THE SECOND GENERATION

Up close with the new A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk.

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

A. LANGE & SÖHNE HAS MADE HISTORY FOR THE SECOND time. In 2022, the watchmaker presented two new versions of the awardwinning Zeitwerk: second-generation versions of the mechanical watch in both 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. At first glance, the design details have been subtly modified, adhering to the original style while advancing the design for the first time in 13 years. 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), which fools most as it does not actually contain silver. In this new Zeitwerk, the time bridge was thoroughly redesigned to make more room for the subsidiary seconds dial at 6 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 12 hours, now marked in red to indicate that 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.

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 enough energy for 4,320 minute jumps (72 jumps with all three discs, 360 jumps with two discs, and 3,888 jumps with one disc). The new, simpler hour setting allows the hour disc to be set separately with the pusher at 4 o’clock.

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 case by 0.4 millimeters (now 41.9 mm by 12.2 mm) a massive design feat in the world of fine watchmaking. The secondgeneration Zeitwerk reveals A. Lange & Söhne’s dedication to constantly redefining the limits of technical feasibility, living up to Walter Lange’s motto urging the need “to never stand still.”