Automisation of Ruhla Calibre 24 Production
Ruhla was the first watch manufacturer to fully automate watch production of its Calibre 24 movement. Automisation started in 1961 with a programme of rationalisation initiated by the East German Government. The programme had several phases and its aim was to progressively increase production targets. Specialist production machinery was developed and this technology was later shared with other people’s enterprises in the German Democratic Republic.
Ruhla in 1972 – production of the calibre 24 movement is highly automated.
Ruhla Automated Production Machine of the Calibre 24-00. Top plates feed down and are placed on the assembled movement on the production line.
NBI Wk50 1976 Ruhla Watch Automisation – Article on the automisation of the Calibre 24 movement.
Click on the image below for English translation of the article.
Ostalgie-Ruhla Watches of the GDR 
What Battery I need for the Sumatic Ruhla? Thanks and regards
December 18, 2015 at 2:45 pm
You can use either an AG12 or AG13 battery. Check the photo in this guide to see how the battery fits:
Click to access ostalgieruhla-ruhla-sumatic-guidance.pdf
December 18, 2015 at 5:16 pm
Just discovered your site. Thank you for the information so diligently compiled. Found a Ruhla jump watch at a garage sale yesterday, perfect working order, blue faced like the image you have provided. I couldn’t be more delighted as I’d not heard of them prior. I have a beautiful old Roamer with welded/fixed lugs too, same again, had never heard of Roamer until my discovery. Regards Mike, San Remo Victoria, Australia
October 5, 2014 at 11:50 am
Hello Mike,
Thank you for your kind comments on my site. I am pleased you have found it interesting.
The Ruhla jump hour watch was the Ruhla watch that started my interest a few years ago. Then, there was virtually no information on Ruhlas and I had to search high and low for information. Now, there is much more interest and a resurgent interest in Germany itself.
I hope you enjoy owning your Ruhla jump hour!
Sekondtime
October 5, 2014 at 3:50 pm
Wish to second Phil Smyrk’s comment – thanks for the interesting history. Also found links to adaptation of Caliber 24 into a quartz movement fascinating.
June 30, 2013 at 8:51 am
Thanks Rob.
Sekondtime
June 30, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Very interesting insight into a watch one hears very little about
many thanks
Phil
March 5, 2013 at 7:54 pm