Share of 500 marks in the German watchmaker cooperative Alpina from 1 January 1921
Dugena emerged from the general agency of the Swiss watch brand Alpina in Berlin, founded in 1899. In 1917, the German watchmakers' cooperative Alpina was founded in Eisenach. However, the artificial word Dugena, which was formed from this, was only established as the sole future brand name at the general meeting of the cooperative in 1942. The purpose of the cooperative was to distribute selected quality watches from Germany at moderate prices. In 1927 the company headquarters was moved to Berlin.
Post-war period
In 1949 the company moved to Darmstadt, where it was managed by Willi Tempel. Later, Hans-Jörg Seeberger became director and took over the company with his holding company DeganaGoldpfeil in 1993. This company sold the brand to the newly founded Nova Tempora Uhren und Schmuck GmbH in 2009.
1930s–1960s
“Dugena” in cursive or serif font
Classic, often smaller
1970s
More modern font, triangle logo is emphasized
Often sportier, wider
1980s–1990s
More striking, round or block logo
Modern/Quartz Time
Today
New modern logo with stylized triangle
Design & style features
Here is a rough timeline for typical designs:
decade
Features
1950s
Small case, leather strap, cursive logo
1960s
Flat cases, dauphine hands, often gold-plated
1970s
Sportier, automatic, thicker cases, PUW movements
1980s
Quartz watches, digital displays, stainless steel bracelets
