Glashütte Original vs. Union Glashütte

Attribute	Glashütte Original	Union Glashütte
Founded	1845	1893
Location	Glashütte, Germany	Glashütte, Germany
Specialization	Luxury watches	Luxury watches
Ownership	Swatch Group	Kering Group
Popular Collections	Sixties, Senator, Pano	Noramis, Belisar, Viro

History

Glashütte Original and Union Glashütte are both prestigious watchmaking companies based in the town of Glashütte, Germany. Glashütte Original was founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange, while Union Glashütte was established in 1893 by Johannes Dürrstein. Both companies have a rich history of producing high-quality timepieces that are renowned for their precision and craftsmanship.

Design

When it comes to design, Glashütte Original is known for its classic and elegant aesthetic. The brand's watches often feature clean lines, understated dials, and traditional elements such as Roman numerals and blued steel hands. On the other hand, Union Glashütte tends to have a more modern and sporty design. Their watches may include bold colors, larger case sizes, and contemporary details like skeletonized dials or exhibition casebacks.

Movements

Both Glashütte Original and Union Glashütte are known for their exceptional movements. Glashütte Original produces in-house movements that are meticulously crafted and finished to the highest standards. Their movements are often highly complex, with features such as chronographs, perpetual calendars, and tourbillons. Union Glashütte, on the other hand, uses a combination of in-house and outsourced movements. While their movements may not be as intricate as Glashütte Original's, they are still reliable and accurate.

Price

One of the main differences between Glashütte Original and Union Glashütte is the price point of their watches. Glashütte Original is considered a luxury brand, with prices that reflect the high quality and craftsmanship of their timepieces. Their watches can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the model and complications. Union Glashütte, on the other hand, offers more affordable options for those looking to own a German-made watch. Their watches are typically priced in the mid-range luxury segment, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

Brand Recognition

While both Glashütte Original and Union Glashütte are respected names in the watchmaking industry, Glashütte Original is generally more well-known and prestigious. The brand has a long history of producing exceptional timepieces and has gained a reputation for excellence among collectors and enthusiasts. Union Glashütte, on the other hand, may not have the same level of brand recognition as Glashütte Original, but they are still highly regarded for their quality and craftsmanship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Glashütte Original and Union Glashütte are esteemed watchmaking companies with a shared heritage in the town of Glashütte, Germany. While Glashütte Original is known for its classic design and high-end movements, Union Glashütte offers a more modern and affordable alternative. Ultimately, the choice between the two brands comes down to personal preference and budget. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of Glashütte Original or the contemporary style of Union Glashütte, both brands offer exceptional timepieces that are sure to impress.