Institutions – Certification bodies & labs

GLASHÜTTE OBSERVATORY

The Glashütte Observatory, located in the historic town of Glashütte in Saxony, Germany, is a renowned institution dedicated to the art and science of precision timekeeping.

Origin and History

The Glashütte Observatory was officially opened in 1910 under the leadership of Julius Eppig. Its primary mission was to conduct astronomical research and support the local watchmaking industry by testing and certifying the accuracy of timepieces. After World War II, the Observatory faced significant challenges, including a shift in focus during the GDR era. Despite this, it maintained its importance in the field of precision measurement.

In 2006, the Observatory was revitalised under the initiative of the watch manufacturer Wempe. It underwent significant upgrades, transforming it into a facility equipped to certify German chronometers according to the strictest international standards.

    Main Fields of Work

    The Observatory is one of the few institutions authorised to certify chronometers in Germany, following DIN 8319, the German standard for chronometer certification. Timepieces undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet stringent accuracy and reliability criteria.

    Criteria for Certification

    The Glashütte Observatory adheres to the DIN 8319 standard for certifying chronometers.

    1. Accuracy Testing
    • Movements are subjected to a 15-day testing period.
    • Watches are evaluated in five positions (dial up, dial down, crown left, crown up, and crown down) and at three different temperatures (8°C, 23°C, and 38°C).
    1. Rate Variation
    • The movement’s daily rate deviation must fall within -4/+6 seconds per day, ensuring exceptional timekeeping performance.
    1. Cased Watches
    • Unlike some certification processes that test uncased movements, the Glashütte Observatory tests watches in their fully assembled cases, ensuring results that reflect real-world conditions.
    1. Marking and Certification
    • Certified chronometers receive an official certificate and may bear a hallmark indicating their adherence to the DIN standard. This hallmark is a mark of prestige, signifying the highest standards of German chronometry.