In Germany, there exists a maritime force known to few yet vital to many—the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). Since its founding in 1865, this non-governmental, donation-funded organization has saved over 87,300 lives across the North and Baltic Seas. In 2025, DGzRS celebrates two major milestones: its 160th anniversary and the 150th anniversary of its iconic red-and-white donation boats—known as Sammelschiffchen.
To commemorate this extraordinary legacy, German watchmaker Mühle-Glashütte unveils a powerful tribute: the limited-edition S.A.R. Mission-Timer “160 Years of DGzRS,” restricted to just 160 individually numbered pieces. A watch of purpose, precision, and profound symbolism, it does far more than tell time—it tells a story of courage and commitment.
Since 2002, Mühle-Glashütte has worked closely with DGzRS, creating timepieces tailored for the harsh conditions faced by professional sea rescuers. The latest commemorative edition goes even further, embodying both technical mastery and heartfelt tribute.
Crafted from titanium, the 43mm case balances professional-grade ruggedness with surprising lightness, weighing just 105 grams. Its durability is reinforced by a unidirectional ceramic bezel, a screw-down crown, and a sapphire crystal 2.5mm thick with double-sided anti-reflective coating—making it fully equipped to withstand depths of up to 500 meters.
Inside beats the SW 400-1 automatic movement, carefully regulated in-house by Mühle-Glashütte. It features the brand’s signature woodpecker-neck regulator and customized rotor, with adjustments made in six positions for exceptional timekeeping accuracy within a daily deviation of 0 to +8 seconds. This technical precision aligns seamlessly with the needs of rescue professionals operating under extreme maritime pressure.
Beyond the specs, what makes this timepiece unforgettable is its design language steeped in meaning. The titanium-gray dial features an etched line structure inspired by underwater topography—the isobaths of the Weser estuary near Bremerhaven, home to the DGzRS coordination center.
It’s a subtle yet deeply symbolic nod to the very waters patrolled by German rescuers for over a century and a half. The central seconds hand is tipped in DGzRS’s signature rescue red, while the white hour markers glow navy blue in the dark and turn crimson under UV light—a clever, emotive touch that captures the organization's essence in color.
Flip the watch over and the tribute continues. The caseback is engraved with an image of the beloved Sammelschiffchen, a miniature donation vessel that has been collecting public support for the DGzRS for 150 years.
It also bears the words “150 Years of Sammelschiffchen. 160 Years DGzRS – The Maritime Rescuers,” along with a unique serial number, ensuring each piece stands as a singular memento in the annals of horology and heroism alike.
The watch doesn’t just look the part—it performs it. With a date display nearly 30% larger than standard and applied indices that enhance legibility, it remains readable at a glance even in challenging environments. The high-contrast layout of the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock markers is a nod to previous S.A.R. models and ensures instant orientation when seconds count.
The black rubber strap, complete with a titanium folding clasp and diver’s extension, offers all-day comfort whether worn over a wetsuit or directly on the wrist. The screwed strap bars, meanwhile, reinforce the watch’s structural integrity—another detail driven by real-world function.
And yet, what elevates the “160 Years of DGzRS” watch beyond craftsmanship is its cause. From each 2,900-euro sale, 100 euros is donated directly to the DGzRS, helping fund their entirely volunteer-driven operations. In a world where most rescue services depend on state support, DGzRS continues to rely solely on public contributions.
With more than 1,000 volunteer rescuers and over 60 rescue units, they respond to nearly 2,000 emergency missions per year, regardless of weather, time, or tides. This timepiece, therefore, becomes more than an accessory—it becomes a statement of support, an emblem of solidarity with those who risk everything to save others.
In the realm of luxury watchmaking, value often lies in rarity, material, or mechanical sophistication. But occasionally, a timepiece transcends aesthetics and engineering. This one tells a larger story. It doesn’t shout wealth; it whispers purpose.
It doesn’t follow fleeting trends; it honors enduring values. In its minimalist dial and maritime toughness, you’ll find the distilled essence of German engineering—but also a quiet reverence for human courage.
Collectors often seek watches with stories, and this one delivers not just a tale, but a tribute. It’s the kind of piece that doesn’t just sit in a display case—it invites conversation, inspires respect, and stirs memory. For those drawn to horology not only as a craft but as a cultural artifact, this limited-edition S.A.R. Mission-Timer is an investment in both time and meaning.
In every sense, this is more than a watch. It’s a lifeline forged in titanium, a beacon of legacy wrapped around your wrist, a tool designed not merely for exploration but for preservation—of life, of tradition, of shared humanity. For those who admire function, precision, and purpose in equal measure, it’s not just a rare timepiece—it’s a timeless statement.