Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: 2013 Reference No: 140.048 Movement No: 97'996 Case No: 206'307 n° 07/30 Model Name: Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. L043.3, 68 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne fitted box, guarantee and product literature
Catalogue Essay
The A. Lange and Söhne Zeitwerk is a perfect example of the Saxon brand’s mix of over engineered cutting edge technology within historical roots.
Launched in 2009 the Zeitwerk’s digital display paid homage to the Dresden Semper Opera house clock with its 5 minutes digital display clock. The overall time display and movement architecture are resolutely contemporary, the latter featuring a constant force mechanism enabling an even flow of energy to power the jumping hour and minute discs.
The Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst (German for hand craftsmanship) is a potent mix of masculine energy and delicate craftsmanship.
With the granular texture of the dial, Lange forged a new vision of art and craftsmanship. The white gold dial is hand engraved by a special burin resulting in an effect called “tremblage” the A. Lange & Söhne logo and the power reserve indication are further hand cut in relief. It takes a full two weeks of painstaking hand work to engrave just one dial.
The rhodium plated “time bridge” crossing the dial provides for an arresting contrast with the granular silver dial resulting in an overall dazzling effect of artistic liberty.
Its heavy platinum case, measuring a masculine 42 mm in diameter, shines with highly polished lugs and a brushed-finished central case band. The Lange caliber L043.1 within is specially finished with a granular surface treatment, and all writing on the movement is hand engraved, further demonstrating the importance of this exceptional timepiece.
In immaculate condition and accompanied with fitted box and all related documents the present lot is a testament to the fine art of German watchmaking and handcrafts.
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.