I am reserving comment until I have a chance to view the watch (particularly its backside
) in person. I certainly owe Lange that much. I've yet to be disappointed at either side of a Lange, and I have no frame of reference against which to judge the dial side of the Zeitwerk. Yes, of course, it flies in the face of established Lange aesthetics, but it is definitely not a deviation from Lange's reliance on the past for design elements of its watches, dials and movements included.
Interestingly, my first reaction to the juxtaposition of the dial side screw and chaton was this: "Lange is winking at us!" They're saying, "Look what we've done! This is all about our past, and maybe, just maybe, about our future?" The perspective of time (not to mention a viewing of the actual watch) will certainly influence how the Zeitwerk is viewed by Lange enthusiasts/collectors, but like you, I applaud Lange for giving us something to think and talk about. I cannot wait to see this one!
Best,
Jed