Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: 2013 Reference No: 140.048 / LS1402AM Movement No: 98'009 Case No: 206'313 13/30 Model Name: Lange Zeitwerk "Handwerkskunst" Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. L043.4, 78 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle Dimensions: 41.9mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by presentation box with outer packaging, Guarantee and product literature
Catalogue Essay
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.
Originally founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in Glashütte, Dresden, Germany, the firm established an entire watchmaking culture and industry in Glashütte. The brand quickly became Germany's finest watchmaker, first creating dependable, easy-to-repair watches before going on to produce some of the world's finest complicated pocket watches, including Grande Sonnerie watches, tourbillon watches and Grande Complications.
On the final day of World War II, their factories were destroyed by Russian bombers, and in 1948 the brand was confiscated by the Soviet Union. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, Ferdinand's great grandson Walter Lange re-established the brand with the objective to once again produce top-quality luxury watches. Now part of the Richemont Group, its original vintage and modern creations are highly coveted by collectors. Key models from the modern era include the Lange 1, Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon and the Zeitwerk.