VDB Watches

Vintage VDB Watches, commonly known simply as VDB, is an independent German watch brand founded by Stephan Obst in Erfurt in 2008. The brand grew from a personal project in a cellar into a specialist workshop producing distinctive mechanical watches inspired by historic military, pilot and diving instruments. VDB's name stands for “Vintage Daily Beater,” reflecting its philosophy of creating robust everyday companions with a strong vintage character. The company produces watches in very small quantities, with handmade and custom pieces forming an important part of its identity. Its designs are deliberately substantial, with large cases, rugged surfaces and unconventional detailing. VDB's current 2026 programme includes the M1, M2 and P5, while its extensive archive includes models such as the P1070, E23, F24, G25, D22, Troop and Maritime. 

Brand Founder: Stephan Obst

Stephan Obst is the founder and owner of Vintage VDB. His route into watchmaking was unconventional: he was not formally trained as a watchmaker when he began the project. In 2008, driven by a long-standing fascination with mechanical watches and historic military timepieces, he left conventional employment and began developing watches in a cellar in Erfurt. He designed and built the first VDB pieces himself, supported by his mechanical skills and a passion for robust engineering. The first VDB I reached the market in 2009, followed by VDB II in 2010 and the limited VDB 2011 in 2011. Under Obst's direction, VDB developed into a small German workshop specialising in highly individual mechanical watches.