Don't just chase Swiss watches; German watches are also worth a try

  When it comes to timepieces, the first reaction is Switzerland. Switzerland is the home of watchmaking, and various world-famous watch brands originate from there, which is why watch enthusiasts have always favouredSwiss watchesit. However, it is worth knowing that Germany also has many world-famous watch brands that are worth owning.

　　When mentioning modern timepieces, one must mention Germany, as it is the birthplace of modern horology. The Nuremberg Egg is historically recognised as the earliest pocket watch, though England, France, and later Switzerland learned watchmaking techniques from craftsmen in southern Germany and eventually surpassed their predecessors, earning the reputation as the kingdom of watchmaking. Today, however, the Germans remain one of the largest buyers of timepieces. Nevertheless, in the eyes of most people, German watch brands are seen as obscure, mid-range brands that are high quality and functional, but lack artistic value. This view is not entirely wrong, but since the 90s, the situation has changed.

　　到了上世纪90年代以后，德国的高端手表品牌纷纷涌现。这一时期的历史背景是原东德并入西德，为了带动东部的经济，当局大力鼓励投资原东德。 当时拥有万国等品牌的VDO集团被朗格的传人沃尔特·朗格说服，利用自己的技术力量，恢复了历史上大名鼎鼎的朗格品牌。在创立之初，其品牌定位就放在了最高端的百达翡丽之上，无论是雕花四分之三夹板、黄金套筒还是大日历都是为了凸显其与百达翡丽等的风格不同，但在技术与做工方面力图不输给百达翡丽。

　　除了朗格外，格拉苏帝也异军突起。在古老工艺的传承以及复杂机芯的开发方面力追朗格。还有在设计风格方面坚持包豪斯主义的NOMOS，以其极简的设计赢得了越来越多的买家。

　　如今，德国手表除了格朗外，还有许多手品牌距离业内的顶端还有很长的一段路需要走。对于喜欢欧式风格的表迷来说，德国表意味着个性与入时，能拥有几块德国表能张扬其品位，值得一提的是这种品位还玩玩实惠而不昂贵。