The Best German Watch Brands
Born from the historic watchmaking tradition of Glashütte, Germany, these brands have long shaped the world of fine horology. From A. Lange & Söhne to Kudoke, we spotlight the best German brands.
When it comes to watchmaking, Switzerland is often the first country that comes to mind. However, Germany—particularly the town of Glashütte, located between Dresden and the Czech Republic—has long been one of the most important centers of fine watchmaking. With an engineering-driven philosophy, distinctive design language, and strict production discipline, German watches have carved out a unique position within the industry. From the nearly 200-year heritage of A. Lange & Söhne to the avant-garde designs of Alexander Shorokhoff, here is our selection of the best German watch brands.
Best German Watch Brands
A. Lange & Söhne
Founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange, A. Lange & Söhne is today regarded as one of the most prestigious names in haute horlogerie. After suspending operations following World War II, the brand was revived in the 1990s and returned to watch production with renewed strength. Known for its hand-finished movements, Glashütte three-quarter plates, and the brand’s signature oversized date display, A. Lange & Söhne has become synonymous with technical excellence and refinement. Iconic collections include the Lange 1, Zeitwerk, and 1815. Prices for A. Lange & Söhne timepieces typically start above €20,000.
Nomos Glashütte
Relatively young by watchmaking standards, Nomos Glashütte entered the industry in 1990. The brand quickly established a strong identity through its Bauhaus-inspired designs, characterized by minimalism, clarity, and modern aesthetics. Producing its own in-house movements at its Glashütte manufacture, Nomos stands out with collections such as Tangente, Metro, and Orion. Positioned as an entry-level luxury brand, Nomos Glashütte watches generally start at around €1,500.
Glashütte Original
Although the first watch bearing the Glashütte Original name was produced in 1990, the brand’s roots trace back to 1845, when Ferdinand Adolph Lange settled in Glashütte. Manufacturing its timepieces entirely under one roof in Glashütte, the brand is known for its classical designs and sophisticated style. With flagship collections such as Senator, Pano, and SeaQ, Glashütte Original offers watches ranging in price from approximately €5,400 to €325,000.
Sinn
Officially named Sinn Spezialuhren zu Frankfurt am Main, Sinn was founded in 1961 in Frankfurt. The brand is widely recognized for offering high functionality and robust quality with a strong price–performance balance. Sinn is also known for its technical innovations, including proprietary gas-filled cases that prevent moisture from entering the watch. Notable collections include DIAPAL, Financial District, and the U series. Prices typically range from €890 to €15,000.
MeisterSinger
MeisterSinger is best known for its single-hand watches, created as a response to the pressures of fast-paced modern life. The brand’s philosophy encourages a calmer perception of time—measured not in seconds, but in broader intervals. Although MeisterSinger dials feature only one hand, minutes can still be read via clearly marked indices. The brand uses ETA and Sellita movements, while design and assembly take place at its German headquarters. MeisterSinger watches are priced between €1,100 and €6,000.
Lang & Heyne
Founded in Saxony in 2001, Lang & Heyne is one of the so-called “millennium brands” of German watchmaking. The company produces limited, hand-crafted high-end watches using traditional 18th-century techniques, all made in its own workshop. The watches in its collection are named after rulers of Saxony from the House of Wettin. With an annual production of only 150 to 200 timepieces, Lang & Heyne watches are priced between €24,000 and €190,000.
Union Glashütte
Another brand born in Glashütte, Union Glashütte dates back to 1893. Initially focused on producing affordable pocket watches, the brand quickly became one of the notable names in German watchmaking. Today, Union Glashütte offers modern chronographs and automatic watches, with standout collections such as Noramis, Belisar, and the 1893 line. Prices generally range from €1,000 to €5,000.
Junghans
Founded in 1861 by Erhard Junghans, the brand reached a major milestone in 1903 by producing more than three million watches, making it one of the world’s largest watch manufacturers at the time. Junghans began producing wristwatches in the 1930s and is closely associated with Bauhaus designer Max Bill. Clean, minimalist dial designs have since become the brand’s hallmark.
Kudoke
Kudoke is one of the independent names in German watchmaking. Founded by master watchmaker Stefan Kudoke, the brand reflects his deep passion for the craft of horology. Kudoke watches have gained increasing recognition in recent years, culminating in a major achievement when the Kudoke 3 won an award at the 2024 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
