Zeppelin is one of the pioneers of aviation watches. The brand stands out for its interesting history, fine craftsmanship and extremely refined design reminiscent of the famous German airships. Learn more about the origins of the Zeppelin brand and find out what made the company successful.

History of the Zeppelin brand

The name of the German brand comes from its founder, Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin, who was one of the most important figures in the history of German aviation. He constructed legendary airships (they are present in pop culture even today) and created the first rigid airship. Both watches and Zeppelins are primarily associated with the LZ 127 airship, which typically reached speeds of between 100 and 110 km/h (the top speed was 128 km/h) and had a range of 10,000 km. It was filled with hydrogen and could carry up to 20 passengers.

Releasing the brand’s first design in 2002 was a milestone in the history of Zeppelin. Zeppelin watches are a product of the company founded in 1987 - POINTtec Electronic GmbH. No doubt, if it hadn’t been for the top German quality, the brand wouldn’t have succeeded. The company hires many qualified specialists from Germany and cooperates with the best watchmaking brands. Although at the beginning the company created watches commissioned by other firms and produced advertising products for many popular corporations, such as Bosch or Volkswagen, today it’s a well-known manufacturer. It confirms that success can be achieved through hard work.

Two years before the first Zeppelin watch was released, POINTtec signed a licence agreement with Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH which held the rights to the Zeppelin brand. It was founded in 1908 in order to continue research and development of the airships developed by the legendary designer.

Zeppelin watches - design that pays tribute to German aviation

Once you know the history of Zeppelin watches, it becomes easier to spot the references to the famous airships, interwar period and the early part of the last century. These characteristic features are evident in the design of watch faces. The dials feature a stylised font inspired by the typefaces popular at that time and an airship-shaped brand’s logo. Swiss-made movements, high-quality materials and a well-thought-out design with attention to details make these aviation watches an excellent choice for years to come. What’s interesting is that warranty cards of Zeppelin watches look just like travel tickets. It proves that the brand takes a holistic approach to design.

Cult collections of Zeppelin watches

LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin watches - for lovers of classic vintage design

Zeppelin LZ 127 Graf watches are one of the brand’s most classic collections. And it isn’t a surprise as the collection refers to the most famous rigid airship constructed by the designer in the interwar period. Zeppelin LZ 127 Graf watches are distinguished by characteristic vintage-style dials. They usually feature a date display, chronograph registers and a display of two time zones. Subdued colours are an important part of their design - the dials are mainly white, black and beige. The watches come with either a mesh bracelet or a leather strap that adds a retro touch. Thanks to the transparent case backs you can admire the inner workings of the movement.

Zeppelin LZ 129 Hindenburg watches - aviation watches of the highest quality

Zeppelin watches bearing the Hindenburg name are a tribute to the former German president. Zeppelin LZ 129 Hindenburg is one of the most popular collections of the German brand. The collection refers to the largest passenger-carrying airship in history which was known for making safe flights across the Atlantic. The rigid airship could carry up to 72 passengers at a time. Its test flight over German cities took place in March 1936.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the design of these timepieces. Zeppelin LZ 129 Hindenburg watches are powered by reliable Swiss quartz movements. They come with either leather straps or mesh bracelets. Their case backs feature a decorative engraving depicting the legendary airship. Some models have complications like a day-date display, a moon phase indicator, or chronograph subdials. Others are characterised by a minimalist design with an original hour hand. Zeppelin LZ 129 Hindenburg watches are perfect for everyday wear and more formal occasions. The Hindenburg watch is a classic accessory that can be passed down as a family heirloom.

Zeppelin Luna - aviation watches for women

Zeppelin is one of few brands that has created aviation watches for women. The Zeppelin Luna collection offers feminine timepieces with round-shaped cases made of steel. They come with either a mesh bracelet or a leather strap. The dials are available in bright and dark shades and are decorated with guilloché. They are distinguished by dot indices enriched with Swarovski crystals, a date display and a moon phase indicator made of mother-of-pearl. Zeppelin Luna watches will perfectly pull your smart casual outfits together.

Zeppelin - history of aviation hidden in watches

The history of the Zeppelin brand confirms that items with a soul are far more desirable than ordinary things. Why? Well, products which evoke emotions and refer to specific events have a more distinctive character and can better express the wearer’s personality. Created to highlight the brand’s long tradition, the limited-edition Zeppelin 100 Years collection is a perfect illustration of that. You can find a wide selection of original Zeppelin watches on our website. So, don't wait and check out our offer! Find your dream model that combines vintage style with top workmanship at an excellent price.