Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: Circa 2009 Reference No: 140.029 Movement No: 80’304 Case No: 187’608 Model Name: Zeitwerk Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. L043.1, 68 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne guarantee stamped Carlson Watch Co. Ltd. dated 9th December 2009, product literature and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Introduced at SIHH in 2009, the Zeitwerk is one of the most coveted creations in the A. Lange & Söhne catalogue thanks to its exciting, unique design that bridges the gap between contemporary innovation and traditional craftsmanship. Boasting an unusual indication of time, the symmetrical digital-style display is in fact highly practical as the ingenious “sky bridge” layout concisely differentiates the hours and the minutes. On the reverse of the watch, the sapphire caseback flaunts the 416 beautifully finished individual components, featuring an impressive hand-engraved balance bridge that is perhaps as tastefully executed as the dial itself.
Released in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum, the Zeitwerk has given birth to a handful of models including the striking time and minute repeater. Fitted with a matte black dial, the present white gold ref. 140.029 from 2009 is further completed with its original accessories. Deemed one of the earlier examples, this wristwatch will surely garner interest from the growing community of dedicated collectors of the brand.
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.