A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst Review

small-luxury-world · 2012-11-17T02:55:52Z

Explore the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst. See exclusive photos and read collector insights on its unique dial and movement finishing.

small-luxury-world

WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum

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small-luxury-world provides an intimate look at the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst, a limited edition that showcases exceptional craftsmanship. His detailed photographs and personal impressions offer valuable insights into the watch's unique dial and movement finishing, highlighting why this particular Zeitwerk variant stands out to collectors.

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in Dresden, recently.

Most of you will already have seen the official pictures from ALS.

From that pictures I thought it is a no go with the red part of the power reserve on the dial.
Somebody (with good taste) told me it is totally different when you see it in the metal.
Anyway, things like this we hear quite often ...

So at the end I decided to pay it a visit when I was in Dresden.

Of course there still is some red on the dial, but it looks totally different. It is more like a subtle detail and no show stopper at all.

The whole dial is simply gorgeous, to say the least. It is white gold black-rhodié; hand engraved in tremblage technique.

To make it short: I love the dial!

What´s about the movement? Something special, as well. Plates and bridges made in untreated German silver (nothing new so far), three quarter plate with grained surface and hand-engraved lettering ... Especially the grained surface caught my attention and I had to get used to it.

Sometimes I thought the regular Zeitwerk movement looks somehow cold and technical, but with that kind of finishing it is something totally different.
Not new in general as some other brands like Greubel Forsey come to my mind, but new to me from ALS.

Once you get used to it, it is marvellous.

The whole Zeitwerk family is very nice and I liked it from day one.

First thought when it was introduced to me, it could be the new icon of ALS after the Lange 1.
Especially the WG version was tempting for me ... the PT version is growing on me ...

When they introduced the "Phantom" I was almost speechless, because of the beauty.

It felt like: This is me!

Only somehting ordinary like a limited budget for watches (and maybe availability), kept me away.

Now Lange did it again. They offered a new version and even when it was not love at the first sight ...

... it would be great addition to my humble collection.

To look at it on my wrist, makes me smile - even on the pictures

Really could get used to it!

Is it probably the most beautiful/tempting watch from A. Lange & Söhne? Currently, ever ...

No matter how much I liked it and how difficult it was to give it back, it is sold out - all of the 30 pieces.

Hope we will see lot´s of pictures from lucky owners, in the future. That kind of hope is better than nothing, isn´t it

Oliver This message has been edited by small-luxury-world on 2012-11-17 05:12:52

Key Points from the Discussion

The Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst is considered a horological art piece, with its hand-engraved dial and special movement finish elevating it to a top-tier status among Zeitwerk editions. Its limited production of 30 pieces makes it highly exclusive.
The Zeitwerk line, especially limited editions like the 'Phantom' and 'Handwerkskunst,' are highly sought after and difficult to acquire, even for regular production models. This success demonstrates Lange's ability to innovate beyond conservative designs.
The sandblasted decoration on the movement's backside is well-received, complementing the bridges and the Zeitwerk's overall aesthetic. However, some feel the engraved words on the back don't perfectly align with this finish.
The Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst is seen as more compelling than other limited editions, with its dial finishing creating subtle light shades without being overly ostentatious.
The red power reserve indicator, which initially appeared prominent in official photos, is much more subtle and integrated when viewed in person, transforming it from a potential 'show stopper' to a refined detail.
The grained surface finishing on the movement, while initially requiring adjustment, ultimately enhances the watch's appeal, moving it away from a purely cold and technical aesthetic to something more marvelous, akin to finishes seen in brands like Greubel Forsey.
The watch's size and dial finish are subjects of personal preference, with some collectors preferring the white gold version with a black dial over the Handwerkskunst's unique finish.
The Handwerkskunst, alongside the 'Phantom' Zeitwerk, represents a 'cherry on the cake' addition to a standard collection, offering superb, distinctive variations.

The Discussion

foversta

Nov 17, 2012

Thanks a lot Oliver for the live pics and feelings!

First of all, I think I will never be able to write the name of this watch without mistakes. So let's call it the Zeitwerk H! This Zeitwerk H is in my point of view much more convincing that the LE with the Richard Lange Tourbillon. Your pics clearly show the shades of light created by the dial finishings without being "too show-off". The watch as a whole is really beautiful and I hope to see it in the metal soon. Thanks a lot for the in-depth presentation Oliver! Fx

small-luxury-world

Nov 18, 2012

"Zeitwerk H"

Hermes comes to my mind, only :-) Handwerkskunst ( Métier?) is not that difficult, compared to some french words ... ;-) Thanks! Oliver

moc

Nov 17, 2012

Agree Oliver,,,The Zeiwerk is very very tempting

Just back from Lange really,funny hu? You are right The ZW is so appealing,the 2 lim editions being my favourite(Phantom number 1 for me!) I can really see you with one,but the Zeitwerk is such a good product that gettting our hands on it is very very difficult,even the regular production is hard to get. This proves to me that when Lange dares a bit more there is a huge success,lately (ever since the Zeitwrk)there has been a more conservative attitude in Lange,which I don t like as much..... The

tahoeblue

Nov 17, 2012

I think there are 5 LE so far in the Zeitwerk line

Platinum (200) Platinum Striking Time (200) Luminous ("Phantom") (100) Handwerkskunst ("Zeitwerk H") (30) Unique Piece for Kidz Horizon Charity Singapore (1) Oliver, thanks so much for sharing these real life pics of the Zeitwerk H. I have to say I am haunted by this watch. It is likely that the Zeitwerk is my favorite watch, and I agree it is a new-age icon. This hand engraved dial is horological art in the highest form, (which I appreciate more than ever after attending Lange Akademie), and I

small-luxury-world

Nov 18, 2012

Thanks for your kind reply ...

and a nice collection could be: ZW Phantom & ZW Handwerkskunst :-) Both are the cherry on the cake and a superb addition to the standard collection. See you soon, hopefully. Oliver

small-luxury-world

Nov 18, 2012

"even the regular production is hard to get"

So true and even harder when you ask for the cherry on the cake :-( Cheers, Oliver