Union Glashütte

Union Glashütte is a German watch brand tracing its historical origins to Johannes Dürrstein's watch factory in Glashütte in 1893. The name relates both to historical timepieces and to a modern producer. These periods must be examined separately when dating a collectable watch.

The brand's own timeline records re-establishment as Union Uhrenfabrik GmbH in 1996, followed by a wristwatch collection in 1997. It also describes a new independent direction for the brand and production in 2008. This history does not establish identical movements or uninterrupted manufacture of the same models since 1893. Union Glashütte and Glashütte Original are distinct brand names, despite historical connections.

When buying an older watch, examine the names on dial, movement and case together, especially if only Union is visible. Compare documentation for the appropriate period and reference. The year 1893 may be a historical reference or part of a model designation; it does not by itself date the individual watch.

Sources: Union Glashütte: offisiell tidslinje; Swatch Group: Union Glashütte.