Ruhla: The East German Watch Brand That Went to Space
Ruhla, an East German watch brand, gained prominence during the Cold War, producing a wide array of timepieces that showcased both functionality and unique designs. Located about 300 kilometers from the renowned watchmaking town of Glashütte, Ruhla transitioned from pocket watches to wristwatches after World War II, eventually becoming a state-owned enterprise in 1952. The brand's focus on simplicity led to the creation of the Caliber 24 movement, and by the mid-1960s, Ruhla was producing millions of watches annually, significantly contributing to the East German economy. Their products included various designs, from dive watches to quirky children's models, all made with materials sourced from within the Eastern Bloc. The brand's legacy extended into space when Sigmund Jähn, the first German astronaut, took four Ruhla watches aboard his mission in 1978 as gifts for his fellow cosmonauts. These watches featured innovative quartz movements and commemorative designs, marking a notable achievement in horology. After Jähn's historic journey, which lasted eight days, he held onto his watch until his passing in 2019. In 2023, the Ruhla brand was revived with a replica of the first German watch in space, symbolizing a unique blend of horological history and space exploration.
