Hermle Clocks

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Detailed History of Hermle Clocks

Founding and Early Years (1922-1930s)

Hermle Clocks was founded in 1922 by Franz Hermle in Gosheim, located in the Swabian Alb region of Southern Germany. Within ten years, the company became known as one of the most modern and efficient manufacturers of clock movements in the clock industry. By the 1930s, Hermle's reliability and precision were recognized across Europe, and the company had established itself as a leading supplier of mechanical clock movements to renowned clockmakers worldwide.

World War II and Post-War Era (1940s-1950s)

Franz Hermle and his sons' dedication weathered the effects of WWII and made Franz Hermle and Sohn prosper while other companies capitulated. The founder, Franz Hermle, died in 1953 and left a modern and prosperous operation to his sons Gebhard, Alfred, Hans and Heinrich Hermle. Under their leadership, the company expanded significantly, becoming one of the world's largest manufacturers of mechanical clock movements by the 1950s.

Expansion and Innovation (1970s-1980s)

In the 1970s they expanded to engineering and quartz movement clocks. In 1977 Hermle expanded into the United States, establishing Hermle North America in Amherst, Virginia, USA. This location was chosen for its strategic position on the East Coast and its resemblance to the southern German countryside.

In 1978, Rolf Hermle took over as CEO, marking the third generation of the founding family. The company successfully adapted to the quartz revolution of the 1980s while maintaining its mechanical clockmaking expertise.

Modern Era (1990s-Present)

Hermle Clocks is a German family owned and operated company in its third generation, now entering its fourth generation of family ownership. In 2002, Hermle stepped into a direct retail market through a brand called Emperor, while maintaining their wholesale business selling to clock shops and distributors.

Manufacturing and Operations

Hermle operates from multiple facilities: 2 plants in Gosheim, 1 in Reichenbach, Germany and another in Amherst, Virginia, USA, covering about 150,000 square feet with a workforce of 500. Today, a select number of wooden clock cabinets, including grandfather clock cases, are produced at the Amherst, Virginia facility.

The company has invested heavily in precision equipment and automation. Recent investments include precision equipment to finish pivots on clock arbors after dust preventive plating materials have been removed, and semi-automatic machines have been upgraded with computerized control mechanisms.

Product Range and Innovation

Throughout its history, Hermle has maintained a focus on precision and quality. The company produces:

• Complete clocks (grandfather, wall, mantel, table, ship's, and regulators)
• Mechanical clock movements
• Quartz movements
• Clock accessories (dials, pendulums, weight shells)
• DIY clock kits

Hermle products are exported to more than 100 countries and ranks as the world's largest manufacturer of clock mechanisms, used by many other leading clockmakers.

Legacy and Recognition

Hermle combines old world craftsmanship with modern precision manufacturing, maintaining its reputation for precision that has been its hallmark since the beginning. The company continues to introduce new models each year while preserving its timeless masterpieces, cementing its position as one of the world's most prestigious clock manufacturers with over a century of tradition.