Union Glashütte, founded in 1893 in Glashütte, Germany, by Johannes Dürrstein, aimed to make high-quality German watches more accessible. Competing with Swiss brands, Dürrstein upheld the region’s watchmaking traditions while keeping prices affordable. The brand quickly earned a reputation for precision and craftsmanship, producing pocket watches and chronometers that rivaled costlier competitors.
Despite economic struggles and war, Union Glashütte remained dedicated to its craft. Nationalized during East Germany’s socialist era, the brand disappeared for decades until its revival in 1996 under the Swatch Group. Today, it blends classic design with modern innovation in collections like Belisar, Noramis, and 1893, maintaining its status as a respected name among collectors and watch enthusiasts.