German Watch Museum Glashutte Opens

With the support of the Swatch Group and the town of Glashütte, the German Watch Museum Glashütte opened its doors on May 22, 2008. The grand ceremony was attended by leaders across a range of professional and public fields, representatives from various Glashütte watch companies, and a cadre of international journalists.

Located in the heart of town, upon the historic site of the former German School of Watchmaking, the German Watch Museum Glashütte showcases more than 400 exhibits on two floors, conveying a complete view of the rich 160-year history of the Glashütte watchmaking industry. Pocket watches, wristwatches and pendulum clocks from different periods, marine chronometers and escapement models, historical certificates and patents, tools, workbenches, and astronomical models and metronomes are some of the many fascinating items that visitors can enjoy.

An alternation of "Historical rooms" and "Time Rooms", each framed by a prologue and epilogue, guide visitors through the dual journeys of the important historical figures who shaped the Glashütte watch industry, and the technical development of the watches and clocks themselves. Along the way, a variety of multimedia assist in clarifying and exposing horological concepts and mechanical functions.

Dr. Frank Müller, Managing Director of Glashütte Original, said the following on the inauguration of the Museum Glashütte: “As an experience-orientated ‘time world’ the museum is designed to appeal not only to watch enthusiasts but is also consciously orientated to the general public, to families and to young people. We are already looking forward to receiving our first visitors and hope that our exciting museum will contribute to passing on the fascination of the art of watchmaking as well as knowledge about timekeeping to the next generation.”

Marcus Dressler, Interim Lord Mayor of the town of Glashütte, commented on the occasion, “A long-cherished wish of the town of Glashütte and of its inhabitants is being fulfilled. The completely renovated central building in Glashütte is now being rededicated to a new function. The watchmaking town can once again be proud of what it has created here.”

SOURCE: Glashütte Original