What is Bauhaus?
From 1919 through 1933, the German art school Bauhaus, which means “building home”, united the sophistication of fine arts with the useful practicality of crafts. The university rose to fame for its design philosophy, which sought to marry the principles of mass production with unique, creative vision.
Bauhaus as Watch Design
The term “Bauhaus” is now used to describe a straightforward, minimalistic style. The most prominent characteristic of Bauhaus timepieces is their ability to strike a balance between modern beauty and functionality. In order to create a more beautiful visual and practical layout, Bauhaus designers reduce aesthetic elements to the absolute minimum and the spotlight goes to important, functional features. It is important to note that when done well, the beauty of the object is not sacrificed in the process, but simply reduced to a few elegant elements.
Bauhaus watches are enjoying a growing popularity, particularly since minimalism has recently been more prevalent in art, lifestyle, and other areas of modern life.
As far as functions, Bauhaus watches will have the bare necessities as practical use remains a main focus point. Simplified dials, monochromatic color schemes, sleek overall look will be the telltale signs of Bauhaus design.
Traditional watch dial design components, such as the Roman or Arabic numerals, bigger hour markers, and robust hands with luminous coatings are common features of both classic and modern timepieces. In contrast, Bauhaus timepieces advocate a transition to more contemporary, organic design principles. Some of the more striking design elements seen in Bauhaus timepieces are slim fonts, straightforward and minimalist hour markers, and muted colors.
The minimalist dials usually come with slim cases that do not take the focus off of the dial itself. The result: a modern, sophisticated looking timepiece.
Bauhaus Inspired Watches: Our Top Picks
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Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: ETA 2892-A2
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Width: 22 mm
- Price: $800 – 1,000
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: ETA 2892-A2
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Case Width: 38 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Price: $800 – 1,000
The Hamilton Intra-Matic is a perfect illustration of how classic design will always be timeless and in style. Hamilton is using the beauty of monochrome as a guide, and we picked two different looks:
- The first one (H38755751) is a silver dial option that has a 42 mm case width. Its overall design is perfect today’s urban lifestyle and this watch can be a great companion for everyday adventures.
- The second (H38455501) is a smaller size – 38 mm case width – and due to the champagne dial, we get a beautiful watch with a vintage inspiration.
Both are great choices!
Sternglas Hamburg Automatik Edition Bronze
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 8215
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 45 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Price: Under $500
The Sternglas Hamburg Automatik is highlighting Hamurg’s importance. The 42 mm casing does a good job of emphasizing the design, which was inspired by marine measurement tools.
The Hamburg Automatic Edition has a great vintage appearance in conjunction with the white satin-finished dial. The engraving of the Hamburg’s map can be found on the rear of the case, which is a unique touch we absolutely love.
Sternglas Marus Green
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 8215
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 53.8 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
- Price: Under $550
The Marus by Sternglas is inspired by classic dive watches but with a minimalist, modern look. The classic and clean looking stainless steel case and bezel is made a lot more exciting with the dark green dial color with concentric pattern. The domed sapphire glass has a double anti-reflective coating and is scratch-resistant. We love the minimalist look of the steel bracelet as well, and as a bonus, the watch is water resistant up to 200 meter.
Junghans Max Bill Auto
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: J800.1
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 38 mm
- Case Thickness: 10 mm
- Price: Under $1,000
The Junghans Max Bill has a timeless minimalist design with no over complications and comes with a reliable automatic movement. Junghans own J800.1 automatic movement provide a 38-hour power reserve. The 38 mm case width is ideal for most wrist sizes, and the 10 mm case thickness will ensure a classy appearance!
Omega De Ville Prestige
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Omega 2500
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Case Width: 39.5 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Price: $2,500 – $3,500
With its timeless, exquisite appearance, the OMEGA De Ville Prestige range has gained a sizable and devoted following. These watches reflect a timeless style and are distinguished by their clean, traditional styling and luxurious finishing.
The sun-brushed blue dial is marked with vintage Roman numerals. The stunning dial, which has a date window at 3 o’clock, is shielded by a sapphire crystal that resists scratches.
A 39.5 mm stainless steel case makes it a perfect size for all wrists in all situations. The Co-Axial calibre 2500 is the movement at the core of this timepiece.
Nomos Zürich 806
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: DUW 5001
- Power Reserve: 43 hours
- Case Width: 39.8 mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 49.4 mm
- Case Height: 9.6 mm
- Price: $2,800 – $4,000
Hannes Wettstein, a Swiss industrial designer who has won several awards, created this beautiful automatic watch for NOMOS Glashütte. It has been a classic for a long time as its thin bezel, excitingly intricate casing, and white silver-plated dial make this timepiece an evergreen design. The coolly elegant dial in polished silver-gray is a very classy look for almost any occasion!
Nomos Tetra Neomatik 39
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: DUW 3001
- Power Reserve: 43 hours
- Case Width: 33 x 33 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Price: Under $3,500
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: DUW 3001
- Power Reserve: 43 hours
- Case Width: 33 x 33 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Price: Under $3,500
The square NOMOS Tetra Neomatik 39 has an ultra-thin and very accurate automatic caliber. The movement itself is only 3.2 millimeters in height, and case is 7.2 millimeters, which allows the watch to fit very elegantly beneath the cuff.
The coolly elegant dial in polished silver-gray is a very classy look for almost any occasion!
Skagen Quartz SIGNATUR Grey
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Price: Under $100
Skagen watches are based on Danish design, and their watches are understated, elegant, and functional. The 40 mm case width makes this watch a great fit for most wrist sizes, and the slim look and feel is perfect for a modern lifestyle with classic elements. Skagen takes pride in their sustainable practices, the SIGNATUR collection is made from at least 50% recycled stainless steel.