German watchmaking has long been synonymous with precision, innovation, and enduring style. And 2025 is no different. In ‘Our Best German Watch Brands of 2025’, we’ll look at the standout timepieces that showcase the country’s exceptional craftsmanship. From sleek, Bauhaus-inspired designs to the robust appeal of pilot and tool watches, there’s something to suit every taste and purpose. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or just beginning your horological journey, this year’s offerings confirm that Germany remains a powerhouse in watch design. Let’s explore the top brands shaping the scene!
Our Best German Watch Brands of 2025
Junghans
Junghans was founded in 1861 in Schramberg, Germany, by Erhard Junghans and Jakob Zeller-Tobler as a clock component manufacturer. By 1903, it had become the world’s largest watch factory. In the 1950s, the brand partnered with Bauhaus-trained designer Max Bill to produce minimalist timepieces; leading to the iconic Max Bill collection in 1961. Junghans also pioneered technological innovations, including Germany’s first quartz wristwatch in 1970 and the world’s first radio-controlled wristwatch, the MEGA 1, in 1990.
After facing setbacks during the quartz crisis and early 2000s financial struggles, Junghans was revived in 2009. Since then, the brand has honoured its legacy while embracing modern advancements. Today, Junghans is celebrated for its blend of German craftsmanship, design excellence, and precision. Standout collections such as the Meister and Max Bill lines continue to define the brand’s timeless appeal.
Our Junghans Pick: Junghans Max Bill Automatic Bauhaus Classic
This Junghans watch is a tribute to the Bauhaus movement, reflecting the minimalist design principles championed by Max Bill. This timepiece features a 38mm stainless steel case, a matte white dial with luminous hands and markers, as well as a distinctive red date display at 3 o’clock; a nod to the iconic red door of the Bauhaus building in Weimar. A domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides protects the dial, offering great clarity and durability as it does so. A J800.1 automatic movement, with a 38-hour power reserve, powers the watch. The exhibition case back showcases this movement through a depiction of the Bauhaus building, adding a unique architectural element to the design. A black leather strap concludes the minimalist design of this watch.
Damasko
Damasko is a family-owned German watchmaker founded in 1994 by engineer Konrad Damasko in Barbing, near Regensburg. With a background in high-precision engineering, Konrad aimed to create exceptionally durable and reliable timepieces. The brand is famous for its innovative use of materials, such as ice-hardened stainless steel and its proprietary DAMEST® black DLC coating. Damasko’s watches are built to withstand extreme conditions, making them the ultimate choice for both adventures and everyday wear alike.
Beyond robust cases, Damasko has developed in-house movements featuring patented technologies like the EPS® silicon hairspring, which offers enhanced resistance to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations. The company’s commitment to precision and innovation is evident in its extensive portfolio of over 100 patents. Today, Damasko continues to produce high-quality, technologically advanced watches that blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge engineering.
Our Damasko Pick: Damasko DS30 Three-Hand Automatic
The Damasko DS30 Vintage Mocha Leather combines minimalist design with exceptional engineering. Its 39mm bead-blasted submarine steel case is surface-hardened for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, while its slim profile and lightweight feel ensure comfort on the wrist. The matte black dial features crisp white indices and hands coated with Super-LumiNova X1 GL C1 for optimal legibility. The dial also features a date window at 3 o’clock. A double anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensures clarity in all lighting conditions. Powered by the reliable ETA 2824-2 automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve, the DS30 is water-resistant up to 200 meters. The watch also features Damasko’s patented screw-down crown system for added protection. A soft, vintage mocha leather strap secures the watch on the wrist, adding a touch of warmth as it does so.
Sinn
Sinn Spezialuhren was founded in 1961 by pilot and flight instructor Helmut Sinn in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Initially focusing on navigation, cockpit clocks and pilot chronographs, the company emphasised functionality and precision; they began selling directly to customers to maintain affordability. A notable achievement came in 1985 when the Sinn 140 S chronograph became one of the first automatic chronographs used in space.
In 1994, Helmut Sinn sold the company to engineer Lothar Schmidt. Schmidt introduced advanced technologies such as Ar-Dehumidifying Technology and TEGIMENT surface hardening. Under Schmidt’s leadership, Sinn expanded its range to include diving watches made from German submarine steel as well as the Frankfurt Financial District Watches, which display multiple time zones. Today, Sinn continues to produce durable, high-precision timepieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with innovative engineering.
Our Sinn Pick: Sinn 156.1 Pilot Chronograph Automatic
The Sinn 156.1 blends historical design with modern engineering. Encased in a 43mm bead-blasted stainless steel case, it features a matte black dial with luminescent Arabic numerals and hands for optimal readability. The dial also features two chronograph sub-dials and a date aperture at 3 o’clock for added practicality. Sinn’s in-house SZ01 automatic chronograph movement powers the watch. Offering a 60-minute central chronograph hand as well as a 48-hour power reserve, it promises great accuracy and reliability. A vintage-style black cowhide leather strap with red stitching concludes the design of the timepiece. While adding a touch of heritage to its robust design, it ensures great comfort on the wrist.
Laco
Laco was founded in 1925 in Pforzheim, Germany, by Frieda Lacher and Ludwig Hummel under the name Lacher & Co., from which the brand name “Laco” is derived. In 1933, Hummel established Durowe (Deutsche Uhren-Rohwerke), a movement manufacturing company that supplied Laco and other watchmakers; enabling Laco to produce complete watches independently.
After the war, Laco rebuilt its facilities and continued to innovate, introducing Germany’s first fully functional electric watch, the Laco-electric, in 1961. Despite challenges during the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s, Laco persevered and remained committed to producing high-quality timepieces that honour its rich heritage. Today, Laco produces authentic pilot watches that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
Our Laco Pick: Laco Wein Automatic
This Laco model embodies the brand’s rich aviation heritage. Housed in a 39mm sandblasted stainless steel case, it features a full lume Type A dial with luminous Arabic numerals and indices that ensure legibility in low-light conditions. A Type A dial has a minimalist design that focuses on legibility; more often than not, a date aperture is missing. A Laco 200 automatic movement, with a 38-hour power reserve, powers this watch. Not only does this movement ensure great accuracy, but it also has great longevity; it will never fail on you. A black calf leather strap with white topstitching and steel rivets concludes the design of this pilot watch. Moreover, the watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it both a functional and stylish choice for daily wear.
What are your thoughts on our best German watch brands of 2025? Which brand is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
