When considering the leading players in the realm of high-end watchmaking, only a handful of prestigious brands come to mind: Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and, of course, the neighbouring German brand from Glashütte, A. Lange & Söhne. While Swiss watches are often regarded as the epitome of watchmaking, A. Lange & Söhne stands as a testament to the fact that this perception is not universally true. One can even say that in some areas, A. Lange & Söhne is considered much better than its Swiss counterparts.
What we have on offer today is a stunning example of a now-discontinued Zeitwerk Ref. 140.029 in 18-carat white gold, which was incidentally one of the very first horological offerings from A. Lange & Söhne I was introduced to back then. What truly captivated me about the Zeitwerk was its unique digital display, despite being entirely mechanical. Watching the numbers 'jump' as time progresses is a visual experience I never tire of. It is, without a doubt, the most unconventional wristwatch from A. Lange & Söhne—and perhaps the brand’s most intriguing.
For some historical context, it’s interesting to note that an early example of a digital display can be found inside the Semper Opera House in Dresden, a project in which Ferdinand Adolph Lange played a pivotal role. The Zeitwerk, introduced in 2009, builds upon this legacy, becoming the first mechanical wristwatch to display time in a digital format from left to right.
It’s crazy to think that the Zeitwerk, with its seemingly simple dial design, is such a complex feat of mechanical and horological engineering. Even though this variant is a time-only model, it is widely recognized as one of the most labor-intensive watches produced by A. Lange & Söhne. As a result, it has never been produced in large numbers, despite being a regular production model. Here on the dial, you'll find three large, individual discs that display the time from left to right. This innovative mechanism is visible through apertures at 9:00 and 3:00 on the 'bridge', complemented by a running seconds sub-dial at 6:00. The power reserve indicator (with ‘AB’ denoting empty and ‘AUF’ denoting full) is positioned at 12:00, just below the 'A. Lange & Söhne' logo and the ‘Glashütte I/SA’ text inscription. The entire ensemble is housed in an 18-carat white gold case, measuring 41.9mm x 12.9mm, with a mirror-polished bezel, a brushed mid-section, and a winding crown at 2:00 for both comfort and ease of use.
Just like any other A. Lange & Söhne timepiece, collectors all know that one of the best things about owning one is the opportunity to just turn the watch on its back and admire its movement in all of its glory. In the case of this Zeitwerk Ref. 140.029, the architecture of the manual-winding in-house Cal. L.043.1 is nothing short of exceptional. Crafted with German silver, the Cal. L.043.1 features the brand’s iconic ¾ plate layout, embellished with a myriad of high-level hand finishes, flourishes and a finely hand-engraved balance cock. With a power reserve of 36 hours on a full wind, the Cal. L.043.1 also incorporates an ingenious solution to the considerable torque required to make the hour and minute discs 'jump' into place. To achieve this, the movement employs a re-engineered barrel and a constant force mechanism in the form of a remontoir—one of the most elegant techniques in watchmaking. This mechanism ensures a consistent and reliable supply of energy to the escapement. Derived from the French word remonter, meaning 'to wind', a remontoir typically consists of a secondary wheel that intermittently rewinds itself, drawing energy from the mainspring within the movement. Again, with its emphatic and superlative finishing throughout, charming German silver architecture, and beautifully engraved balance cock–as is A. Lange & Söhne's signature, the Cal. L041.3 is an ultimately fitting tribute to the incredible watch it powers.
With all that being said, the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Ref. 140.029 is undoubtedly an impressive mechanical masterpiece that eloquently illustrates A. Lange & Söhne’s no-compromise approach to watch design and construction.
