Kienzle Uhren
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| File:KIENZLE | |
| Industry | Time measuring devices |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1822 |
| Headquarters | |
Key people | Stephan W. Kruse-Thamer (CEO) |
| Products | watches |
| Website | www.kienzleuhren.de |
KIENZLE Uhren GmbH is one of Germany's oldest watchmakers. Founded in 1822 in Schwenningen, the company headquarters has been in Hamburg since 2002.
History
In 1883 Jakob Kienzle married into the Schlenker family and hencefoward he contributed to the expansion of the company. In 1899, 162,000 watches and alarm clocks were made per annum. The name of the company was changed into Schlenker & Kienzle.
From 1894 on the weight and the costs of alarm clocks and wall clocks was significantly reduced the "American System" with standardized individual components and perforated plates. This process was highly innovative at that time. From 1897 on Jakob Kienzle becomes sole owner and also the name of the company changes after some time into today's notation KIENZLE. But not only the watch production is continuously extended and modernized. The international activities are also steadily enlarged. In the following years branches in Milan, Paris and London are established.[1]
In 1900 Kienzle launches the time stamp clock on the market, followed by inexpensive pocket watches, traveling clocks and wristwatches for ladies. The first clocks for automobiles are also made at that period of time. The so-called "Strapazier-Armbanduhr" is presented in 1931. This watch is extremely resilient because of its special construction. With 25 million sold specimens the watch model becomes a popular product.[2]
At the end of the nineteen-thirties Kienzle starts the fabrication of two table clocks in the upper price segment: the Zodiac Clock and the World Time Clock. After the Second World War the track record of Kienzle goes on again with established articles and new products like a parking meter equipped with the latest technology. 1956 the so-called "Volksautomatik" enters the market and is yet another example for the innovative products of the company. Energy is provided by a rotor that wounds in both directions and instead of steel pins the lever is fitted with ruby pins.[3]
In the sixties and seventies Kienzle becomes market leader in Germany. 1972 the first solar watch named "Heliomat" is produced as well as the first quartz movements.[4] In the following years Kienzle is the first company to present a quartz travel alarm clock.[5]
The 1986 developed solar watch with light conditions and polycrystalline solar generator represents a novelty. At the beginning of the nineties Kienzle fabricates the most water-resistant watch in the world with a water-resistance level up to 12,000 meters and presents the world's first radio-controlled "satellite" alarm clock with an analogue waking time setting.
1996 a new radio-controlled movement is perfected: the smallest dual-motor, radio-controlled movement with the fastest setting system. This movement displays the right time within just five minutes and is a world innovation.[6]
Present
In 1997 Kienzle is taken over by the Highway Holdings Group. But only five years later in 2002 Kienzle returns to Germany with the establishment of Kienzle AG. Since that time the headquarters is located in Hamburg and Kienzle finds back to old success.[7] The company purchases the worldwide brand and distribution rights and begins with the development and fabrication of three new watch collections in different price segments.[8]
In 2008 Kienzle moves into the current headquarters, a time honored merchant's house in Hamburg-Harvestehude, which perfectly represents the company and its values: quality, tradition and innovation.[9][10]
In the future Kienzle extends to a medium-sized lifestyle brand. Kienzle Optik is the first expansion segment to be launched on the market. However watches and clocks will remain the core area of the brand.[8]
Watch collection
 | This section contains content that is written like an advertisement. (February 2011) |
The watch collection of the company includes numerous models in different price segments. Based on the corporate philosophy Kienzle designs and produces distinctive watches for discerning individuals.[11]
"Kienzle Kalssik" covers the entry price level while "Kienzle 1822" handles the mid-price segment and the "Edition Jakob Kienzle" meets highest demands. Alongside there are alarm clocks and wall clocks as ever.[9]
"Kienzle Klassik" and "Kienzle 1822" are similar in their classification. "Kienzle Klassik" is structured in Mechanics, Sports, Elegance, Classical, Satellite and pocket watches. The design is up-to-date and diversified with different case shapes and dials.[12]
The name "Kienzle 1822" is leaned on the founding year of the company and handles the mid-price segment. The five classifications are called Mechanics, Sports, Luxury, Retro and pocket watches. These models are distinguishable from each other through different mechanical movements and designs. The collection "Retro" exhibits classical design and robust mechanical calibers. The collection "Sports" is a contrast by incorporating dynamic and action. Typical is for example the use of steel bracelets in place of leather.[13]
The "Edition Jacob Kienzle" meets the highest demands and is the highlight of the collection. Eight luxurious watches with different complications can be distinguished. The watches are numbered and do not have a special name. Watch "No.3" is characterized by a 52-week display, while "No.4" has a perpetual calendar and "No.5" is available with a moon phase.[14] The design is traditional and complies outstanding watchmaking.[15]
The "Edition Color" is the latest collection of the brand and comes along with fresh colors on the inside of the leather straps.[16] Most of the models are "Made in Germany".[17]
Sponsoring
Since the last decades Kienzle regularly conveys different sponsoring projects whereas the focus is on sport. In 1992 Katja Seizinger was supported doing the Olympic Games.[18]
In the last years Kienzle sponsored the SG Flensburg-Handewitt. From the season 2009/2010 Kienzle will be official partner of the Hamburg sports club and will support the Bundesliga-watch in the arena.
But also social projects are important to the company. Kienzle supports the Hamburg Leuchtfeuer Hospiz which is under the patronage of Hamburg mayor Ole von Beust.[19][20]
References
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, p. 12
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, p. 14
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, pp. 19 and 21
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, p. 32
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, p. 21
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, pp. 19ff
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, p. 35
- ^ a b Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, p. 36
- ^ a b Armband Uhren. Heel, Königswinter 2009. ISBN 1431-3677. Page 55
- ^ Chronos Edition: Uhren 2008. Ulm, Ebner 2007. ISBN 978-3-87188-089-6 und 978-3-87188-091-9. Seite 84.
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, p. 37
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, p 153/155
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, pp. 145,147,149
- ^ CHronos Edition: Uhren 2009. Ulm, Ebner 2008. ISBN 978-3-87188-109-0 and 978-3-87188-104-6. Page 80
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, p. 143
- ^ Armband Uhren. Heel, Königswinter 2009. ISBN 1431-3677. Seite 55
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, p. 147
- ^ Lehmhaus, Schmidt and Welchering, pp. 91/93
- ^ Presseecho: HSV-Presseservice: KIENZLE Uhren GmbH wird neuer offizieller Uhrenpartner des HSV. 20 April 2009. http://www.presseecho.de/Sport/NA3731390250.htm
- ^ Watchtime: KIENZLE: Neuer Partner des HSV. 22 April 2009. http://www.watchtime.net/2009/04/22/kienzle-neuer-partner-des-hsv/
- General
- Jan Lehmhaus, Tim Stefan Schmidt and Peter Welchering: KIENZLE. Bd. 1. Zürich, Füssli 2008. ISBN 978-3-280-05331-7.
External links
