Running Well and keeping time a lovely quirky Saxon watch back in time from the "GDR" Blue dial with a mark below the centre - Chromed Brass cased, with stainless steel back, New leather strap.. 34mmx44mm - Movement keeps time.
Ruhla, a German watchmaking town and brand, has a rich history dating back to 1862 when the Gebrüder Thiel company was founded. Initially, they produced small metal components and later expanded to mass-produced items like pocket watches, including the "Fearless" pocket watch in 1892. Ruhla watches became known for their affordability and were particularly successful in the North American market. After WWII, the company became VEB Uhrenwerk Ruhla, a state-owned enterprise in East Germany, and was a major watch producer. Following German reunification, the company was restructured, and the original Ruhla brand was revived in 2016.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Early Days (1862-1945):
The Gebrüder Thiel company started with small metal parts and expanded to items like children's music boxes and children's imitation clocks. In 1892, they produced the "Fearless" pocket watch, marking their entry into mass watch production. The company later became a major watch manufacturer, producing wristwatches from 1908.
East German Era (1945-1990):
After WWII, the company became VEB Uhrenwerk Ruhla, a state-owned enterprise in East Germany. Ruhla became a significant watch producer, known for its affordable watches and also for producing watches for other brands. A Ruhla watch was even worn by the first German astronaut, Sigmund Jähn, on a Soviet space mission in 1978.
Post-Reunification (1990-Present):
Following German reunification, the company was restructured, and the original Ruhla brand was revived in 2016. The watch assembly department was taken over by Pointtec, a company that had previously had their brands "Zeppelin" and "Iron Annie" assembled in Ruhla. The original site in Ruhla still houses watch production, with Pointtec reviving historical models with modern technology.