Lilienthal Berlin Chronograph 'The Meteorite' / First Edition (Silver-Yellow)
Quartz Chronograph, Lifestyle/Design Watch · Lilienthal Berlin. Founded in 2016, this is a lifestyle-tier independent brand known for award-winning German design (Red Dot, iF Design Awards) at an accessible price point.
Period: Contemporary Bauhaus / Minimalist (Modern 2010s-present). It features clean lines, typographic focus, and functional aesthetics characteristic of the brand's Berlin-native design philosophy.
Type
Quartz Chronograph, Lifestyle/Design Watch
Brand
Lilienthal Berlin. Founded in 2016, this is a lifestyle-tier independent brand known for award-winning German design (Red Dot, iF Design Awards) at an accessible price point.
Movement
Swiss Quartz movement, Caliber Ronda 3540.D with five jewels. Features high reliability, battery-powered accuracy, and a central 1/1 second chronograph hand with totalizers.
Dimensions
Case Diameter: 42.5mm | Thickness: 10.3mm | Lug-to-Lug: 50mm | Lug Width: 20mm. It wears true to its 42.5mm size due to the slim bezel and large dial surface area.
Description
The Lilienthal Berlin Chronograph is a masterclass in urban minimalist design. Breaking away from traditional luxury tropes, it focuses on the geometry of the city. The unconventional 4 o'clock crown and striking yellow-on-silver color palette make it a standout lifestyle piece that prioritizes legibility and 'cool' factor over mechanical complexity.
Key Features
Distinctive 4 o'clock crown position, award-winning minimalist dial layout, quick-release bracelet system, and the 'Made in Germany' quality seal at a mid-range price point.
Dial Description
Galvanized matte silver/grey finish with sunburst texture. It features two prominent yellow vertical subdials for chronograph minutes and hours, a small running seconds subdial at 9 o'clock. Baton hands with Super-LumiNova and a date window at 6 o'clock integrated into the subdial.
Case Material
316L Surgical Stainless Steel with a matte, bead-blasted (sandblasted) finish to provide a utilitarian, industrial appearance.
Crystal Type
Sapphire-hardened mineral glass. This hybrid offers the impact resistance of mineral glass with a sapphire coating for increased scratch protection.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated bezel as part of the monoblock-style case architecture. No markings, finished in matte sandblasted silver to match the case.
Crown & Pushers
The crown is positioned at 4 o'clock (a signature Lilienthal Berlin design trait) for comfort. It is a push-pull type. The chronograph pushers are low-profile and integrated into the case side to maintain a sleek silhouette.
Bracelet or Strap
Three-link 'Oyster-style' stainless steel bracelet with a matte sandblasted finish. It features a folding deployant clasp with safety and a quick-release spring bar system for easy strap changes.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback. It typically features an engraved map of Berlin or the Lilienthal Berlin 'L' logo along with technical specifications and the 'Made in Germany' identifier.
Movement Type
Swiss Quartz movement, Caliber Ronda 3540.D with five jewels. Features high reliability, battery-powered accuracy, and a central 1/1 second chronograph hand with totalizers.
Water Resistance
5 ATM (50 meters). Suitable for splashes and rain; not recommended for swimming, snorkeling, or high-pressure water activities.
Origin & Provenance
Germany (Berlin design and assembly). The movement is Swiss (Ronda), and individual components are sourced globally, but final assembly and quality control are performed in Germany.
Age Estimate
Circa 2019-2023. The brand gained significant traction during this period through digital marketing and design awards.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'New Berlin' wave of manufacturing—focusing on sustainability (using eco-leather in other models) and high-level industrial design rather than centuries of watchmaking tradition.
Condition Notes
Based on the image, the watch appears to be in Excellent/Mint condition, likely New Old Stock (NOS) or lightly handled, as it is shown in its original patterned presentation box.
Value Estimate
MSRP approximately $250 - $350 USD. Secondary market value typically ranges from $150 - $220 USD depending on the specific edition and bracelet vs. leather strap options.
Care & Maintenance
Battery replacement every 2-3 years. Avoid high magnetic fields. Clean the sandblasted steel with a soft, damp cloth; avoid abrasive polishing as it will ruin the matte finish. Check seals if using near water.
Similar Watches
Junghans Form C (more traditional Bauhaus), Braun Chronograph (similar minimalist industrial roots), Sternglas Hamburg (competing German affordable Bauhaus).
Interesting Facts
Lilienthal Berlin intentionally uses fonts used in the Berlin public transport system (BVG) for some of its designs to root the watch in the city's identity. The brand is named after aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal.