The strictest implementation of “Made in Germany”
The anniversary of a protection act: The German watchmaking town of Glashütte has long enjoyed world fame among watch lovers, but this is even more true since February 2022 as the Glashütte Regulation came into force one year ago. The strictest protection for the designation of origin of technical products in Germany guarantees consumers special quality.
GLASHÜTTE, FEBRUARY 2023. 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.
Your contact:
Oliver Nyikos
NOMOS Glashütte
PR department
+49 35053 404-481
pr@glashuette.com
About NOMOS Glashütte:
NOMOS Glashütte is one of the few owner-operated watch manufactories in the world, and creates its mechanical timepieces in Glashütte, Germany. Watch models such as the Tangente, Ludwig, Orion, Club or Metro are world-famous—just like the place where they are made. Glashütte is a legally protected designation of origin. Only manufacturers who work according to strict rules in the 175-year-old tradition of the watchmaking town are permitted to use this denomination for their wristwatches. NOMOS Glashütte is the manufacturer that produces the most mechanical watches in Glashütte.
