Tradition spanning over five centuries
Craftsmanship tradition since 1698 in Schwenningen am Neckar
The roots of the Bürk family date back to the year 1491 and are deeply embedded in Schwenningen am Neckar – the region that later became the cradle of the German watchmaking industry. Since 1698, the family has been demonstrably settled here, initially connected with agriculture and milling, later with craftsmanship, precision engineering, and ultimately with the art of watchmaking.
From this long lineage emerged the traditional Württembergische Uhrenfabrik Bürk Söhne, whose origins can be traced directly back to the Bürk family. From generation to generation, knowledge was passed on, refined, and carried into the future – culminating in today’s Richard Bürk Watch Manufactory, which continues this heritage of craftsmanship and strong regional roots.
Our Family History
The roots of our manufactory reach deep into the history of the Black Forest – a development that has united home, values, and craftsmanship over many generations.
1st–5th Generation
Hanns Byrgk
Farmer, around 1491
Feudal tenant at Thalhausen farm (Trossingen Mill)
6th Generation
Christian Bürk
“Innkeeper & Vogt (Bailiff)”
born 1649, Trossingen – died 1711
Anna Dorothea Maurer
born 1649
7th Generation
Christian Bürk
“Miller & Vogt”
born 01.04.1678, Schwenningen – died 13.11.1760, Schwenningen
Anna Schlenker
“Daughter of a Vogt”
born 13.04.1679, Schwenningen – died 17.02.1753, Schwenningen
8th Generation
Christian Bürk
born 22.07.1700, Schwenningen – died 31.03.1753, Schwenningen
Maria Maurer
born 20.06.1701, Trossingen – died 26.12.1762, Schwenningen
9th Generation
Johannes Bürk
“Farmer”
born 21.10.1732, Schwenningen – died 03.05.1803, Schwenningen
Barbara Weiler
born 31.03.1743, Schwenningen – died 23.11.1809, Schwenningen
10th Generation
Thomas Bürk
“Farmer – Miller’s Johannesen”
born 10.01.1771, Schwenningen – died 06.07.1845, Schwenningen
Katharina Benzing
born 29.01.1772, Schwenningen – died 15.01.1856, Schwenningen
11th Generation
Jakob Bürk
“Shoemaker”
born 06.12.1791, Schwenningen – died 10.01.1864, Schwenningen
Anna Öfinger
born 31.03.1796, Schwenningen – died 08.12.1836, Schwenningen
12th Generation – Foundation of the Württembergische Uhrenfabrik
Bürk Söhne (image)
Johannes Bürk
Watch manufacturer, founder
born 03.07.1819, Schwenningen – died 29.11.1872, Schwenningen
Katharina Weiler
born 21.02.1822, Schwenningen – died 01.03.1885, Schwenningen
13th Generation
Richard Bürk
Watch manufacturer & Commercial Councillor
born 02.09.1851, Schwenningen – died 26.10.1934, Schwenningen
Agnes Josefine Mathilde Müller
born 02.01.1859, Mühlhausen – died 05.03.1931, Schwenningen
14th Generation
Kurt Bürk (image)
Authorized Signatory & Technical Director
Württembergische Uhrenfabrik Bürk Söhne
born 03.05.1887, Schwenningen – died 06.05.1964, Schwenningen
Marta Jauch
born 24.08.1898, Mühlhausen – died 28.08.1970, Schwenningen
15th Generation
Erich Bürk
Technician
born 17.05.1933, Schwenningen – died 05.11.2019, Schwenningen
Berta Luise Bürk
born 06.10.1933, Nürtingen – died 17.08.2009, Schwenningen
16th Generation
Richard Harald Bürk
Dipl.-Ing. (FH), Business Economist
Founder, Owner, Managing Partner
Richard Bürk Watch Manufactory GmbH
born 19.09.1962, Schwenningen
Sabine Bürk
born 23.05.1964, Leutkirch
17th Generation
Trust creates bonds – for you, we:
• live our passion and are always there for our clients
• combine tradition with art and design solutions
• fulfill your personal wishes
Contact
We look foward to your feedback and suggestions!
Do you have any questions or need a customized offer? We are always happy to help!
MADE WITH HEART IN BLACK-FOREST
