Haute Complication: The Latest A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk

Photo: Hodinkee

Although many watches are available today, even minus the hour and minute indicators that most people are used to, one line of contemporary Haute Horlogerie strikes out in particular. Obviously, we are referring to the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk; a timepiece distinguished by its unusual bouncing digital time face.

A digital indicator often referred to as an opening indicator or a leaping display, is among the options to conventional hands and dials that many people find to be the most aesthetically beautiful. This method of showing time to the user was common in vintage pocket clocks.

Photo: Monochrome

However, in the 1960s, “digital indication complication” garnered popularity again and made its way into wristwatch collections. It continues to be a fantastic chance for anybody willing to experiment with potential design and technological variations. Also, even though there are many specimens available, each one is sure to draw interest.

Background 

The initial generation of A. Lange & Söhne’s Zeitwerk was unveiled in 2009. The Lange 1 series was the distinguishing feature of the resurrected Saxon industry at the time. Soon, it established itself as a legend and justifiably maintained a revered spot in the hearts of watch enthusiasts. Remarkably, it was innovative and modern. The Zeitwerk line currently appears to be completely natural for A. Lange & Söhne and in great accord with what this German company has had to give. What a welcome surprise this was as well!

Photo: Hodinkee

Zeitwerk is still magnificent today, just like before, with a superior mechanical digital display. Three discs and openings oriented from left to right served as leaping hours and minutes indicators on the 2009 variant’s manual-winding caliber L043.1. The windows and numerals, as one might anticipate, were evocative of the ones on the Dresden Semper Opera House’s 5-minute timepiece, which was constructed by Johann Christian Friedrich Gutkaes, Ferdinand Adolf Lange’s instructor and his father-in-law. Additionally, all watches in the Zeitwerk collection, including the original A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk features a power reserve display at 12:00 and a second sub-dial at six o’clock.

Photo: Horbiter

Remarkably, the constant-force escapement gear stops the movement when the wound crown at one o’clock is drawn out to adjust the time, a subtle departure from the norm, in the words of Lange. 

Today, for the longest period, it was thought that a wristwatch movement that combined leaping hours and jumping minutes was a far-fetched idea. That is to say; the minutes would also be shown on revolving discs, taking one quick forward hop once per minute. There are also a few technological complications here: a lot of extra power is needed to jump-turn 1-hour and 2-minute plates.

To turn the disc indications, the watch mechanism must routinely rotate the springs, and you have to keep a steady energy transmission to the balancer. These additional springs draw power from the mainspring. Hence, the precision of the movement is impacted by the oscillations’ intensity, which begins to change freely. 

Photo: Horbiter

These key issues were resolved with the A. Lange & Söhne caliber L043.1 adjustments. For the high-energy flashes required to rotate the discs instantly, a redesigned barrel structure boosted mainspring energy, whereas the inclusion of a gear line decreased friction while unraveling. The continuous-force escapement, also known as a remontoire, is the second invention that aims to shield the controller from energy variations. This remontoire is the auxiliary spring between the rotating gears’ wheels. 

In addition, the escapement mechanism’s three primary components (the escapement wheel, anchorage, and balance) are all powered by the spring, which is wound and provides energy at periodic times, irrespective of the mainspring’s pressure. Its changes practically disappear, and the magnitude of oscillation in the balancing can be kept at a desirable level. Moreover, the extremely accurate one-minute disc revolutions are feasible to the second, thanks to the constant-force escapement.

Photo: Hodinkee

In general, 8 different models make up the current A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk series, which was recently unveiled. These variants differ in casing components, dial design, and functions like acoustic time indicator.

The Updated A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk

Walter Lange, inspired by the slogan, “Never stand still,” and the A. Lange & Söhne company, which he revitalized in response to a historical opportunity (the collapse of the Berlin Wall), is a worthy heir to his heritage. The ever-curious and diligent manufacturer revised versions of the classic Zeitwerk last year, and 2 additional variations made the already outstanding watch much better.

Photo: Time And Tide

The Zeitwerk didn’t require a makeover because it was distinctive and obvious from afar. Thus, the 2022 update’s visual changes are minimal, consisting only of a minor revamp of the battery reserve indication and the miniature seconds’ display. Additionally, the contemporary inspirations use color schemes that weren’t used in the initial Zeitwerk concept. Hence, the latest Zeitwerk timepieces are currently available in pink gold featuring a matte black dial and platinum having a rhodium-plated dial. Possibly, more color variations will be introduced later.

Photo: Horobox

Furthermore, since Zeitwerk Date was first introduced, we all kind of anticipated the highly technical upgrade. Notably, the wristwatch included a redesigned movement featuring a 72-hour power reserve plus a simpler time-setting mechanism with a push key to reset the hours at four o’clock. Moreover, the essential characteristics are provided because the new production of Zeitwerk versions is outfitted with caliber L043.6, which needs to be closely linked to the L043.8.

Photo: Monochrome

Overall, the current generation concludes this brief overview of the Zeitwerk line. Besides, we could all experience another interval while excitedly awaiting the upcoming action.

Conclusion

Clients can obtain their Zeitwerks in various valuable metals, such as platinum, A. Lange & Söhne proprietary Honeygold, and pink or white gold casings. Moreover, you’ll stand out because the typical Zeitwerk casing measures almost 42 millimeters in diameter, most of which is made up of a dial, and some extend to over 44mm. 

Most importantly, if you adore “digital” wristwatch displays that go beyond the norm, then Zeitwerk screams into the modern era of undeniably ultra-luxurious watches. This includes a very specific, old-fashioned, and one-of-a-kind form of movement.