Union Glashütte
Glashütte, Germany · Est. 1893
Founded by Johannes Dürrstein
Union Glashütte is a German watch brand originally founded in 1893 in the watchmaking town of Glashütte, Saxony. Acquired by the Swatch Group in 1995, it produces elegant mechanical timepieces in the classic German tradition, with movement parts bearing the coveted Glashütte hallmark.
- Founded
- 1893
- Headquarters
- Glashütte, Germany
- Group
- Swatch Group
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Noramis — Union Glashütte's elegant entry-level collection, offering clean and legible dials in a classic round case with refined Glashütte finishing details. The Noramis is designed to offer the craftsmanship of Glashütte watchmaking at an accessible price, featuring decorated movements visible through a display caseback. It is available in time-only, date, and complication variants.
- Belisar — A more formal and dressy line from Union Glashütte, featuring slimmer cases, elegant dial designs, and a focus on traditional watchmaking aesthetics. The Belisar is inspired by mid-century German watchmaking design and appeals to collectors who appreciate understated elegance paired with genuine Glashütte movements.
- Seris — Union Glashütte's sports-oriented collection featuring robust cases, date functions, and versatile designs suitable for everyday wear. The Seris bridges the gap between the brand's dress watches and more active lifestyle demands, offering in-house calibres with the Glashütte finishing traditions the brand is known for.
Timeline
- 1893 — Union Glashütte is founded in Glashütte, Saxony, as part of the flourishing German watchmaking industry of the late 19th century.
- 1930 — The brand produces pocket watches and wristwatches for both civilian and export markets during the interwar period.
- 1972 — Following East German nationalisation, Union Glashütte becomes part of the combined VEB Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe state enterprise.
- 1993 — After German reunification, Union Glashütte re-establishes itself as an independent brand in the reviving Glashütte watchmaking scene.
- 2000 — The Swatch Group acquires Union Glashütte, securing its position and enabling investment in its product range and manufacture facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Union Glashütte
- Is Union Glashütte a genuine Glashütte watchmaker?
- Yes, Union Glashütte has been based in Glashütte, Saxony since its founding in 1893, and its watches are assembled in that town using movements that comply with the Glashütte origin requirements. The brand forms part of the Swatch Group's portfolio of Glashütte-based watchmakers, alongside the more prominent Glashütte Original.
- Who owns Union Glashütte?
- Union Glashütte is owned by the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch manufacturer, which acquired the brand in 2000. Despite being part of this large corporate structure, the brand continues to position itself as an authentic Glashütte watchmaker with roots going back to 1893.