Founder’s story

The STERNGLAS Founder Story

How a part-time job at a watch manufacturer turned into my own watch brand.

Hi, I’m Dustin

It all began at a watch manufacturer: at 16, I worked part-time as a school pupil at a small watch manufacturer in Münster. I attached straps to watches, carried boxes and stocked shelves. That’s where my passion for classic watches really took hold.

Dustin explains how STERNGLAS came about

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The idea for my own watch brand

But there was a problem: the watches I loved so much were unaffordable, even later on as a 21-year-old student. That led me to a question that wouldn’t leave me alone.

The idea was born: I would develop my own minimalist watch in a simple Bauhaus design, of good quality and at a fair price. A watch that’s accessible to everyone and impresses with high-quality materials. My family and friends were thrilled, but at the same time thought I was mad. After all, there were already countless traditional watch brands.

Why aren’t there any watches with a beautiful, timeless design at an affordable price?
Dustin Fontaine, founder of STERNGLAS

The path to founding STERNGLAS

For months, I sketched, discarded and reworked designs. My perfectionism stood in my way, and when well-known brands overtook me, I put the idea on hold.

Now or never

In early 2016, I made up my mind. With the help of family and friends, the final design and logo took shape. In October 2016, our first timepiece went live on Kickstarter, and within a short space of time we’d raised €16,000 for the first batch of watches.

2016
Launch on Kickstarter
16.000 €
for the first batch of watches
15
Watch enthusiasts on the team

What you’ll find at STERNGLAS

Thank you for being part of STERNGLAS!

Today, eight years on, STERNGLAS has established itself as a fixture in the watch world. We’re a team of watch enthusiasts offering quartz and automatic models in a wide range of colours, available in our online shop and at jewellers near you.

Our mission remains the same: beautifully designed watches in a simple Bauhaus style, of the highest quality and at a fair price. We do this with passion and always in close collaboration with you and the STERNGLAS community.

Best regards from Hamburg

Dustin Fontaine, founder of STERNGLAS

  • Designed in Hamburg
  • 24-month warranty
  • Free delivery and returns

Hamburg

The team behind STERNGLAS

Watch enthusiasts who develop every watch together.

What others are saying

  • “The direction STERNGLAS has taken is really exciting: the Hamburg-based brand is increasingly stepping out of its comfort zone centred on classic Bauhaus watches. The build quality remains as high as ever.”
    Chrononautix watch magazine
  • “So it’s not just the name that makes STERNGLAS stand out from the crowd of microbrands, but also the quality. That’s all a watch needs!”
    Watchthusiast watch review

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