25 years after the German reunification, the German Watch Museum Glashütte is honoring the achievements of the former Glashütte designers, watchmakers, toolmakers and precision mechanics with the “Glashütte in the GDR Era“ exhibition. Despite the often difficult circumstances, these people managed to keep the tradition of watchmaking alive during the GDR era.
After the founding of the “VEB Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe” (People´s Company Glashütte Watch Companies, VEB GUB for short), a new chapter began in the history of watchmaking in Glashütte. Between 1951 and 1990, the state-owned company manufactured numerous products and devices, used for science and everyday life. The special exhibition offers an idea of the broad range of products manufactured at the time such as: wristwatches, marine chronometers, special machines, wall clocks and different types of timers.
Until 1990, the GUB was the largest employer of the region. Because of that, it had to manage further tasks in addition to the production of watches and clocks: The training of talented people and the organisation of different leisure time activities are also shown in the special exhibition.
The museum presents a selection of former products and tools, special machines, teaching materials, drawings and a great number of historic photographs. Original advertising films and product brochures illustrate the ways of sales and marketing during the GDR era.
“Glashütte in the GDR Era“, June 12 – November 1, 2015, German Watch Museum Glashütte.
