Kienzle is founded in 1822 in Schwenningen by Johannes Schlenker. The company soon fabricates 20,000 wall clocks and pendulum clocks per annum. In 1883 Jakob Kienzle marries into the Schlenker family and henceforward he contributes to the expansion of the company. In 1893, 162,000 watches and alarm clocks are made per annum. The name of the company is changed into Schlenker & KIENZLE.

From 1894 on the weight and the costs of alarm clocks and wall clocks can be significantly reduced incorporating the “American System” with standardized individual components and perforated plates. This process is highly innovative at that time. From 1897 on Jakob Kienzle became sole owner and also the name of the company changes after some time into today’s notation Kienzle. But not only is the watch production continuously extended and modernized. The international activities are also steadily enlarged. In the following years branches in Milan, Paris and London are established.

In 1900 Kienzle launches the time stamp clock on the market, followed by inexpensive pocket watches, travelling 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.

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.

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. In the following years Kienzle is the first company to present a quartz travel alarm clock.

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.

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. 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.

In 2008 Kienzle moves into the current headquarters, a time honored merchant’s house in Hamburg-Harvestehude, this perfectly represents the company and its values: quality, tradition and innovations. 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.

Watch collection

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.

“Kienzle Klassik” 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 well.

“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.

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 calibres. The collection “Sports” is a contrast by incorporating dynamic and action. Typical is for example the use of steel bracelets in place of leather.

The “Edition Jakob Kienzle” meets the highest demands and is the highlight of the watch collection. Eight luxurious models 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.

The “Edition Color” is the latest collection of the brand and comes along with fresh colors on the inside of the leather straps. Most of the models are “Made in Germany”.

Corporate philosophy

The company is one of Germanys oldest watch labels with almost 200 years of company history. Kienzle is more than a watch label – Kienzle is German contemporary history and the new innovative collections are based on the great past.

Quality and classical elegance are combined with uncommon design elements and innovative technology. The values of the company, tradition, innovation, accuracy and a great price-performance ratio are recognizable in all collections.