Haute Complication: The New A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk

Photo Credit: Courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne

A. Lange & Söhne makes history for the second time. This year, A. Lange & Söhne presented two new versions of the award-winning Zeitwerk: the second-generation mechanical watch in platinum and pink gold. In 2009, A. Lange & Söhne sent shock waves through the watchmaking industry with the reveal of the Zeitwerk as the unprecedented concept featured large jumping numerals for the hours and minutes and a constant-force escapement as a beat controller. Now, the second generation further pushes technical boundaries with new developments and seven patents woven throughout the movement. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne

At first glance, the design details have been subtly reworked, adhering to the original style while advancing the design for the first time since 2009. The focal point of the dial continues to be the time bridge made of German silver, a material often used by A. Lange & Söhne for bridges and cocks and fools most as it does not actually contain silver. In the new Zeitwerk, the time bridge was thoroughly redesigned to make more room for the subsidiary seconds dial at six o’clock — ultimately proving that even the slightest design details within fine watchmaking truly matter. Other minor design updates within the dial include the last twelve hours, now marked in red to indicate the tension of the mainsprings is waning, and the famous “Made In Germany” signature now sits in the lower part of the seconds display rather than under the time bridge. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne

Photo Credit: Courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne

Inside, the Zeitwerk is powered by the newly-evolved manual-wind caliber L043.6, which has a double power reserve of 72 hours, made possible by the patented barrel design with two mainsprings. When fully wound, the Zeitwerk has sufficient energy for 4,320-minute jumps, or more specifically, 72 jumps with all three discs, 360 jumps with two discs, and 3,888 jumps with only one disc. Another new feature is the simpler hour setting. The hour disc can be easily set separately with the pusher at 4 o’clock. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne

With seven patents and over 450 pieces used within the movement, it’s important to note that somehow A. Lange & Söhne managed to reduce the thickness of the 41.9mm x 12.2mm case by 0.4mm — a massive design feat in the world of fine watchmaking. The second generation Zeitwerk reveals A. Lange & Söhne’s dedication to constantly redefine the limits of technical feasibility, living up to Walter Lange’s motto urging the need “to never stand still.”