They say the value of having peace of mind is priceless. And that comes with the surety that one’s belongings are safe and secure without having to be supervised at all hours. When wanting to protect these valuable items, those in the know turn to Döttling, the renowned German safe manufacturer with a proven track record of providing high quality security with time tested craftsmanship.
*****Article by Azral Hanan*****
Established in 1919 by Ernst Döttling, it began as a locksmith shop in the town of Sindelfingen. Ernst perfected his craft and workmanship. Everything was done by hand and with meticulous attention to detail and finesse. Since then the company has grown from strength to strength through the subsequent generations. Even while still maintaining the dedication to the exceptional standards of their founder. Under the stewardship of Markus Döttling who is the fourth generation of the family, the Döttling brand has expanded and carved its own niche in the world of luxury safe-making.
Döttling specialises in producing exceptionally designed safes that can be customised to suit the individual preferences of any client. Each safe is meticulously planned and developed, taking into account the client’s needs and desires, then enhanced by a legacy of four generations of expertise and technical finesse; derived from traditional German locksmith artistry. The result is a perfect combination of functionality, strength and beauty.
What really draws potential clients is that unlike many other industries and companies that have gone fully or partly automated to enable mass production, Döttling still does things the hard way. That is by employing skilled human labour. When they mention ‘handcraft’ it’s not a fancy way of saying ‘finishing touch’. The whole process from development, through assembly, and on to the finish, is all done by human hands. This holds true for every safe that has ever passed through the 100 year old gates of their manufactory at Maichingen.
A battalion of locksmiths, restorers, painters and security specialists are among some of the skilled talent at their disposal as they bring forth each unique tailored masterpiece. If someone wants gold plating, goldsmiths apply and work with 24 carat gold leaf. Variations include red and white gold to antique gold. And this diversity in options is not just limited to precious metals. The master saddlers have handled materials ranging from the conventional to the truly exotic. Calfskin, bird’s feathers, even ray skin. Whether the cutting, or sewing and bevelling, it’s all done exquisitely by hand. No expenses are spared. Not even time.
To meet the ever more expanding and specialised requirements of their discerning clientele, Döttling has developed a range of models and product lines all sharing the hallmark of timeless artistic pedigree and German technical mastery. Among some of the more sought after include the Bel Air, a handmade high security luxury class model. Then there’s the ‘Chameleon’ which as its namesake implies, blends near seamlessly with the background. Its unique swing door mechanism allows it to integrate even into limited space.
Those looking for something a bit more opulent can opt for the ‘Pauline’, a safe with customised compartments for your jewelry and documents. It even comes with a portable jewellery case equipped with GPS, just in case one misplaces it.
Döttling has even collaborated with that icon of creativity, the fashion genius that is Karl Lagerfeld. The aptly named ‘Narcissus’ was conceived as a fusion of high aesthetic; merged with innovative cutting edge technology. This fully automated marvel only reveals and activates itself to its owner. The steel body weighing at 800kg is sheathed in high gloss, chrome-plated aluminium. The interior is made up of two handcrafted cabinets fitted with jewelry drawers and watch winders. Like any singular art-piece only 30 will be available as the effort and skill needed means only a few can ever be made.
For something truly remarkable one cannot go far wrong with the GrandCircle. Even rarer than the Narcissus it’s limited to only 20. When you see it you’ll know why. It’s basically a safe in the shape of a clock consisting of 52 individually controlled watch winders. An actual working handmade Naeschke pendulum clock is incorporated into the design. It even has its own minibar – convenient whenever Happy Hour strikes.
If one is looking for something more compact there’s the ‘Colossimo’ range which are regarded as the smallest commercial luxury safes in the world. The outer design of these table-top safes is reminiscent of American bank vaults. Like their larger cousins, the Colossimo incorporates gold plating and complex gem-based locking mechanisms and completed with a carbon finish.
The search for security of belongings is constantly evolving. Döttling has been at forefront of the new revolution in asset safekeeping that emphasises a holistic approach that goes beyond just having a safe in the home. Already with the ‘Chameleon’ they have a unit that can integrate with furniture and room decor. Yet Döttling goes a step further with its pioneering security vision with the ‘Safiture’ and the ‘Collector’s room’.
The ‘Safiture’ is truly one of a kind. It’s a range of high-quality furniture that masks the presence of storage vaults in a house. The main feature consists of having safety furnishings around the secured core, in effect making it invisible. These can be whatever the client wants. All furnishings and décor will be especially custom made by hand to fit any individual requirement and taste.
With the Collector’s room, Döttling offers a full spectrum security concept in which not only is the safe provided, but also the room itself made secure. The skilled craftsman and security expertise at their disposal is put to use to design aesthetically pleasing rooms and chambers with security features that have been fully amalgamated into the final ambience. The end product is an enclosed space that can not only showcase and enhance any prestigious collection or valuables on display, but also offer the owner confidence with its formidable safety mechanisms and near unbreachable protective measures.
Thus to ensure peace of mind, put your trust in the hands of Döttling; where the art of protecting what is most precious is in itself a worthy endeavour.
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