The A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk is a modern masterpiece of watchmaking, one that allies tradition and innovation in a way that seems absolutely surreal. No one had ever seen anything like it when the watch came out. Lange had imagined a stunning movement, built around a triple jumping disk system that carries the jumping hour mechanism. The synchronization is actually so smooth that one may believe that it is digitally controlled. But no, everything here is mechanical.
In 2012, A. Lange & Söhne announced a limited edition of 30 pieces, the “Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst”. One of the surprise introductions of the SIHH that year, the watch sold out even before it became available to the public. Its massive 41.9mm diameter full platinum case is beautifully complemented by a polished bezel and lugs contrasting with the brushed sides. But the real beauty of this limited edition lays in its dial. Made in white gold, the dial displays a unique grainy texture called “tremblage”. This handmade texture is rendered with a special burin and results in a deep and randomly granulated surface. In terms of dial decorations, this was a first for A. Lange & Söhne. Across the dial is a silver bridge made of rhodium-plated German silver, which provides an eye catching contrast in texture.

The watch’s open caseback allows the wearer to view the in-house Lange Calibre L043.1 in action. The Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst is truly a marvel to admire.