Union Glashütte is an affordable-luxury German watch brand rooted in the historic watchmaking town of Glashütte, Saxony. Since its founding in 1893 by Johannes Dürrstein, the brand has sought to make fine mechanical watches that bring Glashütte craftsmanship to a broader audience.
Known for blending classic, retro-modern styling with practical design, Union Glashütte combines traditionally finished mechanical movements with user-friendly aesthetics. Each timepiece is assembled, regulated and finished by hand on site in Glashütte. Though it uses Swiss-origin movements in many models, each is individually adjusted, decorated and inspected under strict German precision standards—and bears the legally protected “Made in Glashütte” designation.
1893
Founded by Johannes Dürrstein in Glashütte; first Grand Complication presented at Chicago World Fair.
1899
Relocated to a modern production facility at Hauptstraße 41 in Glashütte.
1900
Completed the ‘Universaluhr’ (Universal Watch) with alarm and complications; expanded into observation watches.
1936
Original Uhrenfabrik Union removed from commercial register amid economic upheaval.
1996
Union Uhrenfabrik GmbH re‑founded as a brand under Glashütte Original.
1997
Returned to market with Glashütte‑Original‑designed wristwatch collection and full vertical integration.
2000
Acquired by Swatch Group AG; Union placed under same group as Glashütte Original.
2008
Brand repositioned as independent with its own ateliers and dedicated mechanical collections.
2012
Opened new production facility at Frühlingsweg 5 in Glashütte.
2018
Celebrated 125‑year anniversary; special exhibition by German Watch Museum and release of limited ‘1893 Johannes Dürrstein’ edition.
