ThisZeitwerkby A. Lange & Shne integrates an innovative digital display, inspired by the very origins of the brand itself.Introduced in 2009, it combines a striking black dial with a white gold case, powered by an impressive hand-wound movement.

THE REBIRTH OFA. LANGE & SHNE

The name Lange has been tied to watchmaking and the Saxony area of Germany for centuries.In the 1800s,Ferdinand Aldoph Lange which is where the A inA. Lange & Shnecomes from began his watchmaking journey under the tutelage of master watchmaker, Johann Christian Friedrich Gutkaes. Passed from father to son, the Lange name flourished, before encountering considerable obstacles during 20th century.The brand got caught-up in the turmoil caused by World War One, the financial crash of 1929, World War Two and was finally placedunder the rule of the Soviet Union. Thecompany was nationalised for the next 45 years, essentially spelling the end of theA. Lange & Shnename.

Years later, in 1990,the brand was resuscitatedby the great-grandson of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, Walter, and watch industry veteran,.Blmlein, a Nuremberg native who grew up in post-War Germany, had previously overseen the resurgence ofIWCandJaeger-LeCoultre.This started the four-year journey that Lange and Blmlein would go on with their small team to bring the company back from the ashes, with the release of their first four models on the 24^thOctober 1994.These innovative models, all with their own distinctive visuallanguage, theArkade,,Tourbillon Pour le Mriteand the.

THE ZEITWERK

For a remarkably long period, time has been displayed in a predictable and familiar manner, with the help of an hour and minute hand. However, over time, some watchmakers have challenged this approach.One of these alternatives can be found in, which usually feature a series of discs in different configurations, jumping with the change of every hour and sometimes minute, hence their name.

An early example of a digital display can be found inside the Semper Opera Housein Dresden, whichFerdinand Adolph Lange helped to develop, under the leadership ofChristian Friedrich Gutkaes.In lowlighting situations, thebold, oversized numerals are easier to read than a thin pair of hands.Introduced in 2009, the Zeitwerk built on this legacy, being thefirst mechanical wristwatch to display the time from left to right, in adigital layout. The tremendous torque required to help the hour and minute discs "jump" into place required areengineered barrel and innovative constant force mechanism.

THE DESIGN

Instead of displaying the time vertically, as is seen in most historical digital displays, the time on the LangeZeitwerkis read from left to right, just as you'd expect on a digital clock. The Zeitwerk carries a large, hand-finished "bridge" on the dial with apertures at3 and 9 oclock for the minutes and the hours. Placed on this same bridge is the sub-seconds display, which is mirrored by a power-reserve indicator at the top of the dial.

Measuring 41.9mm by 12.9mm, the case is made out of white gold, which complements the darker tones of the dial. The case features the brands distinctive notched lugs, which are mirror polished and bevelled separately, then attached to the case. One of themore noticeable characteristics of this watch is the crown located at 2 oclock, making it unobtrusive and comfortable to use.

THE MOVEMENT

The architecture ofA. Lange and Shnemovements are perhaps their most distinctive feature, with a three dimensional aspect that is truly unique.Every bridge is ribbed, polished and chamfered, with a hand engraved balance cock bringing an additional flourish.

Particularly impressive considering the three large discs that have to be moved to display the time, the power-reserve measures approximately 36 hours when fully wound. This proportionately large power-reserve is made possible though a remontoir, integrated between the barrel wheel and the balance. This mechanism gains, holds, and releases the energy required to move each disc every 60 seconds in a small burst of power, and then over the remaining minute rebuilds, continuing in a cycle.

THE SET

This A. Lange & Shne,ZeitwerkRef. 140.029 comes with itsouter box sleeve, outer box, inner box, leather folder, dust cloth and envelope,Lange Guarantee Seal (confirming sale in 2017 in Germany) andinstruction booklet. It also comes on abeige grained calfskinstrap, as well as its blackalligator strapand correspondingwhite tangbuckle.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Zeitwerk 140.029will be subject to 20% VAT.Viewings are currently suspended for the time being.

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