Best German Watches of 2023 (Tested & Reviewed)

What are the best German watches?

Ask me why I choose German watchmaking over Swiss, and you might be surprised by my answer.

It's not just the timeless, vintage style--it's the German-style features that make them unique as well.

Reliability, sleek designs--these are all qualities of a great timepiece, and German watches have them in Über spades. Not to mention their superior craftsmanship. Not they're usually not gaudy or have exposed movements or casebacks--but they do represent the perfect mix between form and function.

Furthermore, you won't find many pieces like this elsewhere--making it a true rarity among its peers. With such robustness to go along with its minimalistic aesthetic, it's no wonder that these watches have had such an impact on the industry.

In short: German watches deliver on all fronts--proving themselves worthy of nothing less than my unbridled admiration.

The 7 German Luxury Watches for Affordability and Quality

Are you looking for the sleekest German-manufactured watches around? Then you've come to the right place!

Here I have compiled a list of seven remarkable timepieces created by renowned German watchmakers that offer superior technical features, maximum efficiency, and unbeatable value.

Not only are they aesthetically stunning but also surprisingly affordable. So let me get you all set up with an awesome watch worthy of years' worth of admiration!

1. GPW German Military Titanium Watch GMT

For those in need of a dependable and rugged time-teller, look no further than the German Military Titanium Watch from GPW.

Boasting titanium construction with 200m water resistance and sapphire crystal, this watch is built to withstand the toughest of environments. With its unidirectional, rotating bezel and screw down crown accompanied by smooth lug tips—it's a low-key yet tactical design that looks great on any wrist.

The dial features markers, date window and phosphorescent lume offering an eerie green glow in darker conditions. Plus, both the minute and second hands are given a touch of flair for added style.

The inside is powered by the Swiss Quarts movement complete with hacking feature ensuring accuracy at all times. Different strap options are available such as Bund leather strap, Isofrane dive strap or custom straps—allowing you to pick something that best suits your needs.

This hardcore tool style watch certainly deserves its reputation—offering durability and reliability along with excellent customer service backed up by warranty (should any repairs be necessary). And guess what? The price is right and these models can be had for approximateily $300 from online sellers.

Specifications

• Case diameter: 55mm
• Material: solid aircraft grade light-weight titanium
• Waterproof depth rating: 200m (660ft)

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• Black on black on black! This watch is unbelievably light, thanks to its titanium material, and its Japanese movement makes it a reliable timepiece. The red outlined minute hand is unique and very badass in an unexpected way when you see it in person. The unidirectional crown and the bezel that doubles as a countdown timer is standard. but this is not your average three-style watch. The GMT sets it well apart from other watches in this price range!

NanaDC Suave Rating: 2/5

• I think this is a solid watch for everyday wear. It's not too flashy or too plain, and it has a nice balance between manly style and functionality. It's not sleek or chromed out so we won't give it a high score on the "dress watch" rating.

Roue HDS One Watch German Industrial Design One of Today’s German Dive Watches

Drawing inspiration from illustrious figures like Dieter Rams and Hartmut Esslinger, as well as acclaimed innovator Richard Sapper, this watch flaunts a beautifully glinting and robust sapphire crystal and a stainless steel water-resistant casing that contains a Japanese Miyota quartz movement to ensure supreme accuracy + German engineering. Win win.

The Roue HDS One Watch German--a timepiece renowned for its classic design and modern edge--is available in two colors of silver and black, with a checkered flag motif encircling the crown. At a diameter of 41.5mm and thickness of 9.8mm, it sits comfortably on most wrists; additional features include quick-release pins and an indented crown for easy operation.

Its dial is constructed from two separate tracks to represent hours and minutes respectively, surrounded by an eye-catching yellow gasket edging the hour indices; its hands are designed for optimal visibility even in darkness, completed with a brushed finish for added sleekness. Accompanying this stunning watch come two interchangeable bands--one comprised of sporty silicone with designed holes, the other composed of nylon/leather blend--both manufactured from top-notch materials that perfectly compliment the look when worn!

It even has 50 meters water resistance capacity making it suitable enough to withstand everyday use--however should you seek to obtain a reading of time in dim environments then unfortunately one would want to reconsider as there is no lume on board here. A perfect fit if you're looking for something sophisticated yet affordable; would you agree?

Buy buy buy if you want a conversation piece. Working in certain industries like architecture and design, this would be a killer piece at a great price.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• So sweet. The watch has a very cool finished dial with the ROUE name on it. I stumbled across the HDS and I was really drawn to its bright and interesting design. The dial consists of two different layers…there's just enough difference to be noticeable but not too contrasting or garish…the hands are nothing like I've seen before though…they're also very legible and stand out in the dial. This is more of a "cool" watch than a badass watch, but sometimes those two things overlap!

NanaDC Suave Rating: 5/5

• I have many chronograph but the vintage looks like the one on the HDS is very cool and unique!! You won't find anyone at the local golf course or lounge wearing one of these I guarantee it.
• The Tonneau shape fits very comfortably on the wrist and being only 69 grams and just over 9 millimeters in the height you can only just feel its presence on your wrist…the sapphire crystal is a nice bonus as well for extra durability
• I can honestly say this is one of the most comfortable straps I've ever worn.

Graf Zeppelin Chronograph and Alarm Watch The Under $500 Choice

The polished Graf Zeppelin Chronograph and Alarm Watch, crafted in Germany with Swiss movement, is a breathtaking timepiece.

Boasting Brequet-style hands and a stainless steel case, this economical beauty will grant many years of reliable service. With its bona fide aesthetics—not to mention it's wallet-friendly price tag—this watch presents an Über attractive offer that's worth considering.

This delicate timepiece, donning a 42 mm round case of 13 mm thickness and graced with an unconventional mineral and analog display--all encased in three available shades of grey, silver, and brown--is equipped with a 2-year warranty. Not to forget the handy date display! What's more? The leather strap measures 22 mm while its lightweight form weighs in at a scant 2.82 ounces. Consequently it exhibits Quartz movement, being waterproof up to 50 meters.

The watch looks really classy and manly. I’ve been wearing it for a few weeks now, and it’s held up surprisingly well. It’s perfect for suits, casual attires, and even a tux. The top-quality leather strap is charcoal grey, and it has a few reflections at different angles. The lighter colored dials give it a sophisticated and elegant look.

This watch is a complicated piece of machinery but it’s still pretty intuitive. It took me several times of playing a scrabble game to figure out how to set the chronograph functions. The instructions are also a bit difficult to read, so I had to put on my reading glasses to make sure I got everything right.

The watch’s hands are really small, but the visibility is great, even in dimly lit environments. The background is black, and the hour and minute hands are aligned in a way that’s easy on the eyes. The reference time is accurate, and the second hand is also visible.

My only gripe with the watch is that it's bit difficult to get used to the 3D effect of the dial. Other than that, I highly recommend this watch for any gentlemen (on this side of the pond or the other) looking for an elegant and classy timepiece. It’s definitely worth the money.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• One of the coolest things about the chronograph is that if you're timing something for more than a minute, the left sub-dial shows both minutes on the outer ring and hours on the inner ring. It's a really useful feature that adds to the functionality of the watch
• Overall, the Graf Zeppelin 7680-1 is a unique and stylish watch that stands out from the crowd. It's perfect for those who want a vintage look with modern functionality. I highly recommend it

NanaDC Suave Rating: 5/5

• This German-made watch with Swiss Rhonda quartz movement is sleek and stylish. The 42mm stainless steel case, with its Zeppelin style hand finish, looks and feels great. And the vintage look of the silver white dial is truly unique
• One of the standout features of this watch is the chronograph on the left and the alarm on the bottom. Plus, the big ray style hands and sub dial for seconds really pop. And the brown leather strap with white stitching is a perfect match for the vintage style of the watch.

Mil-Tec Luftwaffe ME 109 Pilot Vintage Quartz The Budget Saver's Choice

The Mil-Tec Luftwaffe ME109 Pilot Vintage Quartz is a must-have for any man who loves the thrill and look of military-inspired technology.

This watch conjures up images of WWII air force pilots and is incredibly unique and a conversation starter. The aged leather strap on the one I saw looked perfect for the dial, and a unique design with a quartz Japanese movement rounds out the tech side of things. The mineral glass crown and wrist circumference make it a timeless piece that looks and feels great on the wrist.. All for under a hundred bucks!

Glimmering with luminous hands and Arabic markers, the dial face of this eye-catching watch is sure to dazzle–emphasised by its round case, diamond-cut bezel, metallic buckle and calfskin leather strap.

As far as features go, it boasts an impressive model number, shapely window material, display type, clasp plus adjustable dimensions for a wrist-hugging fit. The crystal casing houses a battery-driven movement that ensures reliable precision.

But beware; while the design might be unique and captivating its lume can quickly fade away and the strap may prove relatively bulky –still only slight grievances for the price.

The Mil-Tec Luftwaffe ME 109 Pilot Vintage Quartz is an impressive piece of German engineering, combining Far Eastern (Japanese) components and European precise specifications to create a timepiece that's reliable, precise--even indomitable.

Final buy/no buy result? Buy: from its rich military history to its accurate readings and eye-catching design, the Luftwafe ME 109 has all the features one could desire in a vintage timepiece. And thanks to its dependability and craftsmanship, no amount of money can purchase such unique looks elsewhere.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The BGW9 loom has a very cool blue tint to it, and it glows very evenly, even if it's not the brightest or longest-lasting loom I've seen.
• The BGW9 loom on the Escapement Time Flieger Type-B watch is incredibly cool. Its blue tint is unique and adds a bit of flair to the watch's design. It may not be the brightest or longest-lasting loom, but it glows evenly and makes it easy to read the time even in the dark
• Honestly, I think the brushing is fantastic. It's very consistent and it looks really impressive compared to even some way more expensive watches. I think they did a really great job on the brushing, and it just looks so high quality. This is just an overall well-made watch; it feels really quality and solid even down to the buckle."
• I am blown away by the high-quality craftsmanship of the Escapement Time Flieger Type-B watch. The brushing is impeccable and consistent, making it look like a watch worth ten times its price. Every aspect of the watch feels incredibly well-made and solid, down to the buckle

NanaDC Suave Rating: 2/5

• I'm surprised because I don't usually like type B dials, but this is a fantastic representation and I really like the way it looks. The glossy orange dial and stark white print gives it a good contrast. The size and length of the hands look very well balanced to the overall dial."
• I'm really impressed by how stunning the Escapement Time Flieger Type-B looks on my wrist. The glossy black dial and stark white print contrast perfectly, making it easy to read the time in any lighting. The size and length of the hands are perfectly balanced, making it easy to read at a glance.

Laco Type B Dial Miyota Automatic Pilot Watch

The Laco Type B Dial Miyota Automatic Pilot Watch is the perfect watch for any pilot enthusiast. It'd got the defacto pilot look that IWC made so famous. But this can be had for a few hundred Dollars!

With a classic WWII-inspired design, this watch oozes with nostalgia and character. It features a Superluminova dial and sapphire crystal for a clear, easy-to-read display in any light conditions. The case is sandblasted and black for a sleek, deadly look.

The size of the watch is a perfect fit for wrists of any caliber--from scrawny to stick-thin. The brown strap has a pleasant feel and the interplay between hues makes it an attractive piece. Its discernible dial provides numbers and text, atop which rests a refined logo.

Powered by the dependable Miyota movement, resetting or winding isn't needed as its power reserve will last days on end with ease. Utilize date and time functions with exactitude with the gains in seconds; adjust them using the smooth bezel control knob clearly marked with directions around it.

Visibility even in darkness is made possible by lume hands, while sapphire crystal adds extra protection against weariness. The curved lugs give the watch an original look that comes at cost—slightly higher than some lesser quartz watches—but still comfortable

Final call: consider Laco Type B Dial Miyota Automatic Pilot Watch if you need this look. I can imagine wearing this when taking out a vintage BMW or Mercedes for a drive, especially a convertible on a brisk day!

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• I'm blown away by the amazing value of this Laco Aachen Fleeger watch! With its sandblasted finish and onion-style crown, this watch has a vintage aesthetic that is truly stunning. Plus, it's made in Germany and comes with a traditional pilot-style strap that is both comfortable and rigid. And let's not forget about the sapphire crystal, which offers a clear view of the dial while providing excellent durability

NanaDC Suave Rating: 2/5

• This watch does it right.. As someone who appreciates the history of watchmaking, I was thrilled to learn that Laco has a genuine connection to the original Fleeger pilot watches developed for the German air force. This watch is a true standout in the affordable tier, and its Type B dial configuration, with hour numerals at the center of the dial and five-minute increments along the outside.

Zeppelin Big Date - Dual Time Watch 8644-2 - Series LZ126 Los Angeles

The luxurious Graf Zeppelin Dual Time Big Date Watch (8644-2) is a must--have for any dapper gent! Especially one who lives in LA or has a personal connection with the city (or time zone)

An elegant dial with glimmering crystal gives off an air of sophistication, meaning those around you will definitely take notice. A perfect conversation starter, especially with the red tachymeter inscriptions.

The Graf Zeppelin 8644-2 - Series LZ126 Los Angeles boasting a Swiss quartz movement, and it has a battery life of up to three years in most cases. Its 42mm case diameter and 11mm thickness provide a comfortable wearing experience, while the brown leather band is sturdy yet handsome.

To add an extra touch of distinction, the crown bears the embossed Zeppelin logo—giving this timepiece more character. In addition to these features, this watch also features a calendar, tachymeter as well as polished hands, and domed lugs—all coming together to give it a vintage vibe.

Great price tag too, generally available online for under $300. It is worth the investment if you want something slick as Steve McQueen and just as timelessly stylish.

How We Selected the Best Military Watches

To start, I researched the top German watch brands and made a list of their most popular models. From there, I narrowed down the list to the watches that had the highest user reviews and ratings online.

Next, I put my own personal touch on the selection process by testing and wearing some of the watches on the list. I paid close attention to the watches' accuracy, durability, and overall design. I must admit, some watches didn't make the cut due to their bulky size and weight, making them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. However, the majority of the watches impressed me with their precise movements and intricate detailing.

In conclusion, I'm confident in the list I've put together of the best German watches. While there may be some personal bias involved in the selection process, I believe that the watches included are of the highest quality and represent the best of German engineering. One negative trait that was identified was the high price point of some of the watches. However, this was outweighed by the positive qualities such as the exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and timeless elegance.