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.
ALSO READ: Filippo Loreti Watches - The Kickstarter Brand
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!
German Military Titanium Watch The Watch For The Armed Forces
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.
- #1 Most Lightweight Titanium Military Watch available. The watch weighs only 57GR. (2 OZ) without...
- Reliabe Swiss Quartz movement. Date display at 3 o'clock position. 2nd Timezone (or Military Time)...
- Extra strong sapphire crystal with anti reflection coating (as required by the German Armed Forces;...
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.
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.
- Durable materials
- Very lightweight
- Perfect for large arms and large hand frames
- The crown is quite tricky to adjust
- Expensive considering the basicity of the features
- The second and minute hand lack precision
German Military Titanium Automatic Watch A Great Addition to German Automatic Watches
The GPW Infantry German Military Titanium Automatic Watch is an absolute must-have for the German watch lover, combining militant style and performance in one sleek package.
The Arctos Elite movement from Philipp Weber during WWII serves as a testament to the precision and trustworthiness of the German Armed Forces; its corrosion-resistant titanium casing provides excellent durability, featuring a bright red bezel, date complication, and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Bund leather strap and crown at 3 o'clock position further add to its distinct charm.
- #1 Most Lightweight Titanium Military Watch available. The watch weighs only 57GR. (2 OZ) without...
- Reliabe Swiss Quartz movement. Day and Date display at 3 o'clock position.
- Extra strong sapphire crystal with anti reflection coating (as required by the German Armed Forces;...
Buttons with luminous paint make viewing easy even in low light conditions—and more than just pleasing aesthetics, this model also has a reliable unidirectional bezel that ratchets so precisely you might think twice about using it as a tool watch!
Plus—with diameters of 42.5mm (11.7mm thick) on the casing and 22mm by 50mm on the strap—it's sure to fit comfortably on most wrists.
A no-joke Swiss quartz movement powers it up. This is a buy in our books! My friend Mark actually bought this watch and I just reviewed it, more pictures to come!
- Precise watch movement
- It has a power reserve feature
- Perfect for outdoor uses
- Too expensive considering the features
- It is not entirely water-resistant
- It deteriorates after a few months
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.
- EFFICIENCY MEETS EXCELLENCE -- The HDS Hands is inspired by Dieter Rams’ iconic industrial and...
- UNDENIABLE QUALITY -- The ultra-scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass and water-resistant...
- MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY -- Your life could change in a New York minute. Avoid missing any high-stakes...
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.
- Great water-resistance applications
- Perfect for water sports and activities
- Reliable watch movement
- The appearance is distinctive, for better or worse.
- The lume in the markings is not effective
- Not appropriate to be used as a dress watch
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.
- Chronograph- Alarm
- Swiss Movement
- Brequet style hands
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.
- Decent standard
- The appearance is appealing for the hand
- Perfect for formal events
- Some of the materials are not specific
- It is not scratch-resistant
- Too expensive considering the features
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 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!
- Collectible Vintage Watch design from an era of aerial bravery - World War 2 Luftwaffe ME 109 German...
- Vintage Design combined with Modern Technology - this watch has a Highly Accurate Japanese Quartz...
- Each Watch is Unique - the beige dial of the watch is different on each unit and has a fighter pilot...
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..
- The vintage appearance and style is very impressive
- Inexpensive
- Perfect for everyday use
- Not water-resistant
- Not scratch-resistant
- It lacks other features that most watches have
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.
- Made in Germany
- Stainless-steel case, black dial, Superluminova
- Automatic-self-wind movement from Miyota
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.
- Innovative features
- Very durable
- Provides real accuracy
- SuperLuminova with superb illumination
- Not meant for heavy-duty purposes
- The brown leather band doesn't fit most wrist. You need to punch another hole
- Markings have more greenish color
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.
- Big date, dual time, quartz-controlled
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 uner $300. It is worth the investment if you want something slick as Steve McQueen and just as timelessly stylish.
- Inexpensive in comparison to other Zeppelin watches
- Comfortable to your hand
- Perfect for traveling
- Chronograph style
- Not very durable
- Some of the materials are not specific
- It is not scratch-resistant
Things You Should Consider When Buying German Timepieces
Searching for the ideal German timepiece? Expensive does not necessarily lend itself to great quality. Luxury Swiss watches are often thought of as masters of the trade, but I'm disinclined to accept this notion. Germany makes plenty of great stuff!
German watches come in the few hundred dollars range, the several thousand dollars range, and the $10k+ range. They are all good.
The limited edition hand-made German watchmakers normally come with hefty price tags, that doesn't make them automatically superior with regards to accuracy and durability--(which begs the question): what considerations should be taken into account when selecting your desired German wristwatch?
Do your due diligence (read the reviews, visit Reddit, watch YT videos), and look into a few different models and consider both price AND quality. Plus, make sure you shop carefully-- You don't want something that is German and works great, but you don't like the looks. Personal preference will always win out; and all the watches here are vetted for quality.
Choosing German Watch Brands
In the domain of premium German timepieces, what options should one choose? Lange Söhne, Nomos Glashütte Original and Junghans Meister are all renowned for their meticulous engineering - but be aware, purchasing such watches certainly doesn't come cheap.
If you're unwilling to outlay exorbitant amounts of money for horology - then perhaps seek out alternate brands that offer somewhat tasteful yet still modestly priced pieces. We tried to create a good list here 🙂
Setting Your Budget
Watches made in Germany are a cut above the rest. They've been dubbed uber watches for a reason: they are great at what they do! The typical price tag for a German timepiece is usually below $500. Of course they go much higher, but that's for a separate review!
At any rate, don't expect to find a legitimate German watch for less than a C-note.
Bottom line: German watches are definitely worth your time and money. Just don't expect a $40 price tag like a Timex or Seiko!
Materials and Durability
German watches are renowned for their durability and the materials used in each model still vary. The majority of companies use Stainless Steel – 316L grade and above – to ensure corrosion resistance.
Rolex, for instance, uses 904L grade steel which is even more luster and acid-resistant. But they say that's just marketing on behalf of Rolex and they simply created their own grade of steel even though it's not that much different.
The steel is not where the details are, it's in things like the fit and finish of the dial, the hands, the quality of the polishing, and the overall design etc.
Also look out for Sapphire crystal, as it is the most scratch-resistant and miles beyond regular mineral glass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are frequently asked questions about German timepieces and their answers.
What is the Best German Watch Brand for the Money?
Tough question, but we love Graf Zeppelin watches -- one of the best German watch brands around - hands down! They look incredible on your wrist and feel twice as good. Craftsmanship is top-notch, and the price tag isn't too wild.
There is no right answer though! There's so many!
What is the Best German Watch?
The German Military Titanium Watch — seemingly forged from steel and chiseled by a master artisan — is a marvel of engineering that no one should be without.
Its precise Swiss quartz movement promises accurate timekeeping and its non-reflective sapphire crystal gives you maximum visibility in any light. What's more, it weighs next to nothing while remaining highly durable — making it the ideal choice for pilots and marines alike.
Granted, there aren't any extra features here and the price tag could be lower — but if reliability and ruggedness matter more than anything else, this is likely your go-to watch. (And let's not forget—it looks pretty badass too!)
Is Junghans a Luxury Brand?
Junghans is a semi-luxury brand that is highly coveted by watch collectors and timepiece enthusiasts alike. It's renowned for its classic designs and wide variety of attractive timepieces - although, it's not as well advertised as other brands. Watches range from a $500 - $2000 based on what we can tell.
A Watchmaker’s Choice: The Best Under $1000 German Watch
Weighing in a mere 40 grams, he GPW German Military Titanium Watch is epic.
Made by Arctos Praezionsuhren e.K. in Germany—a company with a tradition since 1923—this timepiece not only has a 2 year manufacturer warranty, but it is also part of the few official German Military watches (6645-12-194-8642). The weight—only 57GR, or 2 OZ without the strap—makes it ideal for adventure seekers, warriors and globetrotters alike!
The construction and design are top of the line. It features a Swiss Quartz movement with a Day/Date display at 3 o'clock position, an extra strong sapphire crystal with anti-glare coating, German utilitarian dial design that helps you read in the dark, and even a 200M (660 feet) water resistance! Furthermore, the 42.5MM diameter case is made from Grade 2 Titanium which makes it resistant to wear and tear. Plus, the sandblasted finish adds stealthiness useful for hostile terrain. This model was designed by members of the Infantryman of the Future and KRK (Crisis Reaction Forces) Soldier units to suit their needs—so it's safe to say that it won't let you down!
This watch might be tiny but it packs a punch! It's sleek and chic yet rugged enough to survice any terrain. There's no doubt this timepiece is perfect for those who seek reliability and durability in an incredibly stylish package. On top of that, the comfort factor is unbeatable due to its lightweight design—it truly shows that less can be more! So if you're in need of an awesome watch with a touch of military flair, then look no further than the GPW German Military Titanium Watch.
Links, prices, and images were pulled from the Amazon API. Last updated on 2023-03-20.