The German Government Has Passed a New Law Protecting Watches Made in Glashütte
NOMOS Glashütte Ludwig 38 Datum ref. 231 and NOMOS’ headquarters in Glashütte
The German town of Glashütte, in Saxony, is a small town of only 7,000 people that, much like comparable Swiss municipalities, boasts 11 watch companies. It has had watchmaking activity since the early 19th century, and now, 200 years later, has gained new legal protection for its horological products.
Legal protection surrounding the designation of origin of products is extremely important, not only for buyers to ensure that they are getting what they pay for, but also for the local economy in which the product is being made. This is why Italy has the ‘denominazione di origine controllata’ for its wine, Switzerland has ‘Swiss Made’ for its watches, and recently Benin has achieved geographical indication status for its sugarloaf pineapples.
NOMOS Glashütte Ludwig 38 Datum ref. 231
Much like the products listed above, watches ‘Made in Glashütte’ will now enjoy similar legal protection to those made in Switzerland, thanks to a new law passed by the German government. Just like the ‘Swiss Made’ script on the dial of a watch, ‘Glashütte I/SA’ will assure customers that the timepiece they are interested in is from Glashütte. In a sense, it is a recognition by the German government of the importance of the Glashütte area and its industry to the German economy and German culture. Moreover, it shows that the market recognizes the significance of a timepiece that being manufactured in Glashütte, putting it on a pedestal much like Swiss watches.
Today, the German town boasts major brands and independents alike, through its somewhat tumultuous history it has been home to the likes of A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte Original, NOMOS Glashütte, and several others.
By: Andres Ibarguen