Walking Through Glashütte, Part I: The Foundation Of a Legacy

Glashütte's journey to becoming Germany's watchmaking capital reads like a good novel. It is a story where tremendous effort and risk go hand in hand but where resilience is eventually rewarded, only to have to do it all over again.

- Martin Green

The greatest, most compelling stories in watchmaking often come from the tiniest place whether in Japan, Switzerland or, in this case, Germany. What is also similar is that to get to these places, you get the idea that you must drive off the map. Surrounded by the best nature has to offer, you seem to leave civilization behind to visit a secluded, almost hidden, place. When it comes to Glashütte, this means that you are leaving the classic cosmopolitan vibe of Dresden, the state capital and largest city in the region, behind you and driving south through the forests and mountains of Saxony. This trip only takes about 40 minutes but will transport you to another place in time.

Glashütte's history started in the 15th century, when a small settlement most likely was established dedicated to the production of glass. This would also explain the town's name, which means 'glassworks' in German. The materials needed for the production of glass, like sand, feldspar, soda and lime, were all easier to find in the mountains and forests, making it a logical place to locate its production. War most likely halted production, but in 1490 the next chapter of Glashütte's history was written when silver ore was found in the mountains. This not only led to a great increase of prosperity in the region but also drew the attention of its ruler, Duke George of Saxony.