patrick_y
[PuristSPro Moderator]
33540
New Lange Zeitwerk!
Lange has "updated" the Zeitwerk movement. But this is more than a small update, this is a whole redesign of the original movement.
I found the original Zeitwerk to be super cool. But it was also difficult to use, especially if you intended to use it as a daily user watch. The crown was super hard to wind to the full power reserve, and the reliability of the movement wasn't great - there are large forces at work to accelerate and then brake those discs that move faster than an eye can blink - and those forces come with a lot of wear and tear! That difficulty of winding, combined with the chunky size and heavy weight of the watch made it a difficult watch to wear if you wanted to wear it as a daily user. Making this watch more of a special occasion piece.
But now it looks like Lange has made some adjustments! The movement now boasts a 72 hour power reserve, doubling the previous movement (Lange will now only hear half the complaints from me for winding this watch). A new pusher button at 4 o'clock now adjusts the hour setting - I don't see the benefit of this, but I suppose travelers who travel between different timezones will appreciate it as they won't need to pull the crown. The overall case profile looks slimmer and more proportionate at 41.9mm and 12.2mm.
On the dial side, the adjustments are for the better, the numeral discs are larger. And the crown of the old version was too close to the lug, so when you wound the watch, your fingers would crash into the lug. This time they put the crown stem a bit further away from the lug by repositioning the gear train barrel.
Overall, Lange has made a much improved Zeitwerk. Their continuous refinement has brought substantial improvements to one of their most unusual models. It's not mentioned in the press release, but I bet the strap is probably 1mm wider too, as I did mention to Lange team members a wider strap spreads the weight of this heavy watch over more surface area, making the watch more comfortable to wear.
The two new models; platinum and rose gold.
Notice the crown is a bit further away from the old version.
Dial details are amazing.
The numerical display is larger and clearer than before. The 10s and 1s digit are 0.2mm apart in height.
The remontoir shock absorption system makes the Zeitwerk more reliable when accelerating and braking the heavy moving discs.
The barrel is now stacked and thus offers twice the power reserve! 72h instead of 36h!
The new button allows for fast adjustment of the hour.
Rose gold now comes with a black dial! Beautiful!
Movement shot. Strap looks to be wider than before too, which should improve on comfort.
This movement has 61 jewels!
All Photos by A. Lange & Soehne.
As always, I look forward to reading your thoughts about Lange's new Zeitwerk!
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New Lange Zeitwerk!
Lange has "updated" the Zeitwerk movement. But this is more than a small update, this is a whole redesign of the original movement. I found the original Zeitwerk to be super cool. But it was also difficult to use, especially if you intended to use it as a...
Ahh. We all have our favorites!
Although I'm certain while you may appreciate the aesthetics of the old movement, the new movement's functionality will be significantly improved!
I am a huge fan of this update, they did everything right
The platinum version is fantastic. The movement also looks way better than the previous one. The remontoir bridge looks better, in my opinion, than the anchor shaped one, plus it features so many interior angles (32!), which is always good to see.
Yes! And that remontoir bridge is in steel! Not German Silver!
Steel is more difficult to perform anglage on than German Silver. Although I find that the German Silver area immediately surrounding the the remontoir bridge is curiously not bevelled. I find that a little strange. Don't you?
Oh wow, I didn't know it was made of steel...
I too find the lack of anglage next to the bridge quite puzzling...
Yeah... What's up with that lack of anglage...
Yes, that bridge to my knowledge looks to be made in steel. I could be wrong. But it's not likely that it's German Silver and then rhodium plated. At least I think it's unlikely. I'm fairly confident that's steel. Keep in mind, Lange still uses steel gear...
I'll ask the next time I see them in person!
They have done this in the past in other Lange movements too. So it's not only this one. But clearly, it's a place where finishing can be done. It's not really necessary to remove the burrs of metal there, since it's so far from anything else, but it cert...
I asked when the Date came out in 2019
I was told it is to emphasize the finish on the steel bridge across, hence leaving it raw.
Ahh! Thank you for chiming in!
Your expertise and knowledge for how they do things at Lange is always well appreciated here!
About time…36hrs PR is too little.
I still prefer my ZW Date, although I agree the new RG on Black dial looks great. ...
Wow! What a gorgeous photo!
Look at that handsome watch. And that suit looks mighty impressive too! We don't get to wear heavy weight fabrics in California!
Wow these look really sharp
The extended PR was much needed, I didn’t realize it was only 36 hours.
Yes, it's a bit on the short side...
I'm okay with 36 hours. But the problem is winding that watch is a chore! Very stiff to wind at the end. They use a very heavy gauge mainspring. Thick wire. Hopefully this new one won't be torture to wind.
4 O'clock Pusher
Enormous improvement to the watch by incorporating a seemingly minor detail into the new Zw. I found when picking it up after a weekend and having to re-set the time, cycling through each hour to arrive at the correct time quickly became tedious. Advancin...
I was always happy with the standard adjustment...
For me, adjusting the time was okay, since the wheels did turn fairly fast. I could change the time from 12:00 to 11:00 fairly quickly going only in the forwards direction. I was also trying to use it as a daily user watch and that's probably why I didn't...
Groenfeld Approach
Now I am entering dreamland territory, however imagine if they did a limited run similar to the 1941 Remontoire where you could work with Tim & Bart to customize the dial, or even bring in Kari Voutailainen for a few one-off guilloche dials. A hobnail Zw,...
These are significant updates that I was happy to read about.
I just wish the platinum also came with an option for a black dial. Regardless, any Zw is a privilege to have.
Agreed.
Honestly, any of these ZWs are kind of a limited edition in themselves. They're really quite rare. Since there really isn't a big market for such a strange watch!
What's the understanding of rarity we're speaking here, relative to what exactly or in exact numbers?
Zeitwerk department is quite crowded, hence I wouldn't say they're quite rare when speaking of Lange. Even more so if we think these (perhaps not the platinum) are possibly going to be around for the next decade.
I have to admit, it's mostly an presumption based off my limited knowledge of Lange's relatively small production...
It's partially an presumption. Yes! I admit! I made an presumption! Shame on me! But it's a presumption based on the following quasi-facts: 1, Lange's production overall isn't large; 2, I've never really seen a Lange ZW in the wild; 3, and it's a strange ...
Nice technical updates ...
... as expected, after last year's ZW HGL release. For me, I'm a fan of the classic white metal/black dial combo, and the old movement aesthetics, so I'm glad to see 140.029 discontinued!! 😊🤗 ...
I have to agree...
I like the old white gold with black face color combination. I found that a cool combination. I see you've put on a different strap on yours!
Thanks for this, Patrick!
Lange did a wonderful job with these updates. The hour pusher is really convenient. It takes soooo many turns of the crown to set the time on the OG ZW. On the dial side, the larger second subdial is a nice touch. Not a big fan of the red accent on the po...
Yes, bezel is slimmer...
The proportions have changed a bit. I haven't seen the new ZW in person. Wow! You're the only person I know who likes the old stiff crown! I really dreaded winding that thing! It was painful! I remember thinking if I did this multiple times a day, I'd hav...
Yeah I love winding my Striking Time!
I put it up next to my ear sometimes and wind it really slowly, to hear every click. I like it because it's so markedly different from winding other watches and other Langes. For me it's a nice change.
Ahh! I had one briefly!
I had a white gold striking time briefly. Very big and heavy watch. And the strap was a little too narrow for me so I found it uncomfortable for me. I wished the strap was 2mm wider. You must have stronger fingers than me. My delicate fingers didn't like ...
Wonderful to see Lange making significant improvements to this unique watch.
I look forward to seeing a new Zeitwerk in person and trying it on.
Thanks for sharing Patrick !
Indeed not a huge change but good improvements keeping the originality of the design. Personally the first gen movement visually is attractive in my eyes but technically the new one will get a natural advantage. Any idea on the price ? Best, mahesh.,
Agreed!
I imagine the price won't change too much. It's just an update. A refresh. But no official announcement in the press release I received from Lange on the price. I can't imagine the price climbing substantially.
I'm always surprised!
Nowadays, when you look at things financially when it comes to watches, just increase the price by 20-30% of what it should be... Whatever is the fair price, add 20-30%. Painful! Yet we still buy!
Moooooo!
At least you have the shoes for it! Mooooooo! (For those who don't know what I'm referring to, it's an inside joke about a specific pair of Amanico's crazy shoes).
For the comparison, here are some pictures of the 1st generation.
I think I prefer the new one. Good idea, this additional pusher! ...
I did like the original...
The dial and case proportions of the original to me were very good. Yes, a tad thick, but ignoring the thickness and just looking at the front is very pleasing in my eyes. I never found it difficult to set the time, so this additional pusher is not a big ...
Very specific “real world” experience.
The ZW is such an iconic piece of Lange. I have handled only a few times and the winding is challenging but I haven’t “test drove” it . I like the all white Pt version (and the RG black) but alas in the boutique distribution model the purchase would have ...
You’re the Langematik guy…
Anniversary, PLM & the Jumping seconds - you’ll be done with Lange I suppose 😜
I definitely like the improvements that Lange made to the second generation Zeitwerks.
The longer 72hrs power reserve is much appreciated as I have the same feel as you. It is not easy to wind the first gen ZW to full power. And the additional pusher to quickly advance the hour is something very convenient. A slightly slimmer case is always...
I agree with you...
On the movement, all companies seem to be designing movements that are easier to produce, easier to service, and probably with less finishing and decoration. Also, all companies are designing watch cases to be thinner and partially hollow to use less gold...
My favorite is the simple 1815 in 40mm in white gold...
I sometimes get mad at myself for not buying that watch. That's my favorite watch that Lange makes. It wasn't expensive. Should have, would have, could have. But never got around to it. And now they don't make that size anymore.
It is a great update of an iconic watch.
But not revealing the price is just ridiculous ...and in line with some doubtful sales behaviour of the brand in the recent past.
Ahh...
Well... Don't be too harsh on Lange. All the in-demand brands have doubtful sales behavior. It's just Lange got caught! And at least Lange's was more fair. Other brands are much less fair. Ferrari's most collectible and rare cars used to go to various peo...
Excellent write-up, as always.
Alas, another gorgeous Lange that’s been priced out of my reach. Gorgeous, though
Very nice! And very expensive!
You and me both my friend. What are us mortals supposed to do?
Thanks for this informative report, Patrick!
I have to say this ZW has been always on my wishlist (for me the most iconic AL), and so I have been looking forward to these improvements in PR, winding and setting the hour easier. I remember a post in this forum where the movement of the old and new ve...
You're most welcome MTR!
It's definitely quite a movement. Is the post you're referring to comparing the original ZW movement with the "ZW Date" movement that came out last year?
No, as far as I remember
there was a discussion about the differences of both movements of the „normal“ ZW.
Thank you for reading!
The ZW is definitely not for everybody. But what a cool piece. I have to admit, I thought it was the coolest thing when I first saw it.