Drawing inspiration from a historic tower clock from the medieval church of St. Wolfgang in Glashtte, Lang & Heyne* created a limited series of just 5 pieces to celebrate the restoration of the landmark. Each aspect of the watch is masterfully done, from the midnight-blue champlev dial, stylised numerals, and beautifully finished Calibre VI, making it a charming modern take on a historical piece.

Founded in 2001 in Dresden, Saxony the independent house of Lang & Heyne was helmed by Marco Lang, after Mirko Heyne left the following year to work at Nomos in nearby Glashtte. Lang, a fifth-generation watchmaker, who had got his start in precision mechanics, built the brand around the baroque spirit of Dresden, imbuing the technical finesse of the masters whose historic clocks and watches he had watched his father restore for the Dresden Art Chamber. He too would earn his stripes in restoration before crafting watches under his own name. Lang & Heyne exhibited its first watches, the Friedrich August and the Johann, when the brand exhibited with the Academy of Independent Watchmakers (AHCI) at Baselworld in 2002.

The Homage Tower Clock Glashtte has a charming tale, as suggested by its name. It derives inspiration from a tower clock attached to the St. Wolfgang church in Glashtte, which dates back to 1521, with a historic wooden dial that was made in 1840. Lang & Heyne played a big part in funding the restoration of the clock in 2019, which was done by Uhrentechnik Volger & Hippe, bringing this quaint landmark entirely back to life. In tribute to this clock, Lang & Heyne created a very limited series of just 5 examples, as seen in this Homage model.

The clock's wooden dial was adapted and miniaturised into this example, which is created out of rose gold. Where the original dial was a lighter, almost sky-blue shade, Lang & Heyne have adapted this slightly, making their dial a deep midnight blue through a champlev enamelling technique. This process involves pockets on the dial surface being cyclically filled with enamel powder then fired, creating the vivid and glossy surface seen here. The hands are directly inspired by the clock, and take the shape of a hollowed out moon and sun with ornate rays. Similarly, the numbers on the dial are almost identical to the wooden clock face, down to the distinctively stylised and curved "X" numbers. Meanwhile, the 39mm case is made from rose gold, and features Lang & Heyne's typical three-lug design, with an onion-shaped crown to finish off this elegant piece.

The Homage is fitted with the Calibre VI, a time-only movement that was the fifth in-house calibre to leave Lang & Heyne's workshops. Calibre VI possesses a trigonal bridge and operates at 18,000vph, with a power reserve of 55-hours. The finishing is undoubtedly the highlight of this example, with anglage visible throughout, as well as a beautifully engraved balance cock that is topped with a diamond chaton. Silver graining is used throughout, an aesthetic typical to Saxon watchmaking. It involves applying a powdered silver and salt mixture with a brush to create a grain like texture on the surface. This is then coated in gold to achieve the particular look. Hand-engraved on the baseplate, in beautiful calligraphy is the brand mark and the city where the manufacture is based. Also present in this example is the unique serial number, as well as another charming detail in the form of a small sun & moon face surrounded by stars.

Closer look

Condition

This Lang & Heyne Homage Tower Clock Glashtte is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear. The enamel dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections. Between both lugs and on the buckle, the hallmarks are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.