THE ROUNDUP

California Dial, Glashütte Quality: The New DUG X Windup Special Edition “California Dial"

Windup Watch Shop - May 24, 2026

When DUG came to us and wanted to launch a special edition watch, we were certainly intrigued, and once we knew it would launch at the San Francisco Windup Watch fair, you could say we were ecstatic. Deutsche Uhrenmanufaktur Glashütte, operating out of the historic horological hub, provides the Purist platform for this collaboration. As DUG's exclusive retail partner in the States, Windup brings the concept to life: a California Dial that places the inherent tension between two distinct traditions at the very heart of the timepiece. Featuring a split layout of Arabic and Roman numerals, the design is a historically grounded nod to the transitional era between Art Deco elegance and 1940s military utility. The "California" moniker followed decades later, emerging in the 1980s when a local dial refinisher popularized this specific, high-contrast aesthetic.

As with the other Purist models on the market, this special edition comes housed in a 40mm diameter, three-part stainless steel case that has been carefully machined and finished. Measuring under 11mm thick and just over 47mm lug-to-lug, it’s a moderately sized watch with considerable wrist presence. A wonderful mix of carefully polished bevels and chamfers complements the finely brushed surfaces, creating visual intrigue. On top, a slightly domed sapphire crystal protects the dial while a sapphire display caseback allows you to peer in on the DUG 400 movement. Finished with rhodium-plated and engraved bridges, blued screws, and perlage finishing, the DUG 400 is hand assembled and regulated in Glashütte. At least 50% of the watch's value must be created within the town limits for "Glashütte S/A" to appear on the dial — a standard that DUG meets, earning the designation that very few brands in the region can claim at this price

This limited run, special edition DUG X Windup “California Dial” is made to order and will ship within 2-3 weeks, and will come on a black sailcloth strap. Please note that all DUG watches purchased through the Windup Watch Shop will ship to US customers without any additional duties/ tariffs. Samples of this special edition are available to preview in our Brooklyn showroom, and will make an appearance at the remaining 2026 Windup Watch fairs while available.