Lang & Heyne Southern California Event

cazalea · 2015-11-22T18:03:20Z

Explore Lang & Heyne's unique watchmaking philosophy and the rare mammoth ivory movement plates from their Southern California event. Discover independent horology.

cazalea

WPS member · Independents forum

5 replies1590 views34 photos

Cazalea's report on Lang & Heyne's visit to Southern California offers a rare glimpse into the brand's philosophy and unique creations. This article highlights the independent watchmaker's distinctive approach to horology, emphasizing artistic vision over conventional market strategies. Readers will discover Marco Lang's personal design ethos and the fascinating story behind the limited-edition mammoth ivory movement plates.

On a bright sunny November day that was "too warm for comfort", a group of watch collectors gathered to meet up with Marco Lang, Nique Wer and Alex Klar. You saw them just a few days ago in London. Thanks Foversta for the group photo because I failed to get one here in Southern California. They were in their beach clothing anyway ...

While waiting for the team to set up, we compared notes while enjoying food and drink provided by Passion Jewelers and Sbicca Catering.

Tim Jackson introduced Marco, whom he has known for 10 years.

I took advantage of the time to catch a few of the timepieces on other visitors' wrists:

1. Matching tie and Bulova Accutron Spaceview movement, even down to the copper wiring threads in the tie!

2. Irish Tourbillon

3. Richard Paige Pocket-Wrist Watch with vintage dial and movement in modern case

Waltham movement

Your correspondent's watch.

Personal Watch made by Alex Klar, about 4-5 years ago. I saw this watch back in 2011 and was amazed then (as now)! It's a double GMT plus Home Time.

Obviously he learned from a master and was able to recreate a similar look and feel in a watch of his own design and manufacture.

Now let's get onto the Lang & Heyne watches. We talked in generalities, and I must confess the watches were captivating but the details got omitted in the conversation.

So I must share photos, not details. First, the watch with plates made from the tusk of an extinct wooly mammoth!

Normal on the front; Unique on the back. We asked why he didn't put a mammoth on the dial, to mark the unusual watch.

In typical German engineering fashion, Marco answered: "The front is for telling you the time! Not marketing!"

Apparently the ivory has hardened in the few thousand years since the mammoth died, and is very stable dimensionally - between organic and mineral in its composition.

Marco only bought part of one tusk - so this special edition is limited to 20 pieces.

Marco got involved in explaining his company strategy:

"Make watches that I think up, and I like, then try to find clients to buy the watches" vs the typical corporate strategy of surveying customers and making what they want.

He also explained some of the technicalities of the movements.

Marco explained that they have sold about 350 watches in 14 years, so you are essentially buying a unique piece each time.

Each a beautifully-finished piece!

Notice the central lug that is a signature feature of his cases.

and the German finish on the plates. I believe the colors vary because of the lighting.

Marco brought 10 watches with him - the largest group of his pieces that have ever assembled at one time. Normally they are shipped out the door as soon as they are completed.

If you ever get the chance, I recommend spending some time looking over his collection! Or look on his website for details.

Thanks Marco and Tim.

Cazalea

PS - did I mention the astonishing finishing?

Photo from Lang & Heyne website

This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-11-22 18:51:25

Key Points from the Discussion

The Lang & Heyne mono-pusher chronograph with central second and minute counter, featuring an enamel dial and visible movement, is highly coveted for its elegance and exquisite manufacturing.
The watches exhibit extraordinary workmanship and a distinct Germanic style, clearly distinguishable from Swiss manufacturers.
The brand's watches are appreciated for their 'English style movements,' which are considered among the best.
The author confirms that Mitch K was wearing the highly praised mono-pusher chronograph during the event, sharing a photo of it.

The Discussion

TheMadDruid

Nov 23, 2015

This is the first time I've seen so many of this brand, other than on their website. Extraordinary workmanship. And to my eyes, carrying forward a particularly Germanic style. I don't know if I could describe what I mean but I would not mistake these watches for being made by a Swiss company.

doubleup

Nov 23, 2015

I have always liked these watches. I have a soft spot for English style movements, they make some of the best IMO. Thanks for posting truly. What a treat to see in the flesh.

Mitch K

Nov 27, 2015

It is an incredible mono pusher with a central second and minute counter for the chronograph and an enamel dial. It is truly an elegant and exquisitely manufactured watch with my favorite movement on the reverse for all to see. It truly is not if but when will it come home? 31 lucky people have brought one home and I hope to be another. Great to see you. Mitch

cazalea

Nov 28, 2015

I went through all my photos and realized you must have been wearing that watch - because YOUR watch was on the counter ... am I right? Anyway, here you go:

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