re not going to see another one on someone else’s wrist. And you can spend hours staring at the movement…

[@eyunseville1310]

how is it compare to Lange? are there much differences?

[@mark7035]

@@eyunseville1310 Missed this. The finishing is outstanding. Individual components are at least comparable to Lange (Christine worked for Lange before founding Grossmann). It's hard to compare beyond that. They don't make a Datograph, which may be the most beautiful watch movement out there. I think their watches are on par with something like a Saxonia. But so far, other than a tourbillion, they aren't making complicated watches. Lange does.

[@knz1950]

Teddy, I subscribe to many watch channels but you are my favorite. Their are bigger players but none with the extra bit you bring to the table.

[@bignz721]

Dornblüth & Sohn maybe the best railroad-style tool out there. Beautiful!

[@Enrico-]

They're called Marine watches actually

[@christophergan71]

A Lange the Patek of Germany is one of my holy trinity of watches

[@RonSommar]

You miss Ruhla with their brands Zeppelin, Junkers and Bauhaus

[@johnburgess6572]

That Lange ! Great video per usual...thank you

[@quarters-eye8922]

Bruno Sohnle is another great brand from Glashutte. Their Manual wind Unitas 6498 is lavishly finished with Gold Screwed Chatons, blued screws Perlage, including complete balance cock perlage decoration, Glashutte striping and double sunburst finishing to the winding wheels.

[@richardbixler]

Wow! Some truly exquisite time pieces in this showcase. @11:15 The Glashutte 60’s stole the show for me, what a beautiful dial and fonts on the hour markers. It’s really hard to find a dress watch that’s not generic and minimalist. Stunning, stunning watch imo.

[@SergiRuiz_RelojeroTorpe]

A very good brand and undervalued by collectors (I think due to ignorance) is Union Glashütte, which also came out of the GUB conglomerate, and is currently in the Swatch group. For me one of the best quality / price ratio.

[@magsblack8344]

My grail has been the Lange 1 for many years. In one year, I’ll finally have enough saved to acquire it. I’m literally counting the days.

[@christophfacius3885]

Beautiful video! THX from 🇩🇪

[@riothero313]

I just recently picked up my first German watch, literally the one pictured in the video. It's a bronze case "B" dial 40mm Stowa flieger. I snagged the hand wind with the decorated movement. It's kind of a no brainer to let a exhibition caseback not go to waste with an ugly auto instead of beautiful machine work. I love it; I make mental excuses to wear it with everything lol. "Oh I'm going out on a boat, no problem, I'll be careful I swear."

[@lukerabin5079]

Well done…a very solid list of the leaders in the German watch industry.

[@coopsavid8964]

Great video , some interesting brands, have you heard of a German brand Kienzle, I have one from the 1960's, it was my grandads and then my dads, it saw a lot of use and I still wear it on occasion now. It's antimagnetic and automatic in a 34/35 mm case.

[@billy.g3597]

That Moritz Grossmann piece shown here can simply be described as exquisite.

[@capmidnite]

I don't have a German watch but I have a Made in Germany Rohloff bicycle hub which has 14 speeds. Incredible engineering. Any watch enthusiast who is a cyclist would appreciate it.

[@metallusmelandril7380]

Here is one and I dive Rohloff and u have a nomos

[@cappercarti1018]

Hey Teddy Greetings from Germany, more specific Pforzheim :) I knew that our city had a glorious past with the jewellery industry, but the fact that Laco was also founded here was new to me. Good to know, that makes the brand even more attractive for me

[@Hnair1982]

Great content Teddy, appreciate you sharing such details. My dilemma has always been the cash. With a limited budget, choosing between a Patrimony 40mm and a Lange Saxonia thin is very hard…

[@dskinyc]

This shop - D.Dornblüth & Sohn - deserves to be on the list as well. Hand crafted and beautifully finished, they offer a configurator that's fun to mess about with.

[@kpkost]

I love this video as I try to learn a lot more about the luxury watch world

[@bearasma]

Thank you for the insight. So much information and history made easily digestible. I have a PanoMatic Lunar and Lambda added to my wantlist because of your excellent video. Danke!

[@roberthiers5606]

I would put D. Dornbuth and Sohn on this list. A watch in the ALS class made to order, by hand. I ordered the new Big Date in December. Expect it next March. I hear its up to 3 years now. Worth the wait!

[@UserKR13]

I put a deposit down for 2 pieces last October, but I wouldnt put it in the same bracket as A.L&S

[@roberthiers5606]

@@UserKR13 Thats why I used the term "class". It has many features that you find on a ALS. If you looked at the movement you may even mistaken it for an ALS. We must think it is a great watch because we ordered it.LOL I ordered the Big Date with a Salmon face, blue hands, and applied blue numerals. How about you?

[@UserKR13]

@@roberthiers5606 i see what you mean. I agree with what you said about the finishing (although the rose gold movement is quite distinctive), but if you look at the really high end ALS pieces, they are something else. I ordered a 38.5mm small seconds with blue hands and brass dial & exactly the same variation for the Mrs. They only make 190 pieces per year and they wont ever be a mainstream brand. Just what I like.

[@roberthiers5606]

@@UserKR13 Congratulations. When do you expect the pieces. I am honored to own a ALS annual calendar in rose gold. They are unbelievable. Perhaps one day DDS will produce those type of watches but until then we are fortunate to own these pieces.

[@UserKR13]

@@roberthiers5606 thank you. I was told next summer for now. Thinking of going in person to collect them. I bought my first ALS in November after seeing the 1815 updown in person. Since then ive bought a Lange 1 moonphase, Platinum Datograph and a triple split although i need to wait until next year for the triple split. Imho, Lange is above Patek in terms of quality.

[@craiglibby1224]

I always learn a lot from your videos, Teddy!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you for watching, Craig! Have a great weekend ahead.

[@chrisenchemin7183]

I really like German brands, from Laco's fliegers to the sublime A. Lange & Söhne via Nomos and Junghans Bauhaus style ones. Thus I thank you for this excellent video to them (A special thanks about Tutima, the brand that I did not know about these 11 ones). In my point of view, there are two countries that especially deserve attention for their production, Germany and France. So, why not a next video on French brands? There are some really old brands like Pequignet, Berthet or L. Leroy. You of course also could find the famous jewelers & luxury ones like Cartier, Hermes or Mauboussin. You've got really interesting new micro brands like Baltic or Depancel. And some classic ones like Lip, Yema and Michel Herbelin. And, to end, some specialized one ("divers" with M.A.T. or "racers" with S.Y.E for example).

[@drtod]

If you are considering a Laco with the Miyota movement, I would reconsider and look at Aristo instead. The Miyota movement feels cheep and extremely loud due to its uni-directional rotor and indirect drive. The Aristo is made in Germany at same price point with a ETA 2824 or SW 200 movement.

[@angelopepe6016]

Great video, Teddy! In-depth history of brands and their achievements in horology is both captivating and educational for anyone who takes the art of watchmaking seriously. Please continue to make videos highlighting brands from different parts of the world. I'd like to see you do one on the history of an Italian brand called Locman. Their production is on the Mediterranean island of Elba, in Tuscany, Italy.

[@eugener7856]

Kudos to Teddy for pronouncing all the brands correctly!

[@LG-vx2vq]

You’ve made me an amateur watch collector now at my extremely late fifties: 70 next 15th Thank you, You are a great host. My best from Costa Rica.

[@timetowatch_francois]

Great list! I just LOVE German watches (Mühle G. - Nomos - Junghans) oh my 🫢 ... too many great brands. Thanks for sharing!

[@brentoncrowhurst8338]

Great coverage of a very interesting subject. I encourage similar videos surveying other countries.

[@isabelhoebel3189]

I enjoyed watching your video. I am a Rolex and Cartier fan and ofcourse used those brand during my younger years. I enjoyed wearing those watches. Now, it’s low profile and opted for Glashütte.

[@sanhxhebsbbb1048]

All amazing brands. Thanks for all that great info teddy awesome as always

[@sapthuran9492]

I wear my Damasko DS30 daily for work (and I do fairly physical work in all seasons, temperatures and weather.) It's been on backpacking trips, through caves, rain, water, TONS of sweat (perhaps literally,) etc... and it looks more or less brand new and runs +/- 1 to 3 seconds a day. It's an excellent tool watch and looks great. I have the Damasko bracelet but prefer it on a strap (mostly for ease of cleaning.) I have other more expensive watches from more well known brands but this one is my go to for work and anything other than very casual or dress scenarios, although, with the right strap, it could hold its own in a dress scenario (although I have others I prefer for that.) Thanks for the content.

[@riothero313]

Can you purchase them without the date complication? I've never understood breaking up that beautiful symmetry and simplicity by having the only numeral on the entire face a date number off to one side.

[@andrewbcaldwell]

@@riothero313 Damasko’s dk30 is essentially the no-date version of the ds30, except that it has Damasko’s in-house A26 movement instead of the ETA 2824 in the ds30.

[@riothero313]

@@andrewbcaldwell Ahh, thanks for the heads up. That is a great looking dial. I think if I really needed the date version I'd really go for it and get the one with the yellow number and matching yellow hand.

[@andrewbcaldwell]

@@riothero313 Good call! That was my feeling as well - my ds30 yellow arrived last week and I am very happy with it.

[@curtbrown7718]

Great video, Teddy. I think that Dornbluth &Sohn probably deserved mention here, as it’s quality rivals that of Lange and Grossman. Thank you.

[@JustinContre]

Thanks Teddy! I'm heading to Germany in 3 weeks for Oktoberfest and wanted to take home a watch as a souvenir. Now I have the background I need to shop!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

You will have a blast there! That is something that should be on nearly everyone's bucket list. Have fun and I hope you are able to bring back a new companion home haha.

[@kabaide]

I love my Sinn U50. Never scratched .. tough.. Strong identity. Thumbs up !

[@JimmyScooter]

Appreciate the hard work put in this beautiful overview. My preference for more than 40Y has been the Junghans.

[@fasttracksportsphotography6311]

Love the MeisterSinger. It screams German to me....clean, simple and practical

[@AtheistDD]

I worked at a repairshop that served as their outsourced servicecenter, and at one point (befor i joined) the two companies (Meistesinger and the shop i worked in) where tied together even more sharing a shop etc (they are still in the same building today thouch). I repaired my share of MS. I loved their onehanded aproach.

[@lamaludwig1470]

Great content! And thanks that you try to pronounce the German brand names and cities correctly. Most of the time it's very accurate.

[@dennisjones5579]

Impressive. With the exception of the Sinn model, I haven't heard of the others. Great video. Thank you

[@michelbruns]

recently ordered my nomos, a video about german watches.. perfect timing

[@seaweed719]

Love this kind of video. Very informative.

[@stullmann2657]

Excellent Video, Teddy! Really good research, short and sweet to the point!! Dankeschön

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you, my friend. Enjoy the day!

[@kolesovic]

I wanna know what you guys think about Zeppelin watches? Are they worth to buy? I really like their style...any respond welcome

[@haping1]

Thanks Teddy. Germany has a lot of great watch brands. Love my Hanhart mkI and now looking for a Guinand...

[@mrgr]

They all have very nice designs

[@martinlicht7132]

Good pronunciation of German town names, highly appreciated! :-) Thank you for the well-researched videos!

[@rumcoke9123]

G.O are incredible watches for the money...and can usually be had NEW at 15-20% discount. Lange are out of my price range but absolute art

[@quarters-eye8922]

Union Glashutte Another great German brand.

[@jimlightanddark]

Love this vid! I’d love if you did a spotlight on a country with unexpected watchmaking base. Even a spotlight on US made watches would be cool… Weiss and RGM come to mind.

[@greggani4716]

Lange! My dream watch!

[@alannewland5933]

Teddy a joy to watch your videos.

[@tommay7272]

Good video, good research, good presentation. Please more.

[@fitnessfreakprouddad3284]

Hi Teddy can you give us a detailed review about Zeppelin watches

[@rmd4209]

Awesome video Teddy!! Very informative. Can you cover Italian watch brands in a future video? I believe not many of us are familiar with Italian watches. Thanks.

[@larsn.3625]

Thanks Teddy, one is left to recognize that there are three Countries in the word in focus when it comes to watchmaking: Switzerland, Germany and Japan. By the way, even Rolex has a deep german Heritage with Hand Wilsdorf being German himself!

[@statlerwaldorf7130]

Excellent, informative video, I really enjoyed it. Many thanks Teddy

[@俊毅陳-v6p]

Always love these videos about watch history, thanks!

[@carguy3645]

I love the Damasko watches. I have one preordered now. The DC86 Chronograph. It’s a long wait but will be worth it. 👍

[@klimaxsg]

Great video Teddy... Enjoyed this very much. Greetings from Singapore.

[@dlh2192]

Go Teddy, Go. I am a Cleveland Native and love your content and your growth!!!

[@dlh2192]

Looking forward to more videos.

[@connor7716]

Thanks for another great vid! Been obsessed with Stowa for sometime. My Worn & Wound limited edition Antea is my most worn watch.

[@tobiwie]

Thanks for this video. German watchmaking gets overlooked a lot. So this video is a nice glimbs into the industry and its history. :)

[@johnnychen235]

Thank you Teddy! Love these sessions with plenty of history 👍

[@nemanjamihailovic196]

What about Union Glashütte?

[@pookiestock]

Love my MG zeigerdatum…. I think they call it the 29er pointer date now. Beautiful watch. Keeps great time. A little bit thick. Teddy’s shop didn’t carry the model then, so I had to order it directly. Keep up the great videos. Learn about so many watch brands.

[@AnSe902]

Very interesting video. I'm from Germany and have never heard of Damasko and Tutima before.

[@Scout-nj7xj]

For under 2000 euros Damasko manufacture in Germany some of the best every day and above watches money can buy.

[@RASullivanCreative]

Love this format. Would love to see watches made in the US, Japan, etc.

[@stickshifter8]

Amazing work Teddy.

[@ericchilver9113]

German manufacturing excels , if it’s German it’s excellence.thanks Teddy..

[@frankmirandosr875]

Thanks Teddy, Great video. GO has always been on my radar. I too would love to travel to that city to visit in Germany. Thanks for great information on German Made Watch’s.

[@tristanhenry974]

Great content as usual! It's great to have a deep dive in watchmakers that are not often talked about. Will you consider doing a video on French brands?

[@morozovschivitalie4657]

A. Lange & Söhne are perfect!

[@juano8727]

New to watch collecting. The Junghans look amazing!

[@LectioDivina33]

Yeah great style video, Japan and Switzerland next please! 👍

[@WestCoastAce27]

Amazing history lesson covering GER watchmaking. Should definitely do JPN. And SUI - you’ll probably have to break it up into multiple videos, maybe by price. I struggle with the valuations of the GER brands; only only the Junghans Max Bill quartz (the ‘4’ - so beautiful). Would get a Sinn U50 or Nomos Metro in a heartbeat if they were ~$500-700 lower.

[@David_Best]

Great review. Some new players to me, so thanks for that. I'm still smitten with Nomos.

[@wahmar1]

Just recently bought myself an Union Glashütte automatic watch Ref D005.407.16.087.01. So much love it. Will go for a Nomos soon, too.