THE CHRONICLE

Just A Minute with DUG

Windup Watch Shop - January 23, 2026

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Imagine a watch that meets the strict, legally protected requirements for the coveted "Made in Glashütte" designation—a standard upheld by giants like A. Lange & Söhne—yet somehow manages to land on your wrist for under $2,000. It sounds impossible, but the German brand DUG has done just that. Here’s what you need to know about this genuinely authentic, budget-friendly piece of German watchmaking.

There’s a watch made in Glashütte that costs under $2,000. And despite how that sounds, this isn’t a marketing trick or a technical loophole, it’s very real.

To understand why that matters, it’s worth unpacking what “Made in Glashütte” actually means. Unlike many geographic designations in watchmaking, this one is legally protected. In order for a watch to carry that label, more than 50% of its value must be produced in the town of Glashütte itself. That includes not just assembly, but actual manufacturing and finishing work carried out locally. It’s the same standard upheld by names like A. Lange & Söhne and Glashütte Original, and it’s a high bar to clear.

DUG clears it without qualification. Both the Purist Type 1 and Purist Type 2 meet the requirements for the Glashütte designation, placing them in rarified company — especially when you consider the price point. Watches that carry that same geographic stamp often start at $20,000 and quickly move far beyond that. DUG’s approach is different. These watches come in at under $2,000, delivering legitimate Glashütte manufacturing without the typical luxury premium attached to the name.

From a design standpoint, the Purist models are straightforward and intentionally restrained. The Type 1 features clean line markers, while the Type 2 opts for Arabic numerals, offering two slightly different expressions of the same underlying philosophy. Both measure 40mm in diameter and come in at roughly 11mm thick, dimensions that make them easy to wear on a wide range of wrists. Buyers can choose versions with or without a date, as well as strap or bracelet options — all equipped with quick-release systems that make swapping easy.

Powering both models is DUG’s caliber 400, a Sellita-based movement that receives in-house finishing. Through the sapphire caseback, that work is on full display, reinforcing the idea that these watches aren’t cutting corners where it matters. The movement choice prioritizes reliability and serviceability, while the finishing underscores the brand’s commitment to producing something that feels honest and thoughtfully made.

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In many ways, the appeal of DUG lies in what it chooses not to do. There’s no inflated pricing driven by heritage alone, no ornamental excess, and no attempt to position the watches as something they aren’t. Instead, the Purist Type 1 and Type 2 offer a clear, grounded take on German watchmaking — one that respects tradition without turning it into a barrier to entry.

For collectors interested in Glashütte watchmaking but unwilling to accept the usual price of admission, DUG presents a compelling alternative: authentic, well-executed, and refreshingly free of the luxury tax.To see more of our favorite DUG watches, check out the brand page on the Windup Watch Shop. As always, the Windup Watch Team is available via consultation to answer any questions you have. In addition, many of the products shown are eligible for free domestic shipping across the US or feel free to stop by our Brooklyn Showroom to check these out in person!