The UNION GLASHÜTTE brand remains as dedicated to fine watchmaking today as it was when it was founded 125 years ago. Its roots lie at the traditional centre of the German art of watchmaking, the small Saxon town of Glashütte.

Its heritage spurs the team behind the brand on to great achievements. At UNION GLASHÜTTE, the best workmanship and classic designs are combined with modern technologies and innovative ideas. Every timepiece and every movement is individually assembled, calibrated and quality controlled by hand.

Their "Made in Germany" designation of origin and their famous home of Glashütte attest to a level of quality that sets standards on an international scale. The brand is driven by one main ambition: to manufacture high-quality mechanical timepieces that are not reserved only for an elite. After all, what would life be without dreams achievable through a little hard work?

One visionary points the way

The very real dream of UNION GLAHÜTTE began over 120 years ago. At the end of the 19th century, the renowned watch dealer Johannes Dürrstein was not only a true connoisseur of the international art of watchmaking but, as a successful businessman, also knew exactly what was missing from the market: a top-end timepiece of Glashütte quality that more than only a few people could afford - affordable luxury. This idea encouraged him to found his own watchmaking enterprise, "Glashütter Uhrenfabrik Union", in 1893. This marked the beginning of a new generation of Glashütte timepieces.

From then on, watches were produced under the UNION GLASHÜTTE name, and these timepieces became renowned for their quality, at prices that nevertheless remained affordable. They made a name for themselves all over the world.

A TALE OF MILESTONES, HIGH QUALITY STANDARDS AND A VISIONARY IDEA

GRAND IDEAS BORN IN THE PICTURESQE SAXONY HOME OF GLASHÜTTE.

Production of UNION GLASHÜTTE timepieces began at a time when the Glashütte watchmaking industry was experiencing a period of prosperity. The Saxon watchmaking trade, still in its infancy in the mid-19th century, began putting down deep roots in the region, grew and thrived, and its proximity to the bustling metropolis of Dresden, a centre of intellectual and cultural activity, bolstered the success enjoyed by Glashütte timepieces. However, it was above all the high quality and the typically German penchant for precision that formed the basis of their good reputation, with the result that they became coveted collectors' items back then - and continue to be to this day.

Eventful times

The Great Depression brought these successful years for Glashütte to an abrupt end. As was the case with many other brands, the UNION GLASHÜTTE watchmaking factory had to stop production in 1926, and ten years later, the company was removed from the registry of commerce. In 1951, the remaining watchmaking companies were merged into "VEB Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB)", renamed "Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH" after German reunification and privatised in 1994. Three years later, when the domestic watchmaking industry was changing direction, "Union Uhrenfabrik GmbH Glashütte/SA" was created.

Knowing what matters

Today, UNION GLASHÜTTE still conveys the essence of fine watchmaking as much as it did 125 years ago. The brand's timepieces, as modern representatives of their historical predecessors, display the very best workmanship, mechanical expertise, renowned quality and timeless beauty. They are the best example of "Made in Germany" watchmaking, creating a name for themselves around the world among timepiece enthusiasts who know what matters - time for the finer things in life.

A new beginning with powerful partners

In the year 2000, "Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH" and "Union Uhrenfabrik GmbH Glashütte/SA" joined the family of brands owned by the Swatch Group AG. The solid backing of a large organisation allowed the brand to reconnect with its founding ideals - of creating high-quality mechanical timepieces with a classically beautiful design, affordable not only for an elite clientele. As a fine German brand, and a place in the portfolio of the world's largest watch manufacturer, a promising future lay ahead for UNION GLASHÜTTE. The brand proudly reclaimed its traditional place among the renowned Glashütte watchmaking brands.

PASSION AND CARE

The long list of stringent requirements that proudly fuel every facet of production behind the UNION GLASHÜTTE brand name is clear. From sheer elegance to dynamic sportiness, from classic retro to feminine styling or decorative influences - our collection provides a wide range of different watches for every style or occasion, which attest to their finest origins. The watchmakers at Glashütte in Saxony carefully work through an intensive series of stages to assemble, finish and calibrate each individual model.

COMPONENT PRODUCTION

The component production stage involves the design and manufacturing of all the individual components and decorations that give the UNION GLASHÜTTE mechanical movements their unique character, including finely decorated rotors, balance cocks and automatic and gear train bridges. The experienced part-production team combines classic craftsmanship with the latest in modern technology. Traditional finishing elements such as perlage and the Glashütte stripe finish are applied with a keen eye and exceptional skill.

MOVEMENT ASSEMBLY

Building on the work of the component production team, movement assembly is where the mechanical hearts of our timepieces are brought to life. At this stage, the numerous filigree components that make up the various automatic movements are brought together for the first time. They are combined by hand with exceptional flair, and are continually subject to meticulous inspection - after all, these movements will later be responsible for ensuring that the completed timepieces tick to the precise UNION GLASHÜTTE rhythm.

ACCURACY AND PASSION

WATCH ASSEMBLY

In the final watch assembly stage, the hands, dial and movement are combined into a single working unit and the device is positioned in its designated place inside the case. These steps go hand in hand with particularly challenging technical and aesthetic requirements for the watchmakers.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

After assembly, each individual timepiece is inspected in a supreme, thorough quality management stage, whereby its water resistance, rate, appearance and function are put to the test one last time. If it passes these highly demanding tests, the UNION GLASHÜTTE timepiece is fitted with a high-quality strap and individual accessories that provide its new owner with all relevant information. After this, the watch can finally leave its home in Saxony.

All UNION GLASHÜTTE timepieces carry with them the permanent hallmarks of their origin - the experience and care that have been bestowed upon them here - as they are worn on wrists throughout the world.

Collections

Noramis

A TALE OF MODERN ELEGANCE AND IRRESISTIBLE RETRO CHARM.

The Noramis collection combines the timelessly classic elegance of the 50s and 60s with modern-day demands on design and technology. Its high-quality workmanship, high-grade materials and multitude of intricate details set hearts racing among watch enthusiasts across the world. Exquisite features, such as convex glass and domed dials, lend these timepieces their elegant character and an irresistible charm.

Belisar

A STRONG CHARACTER, MULTIFACETED AND FULL OF JOIE DE VIVRE.

The dynamic models in the Belisar collection are rich in detail and appeal to any individualist who leads an active lifestyle. Whether sporty, elegant or with a retro character - these timepieces are perfect for everyday wear and make the ideal travel companion, capturing the imagination thanks to their complex functions. The flanks, which are typically screw-down, are not only real eye-catchers but also offer lots of space for unusual combinations of materials.

1893

A MODERN INTERPRETATION OF A MAGNIFICENT PAST.

The first Union watches were produced in Glashütte in 1893. Today the brand is remembering its roots with a collection of altogether classic timepieces and, in doing so, is revisiting elements from its own history. With this in mind, the shape of the case on the 1893 is inspired by historical pocket watches. Numerous other intricate details, such as the blued hands, "railway track" chapter ring and off-centre displays evoke memories of the great classics from Glashütte's history.

Viro

TIME AT ITS PUREST.

The models in the Viro collection focus the mind on what is important. A linear design and an uncompromisingly elegant style means that they receive undivided attention from all who see them. Simple yet confident.These timepieces are the young, contemporary representatives of the German watchmaking tradition - atradition to which UNION GLASHÜTTE has proudly added a new chapter. Striking indices provide intuitive readability on all of the models, which are also exclusively manufactured in stainless steel.

Sirona

TIME IS THE MOST PRECIOUS COMMODITY.

The Sirona is a collection that blurs the lines between timepieces and jewellery. Exuding elegance and charm, these delicate models nestle against the feminine wrist and discreetly emphasise the wearer's personal style. Refined dials with a glossy enamel appearance or made from shimmering mother-of-pearl provide the perfect setting for a sparkling adornment of diamonds. Luxurious details in 18-carat gold also provide elegant accents.

Seris

BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT.

With its sporty elegance, the Seris collection is the perfect companion for the modern woman. Confident, contemporary and stylish - these timepieces cut a good figure on any occasion. An exceptional dial design and finely coordinated details, such as the curved sword-like hands or an onyx cabochon, bridge the gap between the classic and the modern. Furthermore, the collection offers a real Glashütte rarity: a chronograph for women.