The A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk is a modern masterpiece of watchmaking, one that merges tradition with innovation in a way that could be described as “surreal”. No one had ever seen anything like this watch when it first came out. Lange had devised a stunning movement, built around a triple jumping disk system that carries the jump-hour mechanism. The synchronisation 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 and numbered 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. The “Handwerkskunst” (German for “craftmanship/handmade) line is employed by Lange to showcase traditional decoration techniques - in this instance indeed on the dial. Made in white gold, it 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, making the Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst truly a marvel to admire on both sides.

The present piece - number 9/30 - is offered in excellent condition and “full set”, making it an unmissable opportunity for the discerning collector of high-end timepieces.