A close look at the notable features of the Zeitwerk Date, the latest addition to A. Lange & Söhne’s trailblazing watch family
Renowned for its precisely switching digital time display that conceals an ingenious mechanical movement, A. Lange & Söhne’s Zeitwerk disrupted the world of haute horlogerie when it debuted in 2009. A decade after the first Zeitwerk was introduced, the Zeitwerk Date joined the progressive watch family, defined by an innovative date ring encircling the dial.
The printed glass date ring depicts the numerals 1 to 31, and a small colour segment on a ring beneath it performs one step exactly at midnight. The current date appears in red and one full revolution around the dial is completed in the course of a month, allowing the wearer to see how far the month has progressed. The pusher at 8 o’clock corrects the date by generating the switching impulse when released.
Now, six years later, the new Zeitwerk Date comes in pink gold and a grey dial that perfectly showcases the mechanical digital time indication. Legibility is optimised with two apertures for the prominent hour and minute numerals, arranged from left to right on the centre axis of the dial. The indication is a paragon of precision: within a fraction of a second, the patented jumping numerals mechanism switches the numeral discs – precisely 1,440 times throughout the day.
The pusher at 4 o’clock advances the hour display separately, where correction can be done independent of the switching cycles of the movement, thanks to a clutch that uncouples the hour ring from the jumping numerals mechanism with every actuation of the pusher.
The characteristic time bridge made of German silver is part of the movement, framing the time indication with the subsidiary seconds dial, seamlessly connecting the ingenious interior workings to the impeccable exterior design.
The Zeitwerk Date gives traditional A. Lange & Söhne watchmaking artistry a distinctive, contemporary face. Precisely at midnight, it puts on an exceptional show. Because then, all three jumping numeral discs and the date ring switch simultaneously. At that moment, a force and precision are at work that you imagine can be felt through the case.
Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development, A. Lange & Söhne
At the heart of it all is the manufacture calibre L043.8. Beating at a frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour (2.5 hertz), this manually wound calibre has a power reserve of 72 hours. The harmonious composition of the 516-part movement is visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback of the 44.2mm pink-gold case with a height of 12.3mm. Notably, the ratchet wheel is adorned with solarisation and engraved with the brand name, and the constant-force escapement bridge.
A powerful twin mainspring barrel advances the time indication, its massive force moderated by a patented constant-force escapement. Any excess energy is absorbed by a fly governor, protecting the entire jumping numerals mechanism. Every 60 seconds, the constant-force escapement provides the switching impulse for the numeral discs. Its position between the mainspring barrel and balance wheel, ensures that the balance is powered with a consistent amount of force across the entire power-reserve duration.
Whether it’s inside or out, the new Zeitwerk Date is testament to A. Lange & Söhne’s ceaselessly innovative spirit, one that strives to bring the traditional art of watchmaking to new heights.
Images courtesy of A.Lange & Söhne, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related links:
A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk: In a League of Its Own
A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Collection: Over Time
A. Lange & Söhne 1815: Living Tradition
