UMF-Ruhla MELKUS Automatic Chronograph - ETA Valjoux 7750

UMF-Ruhla Melkus RS1000 Chronograph – Ref. 1816-1

Limited Edition – only 50 pieces worldwide

Some watches tell a story. This one tells motorsport history from Germany.

The UMF-Ruhla Melkus Edition 1816-1 is a tribute to the legendary Melkus RS1000, one of the most extraordinary sports cars ever built in the former GDR. Developed by racing driver and engineer Heinz Melkus, the RS1000 was produced in Dresden starting in 1969 and quickly became an icon of East German motorsport. With its lightweight construction, distinctive gullwing doors and uncompromising racing technology, it embodied the dream of a true sports car – created under circumstances that demanded real engineering ingenuity.

That very spirit lives on in this exceptional chronograph.

Motorsport Design with Character

The dial of this watch deliberately reflects the aesthetics of classic racing instruments. The contrasting sub-dials recall historic cockpit gauges, while the sporty chronograph hand and the clearly structured minute track ensure excellent legibility – exactly what one would expect from a true motorsport chronograph.

Particularly striking is the handcrafted retro-racing calfskin strap in blue leather with its distinctive orange center stripe. This color combination recalls classic racing liveries of the 1960s and 1970s and gives the watch its unmistakable motorsport character.

The robust ceramic rotating bezel and the finely brushed 316L stainless steel case underline the sporty character of this special edition.

The Legendary Chronograph Movement: ETA Valjoux 7750

Inside beats one of the most famous mechanical chronograph movements in the world: the ETA Valjoux 7750.

This Swiss automatic movement has been regarded for decades as a benchmark for reliability and precision in chronograph construction. It powers countless high-quality sports watches from renowned manufacturers and is well known for its robust construction and excellent serviceability.

The chronograph features the classic stopwatch function with central seconds hand, a 30-minute counter and a 12-hour counter, as well as a day and date display. In addition to automatic winding, the movement also offers the possibility of manual winding.

Through the screw-down sapphire crystal case back, the decorated movement can be admired – offering a fascinating view of genuine mechanical watchmaking.

Watchmaking Tradition from Thuringia

This special watch carries not only motorsport history but also German watchmaking tradition.

The Melkus Edition is manufactured by UMF-Ruhla in Thuringia, Germany – one of the most historic centers of German watchmaking. For more than 150 years, watches have been produced in Ruhla, known for solid engineering, precision and an excellent price-performance ratio.

The combination of a Swiss chronograph movement with manufacturing in Thuringia unites international watchmaking expertise with German tradition.

"Made in Germany – Made in Thuringia."

High-Quality Materials for Everyday Use and Sport

This chronograph is not only a collector’s piece but also a reliable companion for everyday wear.

The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the screw-down crown and the water resistance up to 10 ATM (100 meters) ensure excellent durability. Hands and indices coated with Super-Luminova guarantee outstanding readability even in low light conditions.

With a diameter of 42 mm, the watch offers a sporty yet very wearable size.

Limited Collector’s Edition

The Melkus RS1000 Edition is strictly limited to only 50 pieces worldwide.

This makes the chronograph not only an exceptional watch, but also a piece of German automotive and watchmaking history – perfect for lovers of mechanical chronographs and fans of classic motorsport legends.

Technical Specifications

• Model: UMF-Ruhla Melkus Edition
• Reference: 1816-1
• Price: €1,499.00
• Limited Edition: 50 pieces worldwide
• Movement: Mechanical automatic movement ETA Valjoux 7750 (Swiss Made)
• Function: Chronograph with stopwatch function
• Display: Day and date display
• Case: 316L stainless steel, brushed
• Bezel: Ceramic rotating bezel
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal front and sapphire case back
• Crown: Screw-down crown
• Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100 m)
• Luminous Material: Super-Luminova hands and indices
• Strap: Handcrafted retro racing calfskin strap in blue
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Height: approx. 15 mm
• Origin: Made in Thuringia – Germany
• Scope of Delivery: Delivered in original UMF-Ruhla collector’s box

Additionally included free of charge:
Two high-quality RIOS1931 "St. Petersburg" Juchten leather straps – one in light brown and one in black, both with white stitching.

Special thanks to Mr. Wein and the entire UMF-Ruhla team for the excellent cooperation!

UMF-Ruhla – A Legend Lives On

The origins of the UMF watch factory in Ruhla, Thuringia, date back to the year 1862.

Since 1880 the company has focused on the development and production of pocket watches. By 1897 production had already reached 4,000 watches per day. In 1949 the company achieved its highest production numbers.

In April 1985 the Ruhla watch factory developed a cockpit clock for the first German jet passenger aircraft, later also supplying instruments for other commercial aircraft.

In 1963 the UMF "Ruhla electric Cal. 25" became the first electric wristwatch developed in the GDR, presented at the Leipzig Trade Fair. Watches with this movement were produced from 1963 until 1991.

On September 25th, 1962 the company celebrated the 100th anniversary of the watch and machine factory UMF. Distinguished employees received a special commemorative watch titled “100 Years UMF”.

On March 1st, 1967 the watch factories of Ruhla, Glashütte and Weimar were merged into the state-owned VEB Uhrenkombinat Ruhla. After German reunification, the state enterprise was privatized and divided into several companies.

A large part of the former factory buildings was demolished in 1990. However, one of the most important industrial monuments from the great watchmaking era of 1929 remains: the six-story steel-reinforced Bauhaus-style building designed by the architects Schreiter & Schlag. It still serves as a production site for watches from Ruhla today.

On the ground floor you will find the Ruhla Watch Museum, which documents the fascinating history of watchmaking in the region.

Definitely worth a visit:
Thuringia and the Ruhla Watch Museum:
https://www.thueringen.info/ruhla-uhrenmuseum.html