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... 
www.made-in-germany-portal.com

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







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Awesome write up!

 
 By: Bwatched : May 4th, 2022-22:32
Thanks for the write up! The movement in the first picture is a Nomos Lambda. I love the Glashutte striping and the golden chatons on that movement!

We have a winner!

 
 By: patrick_y : May 4th, 2022-23:26
Our new member Bwatched has figured out it's a NOMOS! And yes, it is a very nice Nomos indeed!

Great read and I like clear, detailed, and concise rules.

 
 By: enjoythemusic : May 4th, 2022-23:16
There is respect for the Geneva Seal if the movement manufacturer is seeking to adhere to the 'classic ways'.

Indeed!

 
 By: patrick_y : May 4th, 2022-23:28
The Geneva Seal is a very good comprehensive set of rules that really does require very high standards. Although I do have to say, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin both exceed many of those standards.