Whether in stormy seas, complete darkness or under extreme stress – a tool watch has to perform when it matters most. For over two decades, we at Mühle-Glashütte have been developing timepieces specifically designed to meet the demanding conditions faced by rescue services and naval units.
Tool watches from Mühle-Glashütte stand for uncompromising functionality, rugged durability and ultimate precision. Built to withstand the toughest conditions, they are designed to remain reliably legible at all times. Even before the first S.A.R. Rescue-Timer was delivered to the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service in 2002, we were dedicated to crafting highly functional timepieces built for real-world missions.
The roots of our tool watches go back to 1995. At the time, one of the shipyards we supplied asked if we could also provide a few robust, waterproof wristwatches as part of their onboard equipment. This request marked the beginning of wristwatch production at Mühle-Glashütte. The first two Mühle watches available to the public were launched in 1996: the Marinefliegeruhr-I and the Men’s Sports Diver Watch. The latter was a successor to our very first wristwatch, which we had delivered in a limited run of 25 pieces to shipyards and marine equipment suppliers. These early experiences laid the groundwork for the development of the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer, designed specifically for the tough conditions faced in the North and Baltic Seas.
In 2002, a new chapter began for Mühle-Glashütte’s tool watches with the launch of the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer. Developed in close collaboration with the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS), this timepiece was tailor-made to meet the unique demands aboard a rescue cruiser on the North and Baltic Seas. Water-resistant to 100 bar, featuring a 4 mm thick sapphire crystal and a highly protected case, the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer has proven itself in daily use for over two decades — a reliable partner in some of the toughest conditions imaginable.
Building on the success of the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer, we have continuously expanded our portfolio of mission watches. Each model was developed in collaboration with professionals from the respective units to meet their specific requirements — from rugged cases and optimal readability to durable movements with our shock-resistant Woodpecker neck regulation.
Our close collaboration with professional mission personnel remains a central part of our philosophy to this day. Whether it’s search and rescue crews, naval aviators or professional divers — Mühle-Glashütte develops timepieces that prove themselves in the most demanding situations.
You have various options, if you would like to have your Mühle watch professionally serviced. For example, you are welcome to bring your watch directly to our manufactory or send it to us by post with the note “Service”. Please contact us in advance if you would like a service in our manufactory in Glashütte. We will be happy to provide you with more information about our services, the safe shipping of your Mühle watch and send you a return slip. In addition, you can contact a Mühle retailer in your area. They will not only give you competent advice, there you can also hand in your watch for an inspection conveniently and easily.
The most important technical information on our current watches can be found on our website by visiting the “Wristwatches” page and selecting your collection/model. Technical details for your model can also be found in the instruction manual for your watch. If you have any further questions, especially regarding older models, please feel free to contact us.
