patrick_y[PuristSPro Moderator]
28046
Watch Legal Language: The "Made In Germany" and "Made in Glashutte" Rule
May 04, 2022,19:03 PM
When a product is labeled "Made in Germany" one immediately assumes
positive remarks. The Germans are known for high quality
manufacturing, precision, and quality. German manufacturing is world
renown for its quality, precision, and reliability. And recently, as of
February 2022, there is a new standard for watches made in Glashutte.
Anybody know which Glashutte producer creates this beautiful in-house movement? Notice "Glashutte" is engraved on the balance cock!
Germany has a rich watchmaking tradition, having made pocket watches
with escapement movements since the 1600s - even before John Harrison's
escapement idea. Englishman John Harrison is often credited with the
escapement idea as he transitioned from pendulums to escapements for his
clocks/watches. Germany also had an illustrious jewelry industry that
was very popular before the war in Pforzheim. All of this being said
however, the German government doesn't have precise requirements for the
label "Made in Germany" when it is applied in the context of watches.
Thus, any product that is predominantly manufactured in Germany can
carry the "Made in Germany" label and there is no specific legal
requirement for timekeeping products.
More can be found here...
This watch by A. Lange & Sohne states "Glashutte i/SA" for Glashutte in Saxony. I have been to the Lange factory many times and it is a wonder! Not a single stamping machine! Photo credit: Jocke
HOWEVER!
"Made In Glashutte" does have some very strict requirements.
Glashutte, a town in the state of Saxony, a province in Eastern Germany,
is now world renowned for top quality timepieces. Home to some
collector favorite brands like A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original,
and Nomos Glashutte - it really is a small area committed to top level
quality manufacturing of timepieces. Thus, Glashutte has very recently,
since February 2022, created new criteria for watches labeled with
"Glashutte" or any translation on the dial.
1.
As of February 2022, all watches manufactured from the start of
February 2022 labeled with Glashutte (or any translation of) must adhere
to the following rules.
2. At a minimum 50% of the value must be created LOCALLY within Glashutte.
3.
All critical quality-relevant and production-relevant steps in
manufacturing must be done in a production facility within the borders
of Glashutte.
4. The watch brand must be registered and located in Glashutte with its primary production facility in Glashutte.
5.
Watches are generally labeled "Glashutte" or "Glashutte i/SA"
(i/SA indicates 'in Saxony'). A "Made in Germany" or "Germany" label is
also allowed.
This Moritz Grossman features a hammered dial and an amazing movement. It is made in Glashutte! I haven't been to the factory, but I look forward to visiting one day!
The rule is relatively
new, I'm still researching enforcement standards. Unlike the "Swiss
Made" designation which is upheld by Swiss law, the Swiss Government,
and a body of organized watch companies that are monitoring the law;
it's less clear how involved the local government will enforce the new
law and standards. It's also unclear how the rule was determined - did
the small independent watchmakers get a say? Or was it all determined by the larger
watchmaking companies?
Keep in mind, Glashutte is a
small village. For such a large amount of technical requirements to be
levied in such a small town with only two main roads and one small
train station is extraordinary. We live in a connected world today
where something like our toaster is made from parts that were probably
manufactured or designed on three different continents. Watches today
are global products. To force 50% of the value to come from a village
is definitely unique in the watch world. What are your thoughts?
A Glashutte Original PanoInverse! Photo by Jocke