A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst Overview

Kong · 2012-09-26T07:46:52Z

Explore the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst, a limited edition showcasing exquisite tremblage engraving and Glashütte lever escapement.

Kong

WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum

16 replies5695 views3 photos

Kong introduces the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst, a limited edition timepiece celebrating Saxon artisanship. This post highlights how Lange's most advanced mechanical watch, known for its precisely jumping numerals, is elevated through exquisite decorative techniques on the case, dial, and movement. Kong's presentation emphasizes the fusion of technical innovation with traditional hand-finishing that defines this special edition.

A. Lange & Söhne is casting a traditional glance at its most advanced watch. An edition of the LANGE ZEITWERK limited to 30 watches celebrates Saxon artisanship at its very finest. The special edition watches are available exclusively at A. Lange & Söhne boutiques. Three years ago, A. Lange & Söhne presented the LANGE ZEITWERK, the first mechanical watch that featured a constant-force escapement to achieve a precisely jumping numerals display.

Since then, this winner of multiple awards has ranked among the brand’s biggest successes. As a limited edition with the designation HANDWERKSKUNST, the timepiece has risen to a new level: Exquisite case, dial, and movement decorations as well as a Glashütte lever escapement stand for the artisanal and horological proficiency of the Saxon manufactory. They constitute the tradition-steeped complement to the numerous technical innovations inside the exquisite masterpiece.

Tremblage engraving on the white-gold dial of the LANGE ZEITWERK HANDWERKSKUNST

The dial in black-rhodiumed white gold is endowed with an elaborate tremblage engraving. The engraver manually guides a specially crafted lining burin across the surface in precisely choreographed multi-directional movements.

This produces a delicate and highly vivid granular texture. A formidable challenge for the engravers: The curved A. Lange & Söhne logo and the filigreed lettering of the power-reserve indicator remain standing in sharply contoured relief. Decorated with linear graining, the time bridge in rhodiumed German silver contrasts with the dark dial. Used traditionally at Lange for frame elements such as bridges and cocks, German silver identifies it as part of the movement ensemble.

LANGE ZEITWERK HANDWERKSKUNST in platinum

Skilfully integrated in the dial, the time bridge embraces all time indications: the large white numerals of the hour and minute displays as well as the grey seconds dial in solid silver. The interaction of precious metals culminates with the platinum case. The A. Lange & Söhne signature, the case number and the edition serial number on the caseback are hand-engraved as well.

A glance through the sapphire-crystal caseback of the LANGE ZEITWERK HANDWERKS- KUNST reveals the highly complex manufacture calibre L043.4, which apart from classic elements such as the three-quarter plate and screwed gold chatons also stands out with a kaleidoscope of artistic decorations: The three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver is endowed with a granular surface and hand-engraved lettering. The A. Lange & Söhne signature on the mainspring barrel is executed as a relief engraving. This technique requires the artist to chisel the motif out of the material, making it look as if it had been embossed. The balance and escape wheel cocks are also decorated with a special free-hand engraving. The upper side of the bridge for the constant-force escapement is embellished with black polish, the most elaborate and time-consuming finissage technique.

The Glashütte lever escapement pays special tribute to 19th century Lange traditions. Its lever and escape wheel are made of hardened 18-carat gold. The advantage of the material was its insensitivity to magnetic fields. The antimagnetic steel alloys commonly used today were not available then. The lever is designed to remain well balanced in any position. The pallets are concealed and slightly curved to reduce the friction between them and the escape wheel. Perfectly executed, all these subtle design characteristics contribute to provide the precision of the watch. It was an appealing challenge for the current generation of master watchmakers to resort to one of Ferdinand A. Lange’s most important inventions.

The exclusive collector’s item is limited to 30 watches that are distributed exclusively through the seven A. Lange & Söhne boutiques worldwide. The LANGE ZEITWERK HANDWERKSKUNST will be launched at Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping venues, when Lange’s latest boutique is inaugurated there on 26th September 2012.

Press Release

Key Points from the Discussion

The Handwerkskunst edition significantly enhances the Zeitwerk's unique design with added depth, making it an instant favorite for many collectors over the standard white gold version.
Despite the impressive decorations, some collectors still prefer the 'classic' Zeitwerk, suggesting that such elaborate finishing might be better suited for smaller watches.
The watch is even more impressive in person than in photographs, with its true marvel appreciated when seen live, as observed at the Dubai Lange boutique opening.
The L043.4 caliber in the Handwerkskunst has 10 more components (425 parts) than the regular Zeitwerk's L043.1 (415 parts), prompting questions about the reason for this change.
The Handwerkskunst edition is a spectacular display of Lange's decorating prowess, showcasing their exceptional artisanal skills.
The Handwerkskunst dial outfit is preferred by some over the original Zeitwerk's dials, indicating a strong positive reception for the special edition's aesthetic.

The Discussion

senort75

Sep 26, 2012

That's just drop dead gorgeous!

Horology75

Sep 26, 2012

Just saw the piece in peron couple of hours ago and trust the pictures don't do justice. Not a photogenic piece , but in actual yet another marvel by Lange! Bravo! Saw it at the opening ceremony of the Dubai Lange boutique Ovi

foversta

Sep 26, 2012

... Handwerkskunst in honey gold. Having said that, I still prefer the "classic" Zeitwerk. I would appreciate this kind of decoration in a smaller watch. Thanks a lot Kong for the presentation. Fx

Mark in Paris

Sep 26, 2012

but here it seems gorgeous. I think I may prefer this outfit rather than the original Zeitwerk's dials. Thanks for the news Kong, Cheers, Mark

colton_d

Sep 26, 2012

I have been a long time fan of the WG version of the ZW however this limited edition is instantly my favourite. The HANDWERKSKUNST brings so much added depth to the already unique design of the Zeitwerk. Lucky are the few who will claim ownership of these beauties. I can only hope they are kind enough to post a few wrist shots for us to enjoy. Best, Colton

riksuo

Sep 26, 2012

i realized the L043.4 , 425 parts, has ten more conponments than regular zeitwerk's L043.1 which has 415parts. Does anyone know what reason cause this change? thanks

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