Hey there, I'm Dustin, the founder of STERNGLAS. Or as we say in Northern Germany, "Moin!"

It all began when I was just 16. I took a job at a small watch manufactory in Münster, Germany. My tasks were pretty hands-on – changing watch straps, hauling boxes, and stocking shelves. This close-up experience with watches ignited a lifelong passion for classic timepieces. I was so stoked about the watches that I couldn't help but talk them up to my friends and family.

The Spark for My Own Watch Brand

Here's the catch: As a 21-year-old student, I couldn’t afford those high-end watches I’d fallen for. So, I started asking myself a critical question: Why aren't there stylish, well-made watches at a more affordable price? This question stuck with me and became my driving force.

The vision? To create a minimalist watch with a sleek Bauhaus design that didn’t break the bank but still boasted top-notch materials. I wanted a watch that was accessible to everyone, without sacrificing quality. While my family and friends were intrigued, they also thought I was a bit crazy, given the sea of established watch brands out there.

Turning the Dream into Reality

Despite the skepticism, I was relentless. For months, I burned the midnight oil working on designs. I'd draft one, scrap it, start over, and repeat the cycle. My perfectionism was both my strength and my stumbling block.

Seeing well-known brands surge ahead, I felt like my dream was slipping away. Frustrated, I put the idea on hold.

The Birth of STERNGLAS

During my college years, I started working as a web designer, but that job didn’t quite fulfill me. The itch to bring my watch designs to life was too strong.

So, at the dawn of 2016, I made a vow: It was now or never.

I poured all my courage, energy, and savings into the project. With the support of my family and friends, I finalized the STERNGLAS watch design, crafted the logo, and organized photos and videos. Doubts kept creeping in, but I pushed through, putting my perfectionism on the back burner.

Launching STERNGLAS

In October 2016, the moment arrived! I launched my first timepiece on Kickstarter, and it quickly gained traction. I raised €16,000 (around $17,300 USD) for our initial batch. I was over the moon! Finally, my dream was becoming a reality. When the first watches reached our backers, I was bursting with pride.

Thanks for Being Part of STERNGLAS!

Fast forward eight years, and STERNGLAS has become a recognized name in the watch world. We’re now a team of 15 passionate watch enthusiasts, offering a range of quartz and automatic models in various colors through our online store. You can even find our timepieces at over 450 retailers across the world - from London (UK) to Las Vegas (US), and Prague (Czech Republic) to Hochiminh City (Vietnam)!

Our mission remains the same: Crafting beautifully designed, high-quality watches at a fair price, all with a touch of Bauhaus simplicity. And we’re doing it with total dedication and in constant dialogue with you and the STERNGLAS community!

Cheers from Hamburg,

Dustin
Founder of STERNGLAS