UMF-Ruhla Spring Lid Case Watch No.1252-3 – German Tradition Meets Swiss Precision
Limited to just 70 pieces – featuring the ETA 2824-2 Elaboré automatic movement
This exceptional wristwatch pays tribute to the rich horological heritage of Ruhla, Thuringia – a historic center of German watchmaking. Produced in a limited series under the renowned UMF-Ruhla name, this timepiece combines classical design elements with high-end mechanical craftsmanship.
The Highlight: The Spring-Lid Case Back
The watch’s standout feature is its spring lid case back, which opens with a satisfying snap at the push of a button (located at 2 o’clock). Underneath, it reveals the beautifully decorated core of the watch: the ETA 2824-2 automatic movement in Elaboré grade. This Swiss-made caliber is known for its reliability and precision – here it is finely finished and visible through the integrated sapphire display window.
Technical Specifications:
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Swiss ETA 2824-2 Elaboré automatic movement
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Spring lid case back with display window – opens via button at 2 o’clock
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Stainless steel case (brushed and polished), diameter: 43 mm, height: 13 mm
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Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
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Water resistant to 5 ATM (splash-proof)
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Strong luminous markers for optimal night-time legibility
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Clean dial design – no numerals, only luminous indices
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Elegant leather straps with quick-release spring bars (22 mm lug width)
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Limited edition: only 70 pieces per color variant
Despite its substantial 43 mm size, the watch sits comfortably and elegantly on the wrist. The spring lid case back is smoothly integrated into the case, giving the timepiece a classic silhouette and excellent wearability.
You can discover here all our watches made in Ruhla: Bauhaus, UMF-Ruhla & Zeppelin watches from Germany!
UMF-RUHLA, a legend lives on!
The origins of the UMF watch factory in Ruhla/Thuringia go back to 1862, according to tradition. Since 1880, the company has focused on the development and production of pocket watches. In 1897, 4,000 watches were already being produced per day. In 1949, the company recorded its highest production volume to date. In April 1985, the watch company developed a cabin clock for the first German jet airliner, and subsequently for other airliners.
The UMF "Ruhla electric Kal. 25" was the first electric wristwatch in the GDR in 1963 and was presented as an in-house development at the Leipzig Trade Fair. Watches with this caliber were built from 1963 to 1991.
On September 25, 1962, the 100th anniversary of the UMF watch and machine factory was celebrated. Deserving employees received a copy of the UMF special edition "100 years".
On March 1, 1967, the Ruhla, Glashütte and Weimar watch factories merged to form the VEB Uhrenkombinat Ruhla. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the state-owned company was broken up into several parts and privatized by the Treuhandgesellschaft. The VEB Uhrenwerk Ruhla initially became the company "Uhrenwerke Ruhla GmbH".
In 1990, around 90% of the old factory and production buildings were demolished. One of the well-known industrial monuments and administrative buildings from the great watchmaking era of 1929 was largely preserved: the six-story reinforced concrete skeleton structure with clinker cladding in the Bauhaus style was built in 1929 according to designs by the Schreiter & Schlag architectural firm.
Then, as now, it served as a production site for watches from Ruhla. On the ground floor is the Ruhla Clock Museum, which shows the contemporary history of the clock industry in Ruhla.
