The strictest implementation of “Made in Germany”

Published
03/01/2023 by

On its first birthday, the corks are popping in the watchmaking town nestled between the slopes of the German Eastern Ore Mountains, and there is good reason to celebrate: One year ago, on February 22, 2022, the Glashütte Regulation came into effect shortly after being passed by the Bundesrat, the upper house of the German parliament. A mark of distinction for the watchmaking town as the “Glashütte” designation of origin has acquired significant special status with the new regulation. Watches from Glashütte, valued by experts as much as those from the major Swiss brands, have since enjoyed comparable protection under law. However, where “Swiss Made” applies to all of Switzerland, “Glashütte” is restricted to a very small geographic region with its special tradition and craftsmanship, and is thus even more focused and stricter. The Glashütte Regulation is only the second time that special status has been granted for a technical product in Germany in the form of a designation of origin, following the Solingen Regulation for its cutlery in 1938. 

The “Lex Glashütte” has international significance, equally effecting legal policy, economic policy and regional structural policy. Mayor Sven Gleißberg remarks: “This regulation provides us all with a significant basis for the continued positive development of the watch industry, safeguarding jobs in the town.” And Uwe Ahrendt, CEO of NOMOS Glashütte, adds: “The Glashütte Regulation is entirely in keeping with the history of Glashütte: It protects what has been envisioned and accomplished here for the art of timekeeping for more than 175 years, signifying a better legal foundation for all local manufacturers.” Above all, however, it is customers the world over who have benefited from this legal protection: Watches bearing the “Glashütte” inscription are also guaranteed to be made here with the special craftsmanship of the town’s people. A promise of quality, “as anyone who uses this name must strictly adhere to the stipulations of the regulation,” says Ahrendt.

There are currently nine watch manufacturers operating in Glashütte. NOMOS Glashütte produces by far the most watches bearing the “Glashütte” designation of origin. 

If you have any questions about the regulation, its requirements and its significance, or would like to arrange an interview or get to know the watches from NOMOS Glashütte better, please get in touch: We’re here for you.