The Lange Zeitwerk is the result of an undeniably modern approach to what is essentially a classic watch. According to Fabian Krone, ceo of A.Lange & Söhne, the Zeitwerk is, “the first mechanical wristwatch with a truly eloquent jumping numeral display.” Technologically advanced, the Zeitwerk is an example of advanced German engineering at its best.
By far the most impressive aspect of the Zeitwerk is its lack of hands. Krone refers to this as, “a new direction in mechanical watchmaking.” Basically the time is displayed via two separate windows that clearly show the hours on the left and the minutes on the right. This sounds simple enough but it’s only when you closely observe the mechanical process that the true genius of this watch becomes apparent.
Throughout the history of timekeeping the watchmaker has been frustrated by the inherent delay caused by the movement of the hands. Time has always been ‘lost’ with the mechanism not maintaining perfect accuracy. Up until now that is. It took the purists at A.Lange & Söhne to come up with timekeeping that is fast, dramatic and flawless. As each minute passes, the Zeitwerk’s second hand slowly ticks away until, without delay and with perfect synchronisation, the disks displaying the numbers flicks over. This instantaneous and uniform progress is something you just have to see in person.
Clearly proud of his team’s work, Krone is enthusiastic when talking about the technical aspects of the watch, “On the technical side, the development of the constant-force escapement was without a doubt the biggest challenge as it had to handle two crucial functions at the same time: on the one hand, it acts as a pacemaker for the instantaneous advance of the numerals discs. On the other hand, it delivers nearly constant torque to the balance across the entire power reserve and thus enhances the rate stability of the movement.”
Visually the watch is striking too with its sweeping, rhodiumed German silver bridge in the centre of a clear, modern face and large dials that presents a uniquely legible way to read the time. Yet despite its modernity the Zeitwerk does not lose touch with the classical elegance associated with other Lange products. Krone calls it, “yet another example of Lange’s ability to create ingenious and iconic timepieces.”
The departure from a traditional style of sweeping hands was a risky affair. The traditional hour and minute hands evoke a sense of reassuring familiarity and this leap into moving numbers must have caused some sleepless nights at the Lange headquarters. Nevertheless the result is a great success; modern yet classic, evoking a contemporary feel which, when allied to such technological innovations, mean Lange has proven once again that it is still the horological master to beat.
SPECIFICATIONS
Movement: Manually wound
Dial: Solid silver, black
Case: Diameter 41.9 mm. Height 12.6 mm
Strap: Hand-stitched black crocodile leather
Price: ???? USD
