The creation of our timepieces actually begins on paper. Inspired by the philosophy, lines, language of form and timelessness of the Bauhaus movement of the 20th century, the ideas of each individual member of our small but experienced development team flow into the creation of a new model. Many, many sketches are created. We experiment with a wide range of materials, textures, colours and combinations and are getting closer and closer to the timepiece that meets our standards of aesthetics, quality and technical sophistication.
When searching for the individual components, we proceed carefully and responsibly. We have made it our business to work exclusively with the world's most renowned manufacturers with years of industry expertise. Because we as Sternglas do not see ourselves as a luxury brand, but as a quality brand. So we are not afraid to choose materials that clearly exceed the industry standard of our price range.
Once these components have been determined, we transfer our ideas into the digital realm. Together with our suppliers, we check whether our ideas can be turned into reality and develop the first graphic drawings of cases, dials and hands. In close consultation with our specialist partners and after countless correction loops, our ideas slowly take shape. From the first line to the first prototype it can take up to 4-6 months. When everything fits: Perfect! If not: we improve ourselves. Only when we think that you are satisfied are we satisfied.
The Case
Depending on the model, our cases basically consist of two or three basic parts: the back, the middle part of the case and the bezel. They all have one thing in common: 316L stainless steel. And they all start with a large block. To ensure that this block of metal later becomes a robust and attractive watch case, it undergoes a multi-step punching, milling and polishing process.
Sapphire glass
At the beginning of Sternglas, the timepieces were still equipped with mineral glass. It was quickly noticed, however, that this did not meet our quality standards at all, as it often broke and quickly showed scratches. Thus, mineral glass was quickly replaced by sapphire glass, which in terms of quality, hardness and durability is no comparison to mineral glass! Why?
Sapphire glass is considered the third hardest transparent material in the world - after diamond and moissanite. As a watch glass, it is particularly characterised by its scratch resistance and break resistance. As the name suggests, it is made of synthetic sapphire, which is made of molten aluminium oxide. A small piece of sapphire is melted in a chamber at temperatures of up to 2050 degrees so that it grows into a crystal bulb of approx. 30 to 40 mm in diameter and approx. 11 to 14 cm in length. This sapphire crystal is then cut into discs using diamond cutting discs. These small plates then go through a lengthy grinding and polishing process until finally transparent sapphire crystal plates with a shiny surface are created.
A special feature of Sternglas is the complex construction of a double curvature (inside unequal outside), which minimizes the optical distortion of the dial (magnifying glass effect) and makes it even more resistant. And if that's not enough, we've also double-coated each glass with an anti-reflective coating to reduce environmental reflections many times over. You should be able to enjoy the view of the dial without any restrictions. ;)
Our leather Straps
We purchase our leather straps exclusively from german manufacturers in the Bavarian Forest, which have always been family-owned and are now among the last of their kind. The necessary calf and cow leather comes from carefully selected German and Italian farms. In order to preserve the natural feel, we work primarily with tanned straps instead of lacquered ones. These are given the desired colour through a complex tanning process with various influencing factors such as water hardness and external temperature. The tanneries are already in close contact with our manufacturers - in some cases even in family groups. With a trained eye and great care, only the best and flawless leathers are selected for processing. The guarantee for the consistently high quality is due to the high professional competence and many years of experience of the manufactory staff. Some of them have been doing their craft for over thirty years and use traditional and proven methods, machines and rules of bag making as they were used in the 20th century. Whether semi-remborded (the upper leather is drawn to the lower edge of the inner leather and sealed there) or provided with a cut edge (cut and sealed in tape form) - painstaking manual work, sometimes involving more than 70 steps, makes each individual strap unique. 
In addition, all our straps are equipped with a quick-change system. This saves you the trip to the watchmaker, because it makes it possible to change the strap of your timepiece within seconds and completely without tools. Quite uncomplicated and comfortable. Just as you know it from Sternglas.
Quality control
The case parts have been put together after a long process and the bracelets have been produced in numerous colours. All those parts are now packed and sent to Sternglas in Hamburg to find their way to you from here. In Hamburg we assemble the case and bracelet to create your Sternglas timepiece. Each watch goes through the last and final quality check. Is the case perfectly finished? Are the sapphire crystals without any flaws? And are the bracelets of good quality? Do they? Then it is time. We personally pack it carefully and securely and send it on its way to you.
