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OUR MATERIALS

STAINLESS STEEL

Union Glashütte uses only 316L stainless steel for cases, bracelets, and clasps. This alloy is characterized by high corrosion resistance, stability, and skin compatibility, and has established itself as a particularly reliable material in watchmaking.

Elaborate machining processes create differentiated surfaces – from satin-finished to high-gloss polished. Their precise interplay gives the watch depth and contour and underscores the high manufacturing quality.

Gold

Union Glashütte uses 18-karat (750) gold for select cases, crowns, and pin buckles. The gold is specifically combined with other metals, such as copper—a process known as alloying—resulting in a warm rose gold tone while simultaneously achieving the desired properties in terms of stability and workability.

The unique radiance and depth of gold define the watch's appearance and lend it a distinctive value. At the same time, the material composition ensures a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.

Saphir

The sapphire used by Union Glashütte for its crystals is a white, synthetic sapphire. Thanks to its hardness rating of 9, this crystal can only be scratched by very hard diamond-like substances. Union Glashütte watches only use double-sided anti-reflective sapphire crystals. As there are no reflections on the crystal, the full splendour of the dial is revealed.

Leather straps

Union Glashütte primarily uses calfskin – smooth or crocodile-embossed – as well as cowhide, horsehide, and goatskin for its watch straps. Each of these materials brings its own unique texture and characteristics, giving the watch an individual character.

As a natural material, leather develops a characteristic patina over time. This change reflects its use and underscores the wearer's personal style.

rubber straps

Rubber straps stand for flexibility, durability, and high wearing comfort. The material adapts to the wrist and retains its shape even under changing conditions.

Due to its functional properties, rubber is particularly suitable for sporty models. At the same time, the material's precise design allows it to seamlessly integrate into the overall high-quality look of the watch.

Satin straps

Satin straps lend select models a particularly refined and elegant look. The synthetic satin used is characterized by a smooth, subtly glossy surface that discreetly reflects light, thus enhancing the watch's design.

Compared to traditional satin materials, synthetic satin is more durable and retains its shape better. This ensures that the high-quality appearance is maintained even with regular wear. At the same time, the material offers exceptional comfort and adds a feminine, stylish touch to the watch.

Water resistance

The water resistance of UNION GLASHÜTTE watches varies depending on the model: Men's watches are protected up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m), women's watches up to 5 bar (50 m), and gold watches up to 3 bar (30 m). Selected sporty models may offer even higher water resistance.

The stated water resistance is not a permanent characteristic and can be affected by external factors such as the aging of the seals and mechanical stress on the crown or pushers. To ensure continued functionality, regular checks are recommended.

UNION GLASHÜTTE recommends having the water resistance checked approximately once a year by an authorized service partner and replacing any necessary components. Work on the case should only be carried out by qualified professionals.

Diamonds

It is not without reason that diamond is considered the king of the precious stones: it is the hardest natural substance in the world. Raw diamonds are burnished for use in the watchmaking and jewellery industries and are graded in terms of the four "C" criteria: Cut: The cut describes the individual shape of the diamond. The more elaborately and professionally the stone is faceted, the more intensively the light is reflected. Union Glashütte uses brilliant cut diamonds for cases and single cut diamonds for the dial. Colour: At first glance, you might think that all diamonds are white. However, experts differentiate between subtle grades of shading – Union Glashütte uses exclusively Top Wesselton diamonds. Clarity: They are largely invisible to the naked eye, but virtually all diamonds have minute imperfections that an expert with a magnifying glass can detect. Union Glashütte uses diamonds of the prized VSI (very small inclusions) class. Carat: Carat is the unit that indicates the weight of a diamond. One carat equates to 0.2 g. The diamonds used by Union Glashütte have different carat values depending on the model – these can be found in the technical data of the watch in question or in our e-catalogue. Union Glashütte uses solely diamonds that meet the requirements of the Kimberley process, an international certification system for raw diamonds. It is designed to halt the trade of smuggled diamonds – known as "blood diamonds" – that fund warfare.