Affordable German Watch Brands | Part 3

Hello Fellows,

this is now my third part of the Series "Affordable German Watch brands" after a long break. So if you are interested in affordable german watches without breaking the bank, please check also here:

Part 1

Part 2

or

How to build an affordable watch collection

BOTTA

When you think about onehander watches you probably get Meistersinger in mind.

Although single-hand watches were historically found on some church towers in Europe, it was actually Klaus Botta who had the idea for the single-hand clock. Botta is an industrial designer from near Frankfurt and lets his technical/industrial design elements flow into the design of his watches. As a one-hand watch, the “Uno” was intended to be reminiscent of the speedometer of a racing car.

This design language can be found in many other models, which are sometimes reminiscent of the dashboard displays on an aircraft cockpit. The founder of Meistersinger was previously responsible for the distribution of Botta watches. At that time he was so convinced of the potential of the single-hand UNO models that he decided to found his own watch brand, but based on classic designs, while Botta watches are more modern and sporty. In my conversation with Klaus Botta, he praises Meistersinger for its significantly better marketing strategy. However, Klaus Botta is a passionate designer. When you talk to him or listen to his interviews, you realize that he is deeply in his element and that it was never his goal to create expensive luxury watches. He enjoys his work and enjoys that everyone has access to his watches and it shows.

Anyone looking for a significantly undervalued designer watch should urgently add a Botta to their collection.

BOCCIA

Many people outside of Germany may not know this brand, even though it has very prominent clientele and roots. Boccia is actually the classic department store watch. Their designs are quite reserved and conservative, but they primarily specialize in materials such as titanium and ceramic, making them all suitable for allergy sufferers. Some models are available for less than 100 euros.

Boccia is the affordable subsidiary brand of Tutima Glashütte. So you can be sure that they offer relatively good and long-lasting quality despite the low price.

The most famous wearer of a Boccia is none other than the long-time Chancellor Angela Merkel with her 150 euro Boccia, which she wore for every occasion. So Putin's milion dollar watch collection probably didn't impress her.

 (Credit: Welt.de)

PointTec 2

Now I have to make a continuation of my previous list when I reported on the brands of the PointTEC company. I actually wanted to update the old article, but unfortunately this wasn't possible. Therefore here is PointTEC Part 2.

PointTEC (located near München) is the parent company of several affordable watch brands. However, it must be said that although they are inexpensive, the designs are aimed at watch lovers and enthusiasts. For little money you get relatively good quality, design and a lot of watch for the money without the brands copying other watches. Certain design elements can often be found, but not 1-to-1 homage copies. In addition to the already listed brands Zeppelin, Iron Annie and Bauhaus, there are now additional brands. Ruhla, UMR and Gardé.

Along with Glashütte and Pforzheim, Ruhla is another historic watchmaking town in Germany and namesake of the Ruhla brand, but unfortunately not much of the watchmaking industry remains. With the exception of Ruhla. In 2019, PointTEC took over the “uhrenmanufaktur Ruhla” UMR from the previous parent company Gardé and with it the Ruhla brand and founded the company “uhrenwerke Ruhla”. PointTEC has its own production in Ruhla. Although their movements come from Switzerland or Japan, depending on the model, the Ruhla or Zeppelin watches are manufactured in-house in their own production plants, which is remarkable given their affordable prices.

Ruhla

The completely new model range from Ruhla was recently presented at the Watchtime in Düsseldorf. The “Spacecontrol” model series received the most attention. An integrated model that at first glance is reminiscent of a PRX, but is based on an old model from Ruhla that has been adapted to suit the times.

These watches are offered as solar or automatic in two sizes: 35mm and 40mm. However, I have to say that because of their design, they feel a little larger. More like 37 and 42. But with their prices and build quality and beautiful dials. The solar variants are available from 359 euros and the automatic from 449 euros.

Regarding the automatic mechanism, it should be mentioned that the Miyota 8315 movements are more beautifully refined compared to the C07.111 (Powermatic 80) and the skeletonized rotter looks more attractive, at least at the open heart model.

PointTEC still has a lot of plans for this brand and I think we can be excited to see what awaits us here in the future. I can well imagine that Ruhla will become the second core brand alongside Zeppelin. In any case, the potential is there.

UMR

Prices here start at 69 euros for simple quartz models. They also offer different models as quartz, solar and mechanical. The automatic watches with open heart start at just under 400 euros.

Gardé

There is less to report on the remaining Gardé brand of the former owner of Ruhla/UMR Gardé. However, beside of some different standard watches they do also offer watches for the visually impaired and blind. You should therefore keep this in mind if someone needs such watches. But I can also well imagine that the brand will be dissolved at some point and the models will be integrated into the product ranges of the other brands.

Lilienthal

Lilienthal is a young brand that was only founded in Berlin in 2016 and specializes in designer watches. What's amazing is that they became quite successful in such a short time. The watches are relatively inexpensive and if you want modern designs you will find something in their large product range.

Vandaag

The Vandaag brand is also very young but very successful. Founded in Oldenburg in 2019, it is now very popular with watch enthusiasts. The diving models and the chronographs, which are available as quartz and mechanical, are particularly popular. Some of the quartz models are available for as little as 299 euros. The Automatic on unbelievable 449 Euro. Its trademark is its red date disc. You should definitely take a look here.