DUG Glashütte Purist Typ 1 Review: Bauhaus Restraint Meets Modern Everyday Luxury
- November 6, 2025
A New Face in Glashütte
Glashütte is no stranger to legends. From the ornate three-quarter plates of the 19th century to today’s high-polish tourbillons, the Saxon town has built a reputation for mechanical mastery. But DUG, or Deutsche Uhrenmanufaktur Glashütte, isn’t here to mimic tradition, it’s here to modernize it. Founded by Toni Brodführer, the brand’s ethos is rooted in accessibility without sacrificing soul. Think of it as Glashütte stripped of pomp and marketing fluff (and honestly, it’s REALLY refreshing).
The Purist Typ 1 marks DUG’s debut, a restrained three-hander that’s mechanically sound, proudly German, and visually serene. It’s the kind of watch that whispers craftsmanship rather than shouting luxury, perfect for the enthusiast who values subtlety over spectacle.
A Case of modern Proportion
Measuring 40 mm across and just 10.95 mm in height, the stainless steel case of the Purist Typ 1 achieves that sweet spot between presence and discretion, and for sure fits most wrists. It’s polished and brushed in just the right areas, creating interplay under light that feels premium without pretense. The rounded lugs and 47.5 mm lug-to-lug span ensure excellent wearability, even on slimmer wrists, a design clearly thought through by someone who actually wears watches (and not just designs them on a screen).
The screw-down crown is grippy yet compact (I’ve got burned before with this, and it sucks), complementing the case’s clean lines. With 100 meters of water resistance, the Purist Typ 1 handles both the swimming pool and the suit cuff with poise, a trait not often found in this price tier.
Dial and Crystal: Pure Bauhaus Calm
Now, the real beauty of this piece lies beneath the domed sapphire crystal. The Typ 1 sports a grained, gradient dial available in Royal Blue, Onyx Black, or Moon White, each one perfectly capturing the right degree of restraint. The applied baton indices glint softly under the light, paired with slim alpha hands that sweep in elegant synchronicity (it’s the kind of quiet harmony that could make even a minimalist smile – and no, buying furniture from IKEA does not make you a minimalist).
There’s a no-date option that takes minimalism to its purest form, and with it, the dial’s symmetry feels uninterrupted, meditative even. The gradient finish adds depth without distraction, revealing fine craftsmanship when examined closely, particularly impressive for a watch around the €1,099 mark.
Movement: Reliable Swiss Heart, Glashütte Finishing Touch
Inside ticks the DUG 400 caliber, an automatic movement built on the robust Sellita SW400 base. It runs at 28,800 vph with a 40-hour power reserve, a proven engine by all accounts. But this isn’t just an off-the-shelf execution. DUG adds its own Glashütte flair with a custom rotor featuring fine brushing and blue screws visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback. It’s mechanical honesty with aesthetic care, a combination that’s quintessentially German.
For the nerds among us, yes, it can be serviced anywhere. The brand understands that accessibility shouldn’t end at checkout, which is part of what makes DUG’s approach so refreshingly grounded.
The Strap and Wearing Experience
The Purist Typ 1 arrives with either a 20 mm stainless steel bracelet or a buff leather strap, both fitted with a quick-release system. The leather option feels supple and casual, while the steel bracelet gives the watch a reassuring heft and versatility for daily wear. The clasp operates smoothly, rounding off a package that feels far above its asking price.
On the wrist, the Typ 1 exudes exactly what its name suggests, purity. You forget it’s there until you glance down and find yourself admiring how effortlessly it complements your look (and that’s horological poetry in motion).
Why It’s Special
For a debut, this one makes time well spent. The DUG Purist Typ 1 stands as a confident expression of modern Glashütte craftsmanship, delivering restrained elegance with practical performance.
- Bauhaus spirit, refined: Minimalist design distilled to functional beauty, a masterclass in less is more
- German engineering, Swiss precision: The DUG 400 merges Teutonic structure with Swiss reliability
- Real everyday use: 100 m water resistance, sapphire crystal, and practical proportions
- Fair value from Glashütte: Finally, a watch bearing that town’s name that doesn’t require a five-figure investment
- Honest watchmaking: No gimmicks, no borrowed prestige, just tasteful design and substance direct from the manufacturer
Final Thoughts
The DUG Purist Typ 1 does exactly what it sets out to do: deliver authentic, mechanical watchmaking from Glashütte without the elitism. It carries both emotional warmth and everyday relevance, something far too few “entry-level luxury” watches achieve.
For around €1,099, you’re getting a cohesive design, reliable mechanics, and an ethos built on accessibility rather than aspiration. In short, it’s a purist’s delight (pun very much intended).
If this is DUG’s opening act, consider me ready for the encore.
Specifications:
Brand: DUG (Deutsche Uhrenmanufaktur Glashütte)
Model: Purist Typ 1
Case Material: Stainless Steel (brushed and polished)
Case Dimensions: 40 mm diameter, 10.95 mm thickness, 47.5 mm lug-to-lug
Water Resistance: 100 m (10 ATM)
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet or buffalo leather strap with quick release
Crystal: Sapphire (domed, AR-coated)
Movement: DUG 400 automatic (base Sellita SW400, 28,800 vph)
Lume: Yes (Super-LumiNova on hands and indices)
Power Reserve: 40-hour power reserve
Limited Edition: No
Price: €1,099
Official store link here.
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About DUG Glashütte: Key Questions Answered
Is DUG Glashütte a German watch manufacturer?
Yes. DUG Glashütte is an independent German watch manufacturer based in the historic town of Glashütte, renowned for its precision watchmaking. The brand combines German design principles with Swiss automatic movements, producing high-quality mechanical timepieces that meet Glashütte’s strict manufacturing standards.
What are the main features of the Purist Typ 1 model?
The Purist Typ 1 has a 40 mm three-piece stainless steel case, is water-resistant to 100 m, uses the DUG 400 automatic movement (based on the Sellita SW400), offers optional date display, sapphire front and back crystals, and quick-change straps.
Does the Purist Typ 1 include luminous material for legibility in low light?
Yes. Its applied indices use Swiss Super-LumiNova® BG W9, which gives a blue-green glow in the dark while retaining white color in daylight.
How much does the date option and bracelet cost for the Purist Typ 1?
Adding a date costs about €100, and choosing the stainless steel bracelet also adds roughly €100 compared to the leather strap base model.
