In late October 2022, A. Lange & Söhne introduced the second generation of their digital mechanical watch, Zeitwerk. I have always liked Zeitwerk, and it is the watch I have always wanted to add to my personal collection. Therefore, I was especially anticipated to see and try the new generation of this masterpiece. It took some time from the launch of the watch, but here it is: a lot of pictures and the story about the latest generation of Zeitwerk (including prices).
Before delving into the new Zeitwerk, let me first show you a comparison of both generations, that you visually see the changes in design. To an untrained eye, both watches (as shown in the picture below) may appear almost identical. However, upon closer inspection, one can observe several changes, such as the enlarged size of the subsidiary seconds dial at six o’clock, the power-reserve indicator now marked in red for the last twelve hours, and, of course, the pusher at four o’clock for setting the hour.
The new Zeitwerk has a case diameter of 41.9 millimetres and a height of 12.2 millimetres, what is almost identical to the original version. I, like many others, have always wished for a thinner case for the Zeitwerk. Knowing that Lange values customer feedback, if the new Zeitwerk has a similar height (albeit reduced by only 0.2mm or so), it is likely that achieving a thinner case was not technically feasible.
The new Zeitwerk is available in two versions. It comes in pink gold with a black dial and a time bridge made of untreated German silver. The platinum edition has a rhodié dial made of solid silver. The time bridge is black rhodiumed. What is your choice, platinum or pink gold?
Designed for the modern gentleman, this watch embodies contemporary and progressive design, innovative technical concept and exceptional finishing.
Both models are so different and appealing, that I wouldn’t know which one to choose. On one hand, I appreciate the stealth and understated appearance of the platinum version. On the other hand, the contrasting combination of the pink gold case and black dial also evokes strong emotions.
The second generation of the Zeitwerk saw the most significant changes made to its movement. The Calibre L043.6 was refined and got some really cool updated. Perhaps the most significant improvement is doubling the power reserve from 36 to 72 hours, thanks to a patented barrel design with two mainsprings. Another great improvement versus the predecessor model is the simplified setting of the hour. A pusher at four o’clock can now separately advance the display, which is particularly useful when the time zone changes during a trip. The pusher is an inverted type: Nothing happens when it is pressed but the display switches forward when the pusher is released.
The integration of a pusher for correcting the hour indication, first introduced in the Zeitwerk Date, required considerable constructional effort. To enable the correction independently of the switching cycles of the time indication, a patented vertical clutch uncouples the hour ring from the jumping numerals mechanism each time the pusher is pressed. The setting of the minute indication in both directions is still performed with the crown at two o’clock.
In its second generation, the Zeitwerk also features an oscillation system with its own balance spring and patented beat-adjustment system. It oscillates with a frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour (2.5 hertz). As with all of the manufactory’s calibres, the artisanal finissage of the 451-part movement complies with the most ambitious Lange standards. With a glance through the sapphire-crystal caseback, connoisseurs can admire the hand-engraved balance and escape-wheel cocks, the solarised winding wheels, the 59 jewels, and the intricate, straight-grained remontoir bridge that accommodates two recessed, screwed gold chatons.
I find it fascinating how simple and straightforward the front of this watch appears, while the backside displays a remarkable level of complexity.
I have only one question regarding the new prices for the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk. It appears that the prices were increased to nearly 30% without proper communication. On the release date, it was stated that the price would be available upon request. I was surprised to find out that the pink gold version now costs around 95,000 EUR, compared to approximately 75,000 EUR for the first generation in white gold. The platinum version will cost you slightly over 100,000 EUR. While I understand that prices have generally increased over the past year, and that there have been impressive improvements to the watch’s movements, it is still difficult to justify a 20,000 EUR price increase. It would have been just friendlier to clearly communicate the increase, e.g. as Rolex does with their pricing.
The second generation of the Zeitwerk got nearly every update that we hoped to see in this timepiece. Although the original combination of a white gold case and black dial will remain iconic for many, I think the new color combinations are great and will cover a lot of different tastes. Personally, the Zeitwerk remains one of the most coveted pieces that I aspire to add to my private collection. However, the considerable price increase will likely prolong the time before I can acquire it.
Further details about A. Lange & Söhne watches you can find at www.alange-soehne.com
