The Alfred Helwig School of Watchmaking of the traditional German watchmaker Glashütte Original wrote a new chapter in its history recently. For the first time, classes were held outside the school’s native Germany.
From November 14-17, master instructor Uwe Bahr taught three apprentices for several hours a day in front of the exclusive jewellery store, Behbehani, at Kuwait’s Salhiya Mall.
“It was an extraordinary experience for myself and my apprentices,” said Uwe Bahr on his return home from Kuwait. “From talking with shoppers, it’s clear that German products stand for high-class engineering and precision.”
Numerous VIP guests visited the watchmaking classes, which were opened on November 14, 2005 by Dr. Frank Müller, President Glashütte Original; Mr. Ali Behbehani; and Glashütte Original’s Brand Manager in the Middle East, Mr. Asaad Abboud.
“To bring our watchmaking school Alfred Helwig to Kuwait was a real coup, and the classes demonstrated the heritage and precision of the Glashütte name,” said Dr. Frank Müller. “Glashütte Original is a vibrant, authentic brand that stands for exclusivity, traditional watchmaking since 1845, and mechanical masterpieces that are handmade in Germany.”
In 2005, the company celebrates 160 years of fine German watchmaking, and the education of watchmakers has always played a large role.
In 1878, Moritz Grossmann founded the first German School of Watchmaking and began to teach young apprentices. Glashütte Original’s own Alfred Helwig School of Watchmaking continues to the fine traditions of generations of craftsmen.
