The Deutschland Klassik has become an annual staple of the Union Glashütte release schedule, celebrating the classic car rally of the same name and their partnership with ADAC, Europe’s largest automotive club. Each of the watches in the series celebrates a different iconic piece of car design – particularly wheel rims. For example, the 2023 edition was based on Otto Fuchs wheel while the Union Glashütte Noramis Date Deutschland Klassik 2025 is inspired by the “Gullideckel” rim.
“Gullideckel” rims are a style associated with classic Mercedes. It features 15 narrow holes around the edge with five central wheel nuts in the middle, surrounding what would typically be the Mercedes logo. For the Noramis Date Deutschland Klassik 2025 that logo is replaced by the central hand stack with hours, minutes and seconds. It makes for a really stylish dial layout that doesn’t immediately read as motoring focussed unless you happen to know your vintage Mercs.
It feels industrial and utilitarian while also having the sort of minimalist design aesthetic that feels very German. Afterall, both Union Glashütte and Mercedes are German institutions. Though of note, you shouldn’t fall into the trap of treating the slats between the 15 holes as hour markers because, well, there are 15 of them and not 12 – so perhaps the watch is not quite so utility focussed as first appears because reading it is not immediately intuitive. You have to look beyond the spoke-like details to the 60-minute scale around the circumference.
As for the case, it measures 40mm x 10.4mm in stainless steel with a classy round shape and polished lugs. It contrasts nicely with the silver, slightly grainy finish of the dial. Interestingly the dial catches light so well that it looks white at certain angles, providing a stark comparison to the black date wheel at 6 o’clock. Beneath the dial is housed the calibre UNG-07.S1 (an upgraded ETA number) with 60-hour power reserve.
The Union Glashütte Noramis Date Deutschland Klassik 2025 is a limited edition of 200 pieces at €2,780 (approx. £2,380). Sadly Union Glashütte watches are not currently distributed in the UK, so you’ll have to pay a trip to the mainland to get one.
Price and Specs:
More details at Union Glashütte.
