German design is amongst some of the best in the world, and watch design is no exception. Germany is home to many pioneering design movements, such as Bauhaus, and has long been a creative hub. In fact, the Bauhaus movement inspired many minimalist watch designs that we see on the market today. However, with Switzerland as the watchmaking powerhouse, German watch brands are often overshadowed. As we already have with Italian watch brands, today we want to shine a light on some of the best German watch brands.
The Best German Watch Brands
Minimalist but Masterful: MeisterSinger
Instantly recognisable for its single-hand designs, MeisterSinger is the deserving opener of our best German watch brands list. Founded in 2001, MeisterSinger was named after a group of singers and poets from the 15th and 16th centuries. Using a historical name is very fitting for the brand, as its portfolio revives almost-forgotten horological trends from the past. For instance, the distinctive singular hand feature of MeisterSinger’s watches is actually based on early mechanical clocks. As people had no need for precise timekeeping, back in the Middle Ages mechanical clocks only had one hand. MeisterSinger stands out by paying homage to this by dedicating its collection to this design feature, as it’s one of the only brands to do so.
The singular hand design also links to the brand’s philosophy. By shifting its emphasis away from ultra-precise timekeeping, MeisterSinger watches instead encourage their wearer to focus on the quality rather than the quantity of their time. Consequently, the brand intends to draw attention away from how much time is spent, but rather, how it’s spent. Attesting to the success and quality of its watches, MeisterSinger has been a recipient of 36 prestigious awards, including 14 Red Dot Awards and 6 German Design Awards.
Our Pick: MeisterSinger Bell Hora 20th Anniversary Ivory Dial BHO913
In classic MeisterSinger fashion, the Bell Hora looks back to forgotten watchmaking history. This watch brings back the antiquated “Sonnerie au passage” complication, which chimes on the hour. This means that you’ll be notified when an hour has passed without the need to look at your watch. However, this can easily be switched off and on, depending on the wearer’s needs.
Against the warm ivory dial of this Bell Hora are black double-digit 24-hour indices. Epitomising the ingenuity of German design, these are arranged in a neat spiral shape. To accent these numerals are blue baton indices, which contribute to the watch’s traditional feel. Exuding luxury is the sapphire crystal that encases the dial. Overleaf, there is also a mineral glass exhibition case back to offer a view into the watch’s impressive inner mechanism. Here, there is an automatic mechanical MS Bell calibre movement, which is based on the Sellita SW 200. With a 38-hour power reserve, it boasts 26 jewels as well as 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour. Bringing together these features is the watch’s 43mm stainless steel case and a dark brown calf leather strap.
Strapping and Sturdy: Sinn
As a brand, Sinn has received global acclaim for the outstanding durability of its watches. It is known as one of the most technologically advanced watchmakers today, with an extensive portfolio of highly innovative timepieces.
In part, the expertise of its founder is responsible for this drive. Former World War Two pilot Helmut Sinn founded the brand back in 1961. He began manufacturing navigation clocks and chronographs based on his aviation knowledge. The brand’s success snowballed during the following decades, until eventually, a Sinn watch made it into outer space. Initially worn on the D-1 space lab mission in 1985, it later accompanied various other space expeditions such as the 1992 Mir-92 mission and the 1993 D-2 mission.
Sinn has since been heavily awarded and recently was the recipient of the prestigious 2023 iF Design Award.
Our Pick: Sinn UX SDR GSG 9 – EZM 2B Bracelet 403.051 BRACELET
A watch that is very characteristic of Sinn’s portfolio is this UX model. The UX collection is built to withstand being pushed to its absolute limit and this model is no exception. In fact, it’s even the official watch of the German GSG 9 special forces. Made from German submarine steel, the 44mm case is pressure resistant up to a 12,000-metre diving depth. For extra durability, coating the black PVD captive bezel is the brand’s own TEGIMENT technology, which ensures high resistance against scratching. The bezel also features a luminescent key mark and minute ratcheting for improved timekeeping precision.
On the matte black dial, the hour positions are accented by thick white baton indices and hands. So that the watch is legible in limited lighting, both the indices and hands are luminescent. Additionally, there is a subtle date display next to the 3 o’clock marker. By matching the colour of the dial, the date window blends in seamlessly with the rest of the design. Finally, completing the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire glass.
As expected, the Sinn UX does not disappoint mechanically either. Ensuring that the watch is readable in any condition, the model also features the brand’s HYDRO technology. This means that the mechanism uses a special oil which prevents the dial from fogging up.
Bauhaus Brilliance: Junghans
Turning from utilitarianism to minimalism, Junghans is the final and oldest contender on our best German watch brands list. Erhard Junghans founded the brand in 1861, and by 1903, it was the largest clock manufacturer in the world. In its lifetime, Jugnhans has survived the quartz revolution, been the official timekeeper for the 1972 Olympic Games, and even produced the world’s first radio-controlled wristwatch.
Today, Junghans prides itself on meticulous design and quality control. Their process of keeping their standards high revolves around the slogan of “precision is passion”. Before each watch is assembled, every individual component is subjected to a rigorous quality inspection. Only after each part has been inspected can it progress to the assembling process. With this high attention to detail and skilful craftsmanship, the resultant timepieces are therefore not just watches, but works of art.
Our Pick: Junghans Max Bill Bauhaus Chronoscope Special Edition 27/4303.02
It doesn’t get more German than Bauhaus-inspired design. The Max Bill series began in 1961 when renowned designer and Bauhaus alumnus Max Bill worked with his students to design Junghans’s first-ever designer clock. Met with such a positive reception, the clock was released as a wristwatch design five years afterwards.
After rereleasing the collection in 2010, Junghans has since kept the Max Bill an integral part of its portfolio. This particular Max Bill Chronoscope features a minimalist matte white dial with slim stick indices and slim rhodium hands. With a red inlay at their centre, the hour and minute hands stand out against the rest of the dial design. Moreover, accenting the four principal hour markers are luminescent dot indices, so the time is legible in low-light conditions. Other functions that expertly incorporated into the dial include a date display and two chronograph subdials. Framing this design is a stainless steel case, which measures 40mm and features an engraving of the Bauhaus school overleaf. Finally, a domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal shields the dial from damage.
Beating beneath the cleanly designed dial is an automatic mechanical movement with Junghans’s in-house J880.2 calibre. This movement has a power reserve of up to 48 hours. Completing the watch is a dark brown leather strap that fastens with a buckle.
And so, that concludes our Best German Watch Brands list for today. But this big question is, which one is your top German watch brand? Vote for your favourite down below!
