Sternglas

Overview

Sternglas GmbH produces watches inspired by Bauhaus design, featuring minimalist dials, sapphire crystal, and water resistance of at least 5 ATM. The brand sells directly online and through over 550 retailers in more than 50 countries. It targets watch enthusiasts seeking affordable, high-quality quartz and automatic timepieces with reliable movements from Germany, Switzerland, China, or Japan.

History

Sternglas was founded in 2016 by Dustin Fontaine in Hamburg, Germany, after a successful Kickstarter campaign that exceeded its funding goal. Early quartz models faced issues with glass durability, leading to a switch to sapphire crystal standard across all watches. In 2018, the company released its first mechanical automatic watch and hired its initial employees, including co-founder and CFO Henning Haberkamp. The team grew to around 20 members, expanding to nine men's and three women's lines by 2023.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Watch components are sourced from manufacturers in Germany, Switzerland, China, and Japan. Dials emphasize minimalist Bauhaus design focused on timekeeping. Assembly details are not specified, indicating outsourced production.

Notable Products

• Naos - Quartz watch with 100m water resistance and sapphire crystal in Bauhaus style.
• Taron - Pilot-style quartz model with minimalist dial and quick-release straps.
• Opus - Classic Bauhaus quartz watch with simple three-hand layout.
• Dieter Automatic - First automatic model released in 2018 with reliable mechanical movement.
• PanoMatic - Automatic watch featuring a panorama date complication.

Reputation

Sternglas is viewed positively by enthusiasts for delivering solid build quality, sapphire crystal, and Bauhaus aesthetics at accessible prices under $700. Professionals note its rapid growth from crowdfunding to international retail presence as a capable microbrand. Some criticize limited in-house manufacturing and reliance on generic movements, positioning it below Swiss independents in complexity.