A. Lange & Söhne Present the Second Generation Zeitwerk with New Movement and Doubled Power Reserve

Generally, A. Lange & Sohne are as understated as they are German – which is to say they’re utterly defined by classical watches like the Lange 1. Yet every now and then comes an exception to the rule. Such is the case with the Zeitwerk, arguably A. Lange & Söhne’s most modern timepiece, which now welcomes its second generation.

In terms of style, the new generation Zeitwerk is more or less identical to the original with the same layout featuring a large numerical hours and minutes readout alongside running seconds and a power reserve indicator. It also has the same diameter of 41.9mm while being a touch slimmer at a thickness of just 12.2mm. There are two versions of the new Zeitwerk being produced, one with a platinum case and the other in pink gold – both have solid silver dials with either rhodium or black finishing.

The purpose behind this new generation of Zeitwerks is to address the greatest weakness of the original, which was its relatively meagre 36-hour power reserve. To be fair to them, the reason the original had such a low power reserve makes a lot of sense. The quick change numerical display at the heart of Zeitwerk consists of three individual rings that have to be accelerated and stopped incredibly quickly. That takes a substantial amount of power compared to the consistent, smooth motion of lightweight hands.

In order to boost the power reserve, A. Lange & Söhne are introducing a new movement, the Calibre L043.6. It has a patented barrel design with two mainsprings that has made it possible to double the power reserve to 72-hours. That’s a huge change and a massive quality of life increase for the model. It also has a constant force mechanism in the form of a remontoir, that ensures a consistent application of force even as the power reserve runs towards empty.

Additionally, the movement features a new pusher at 4 o’clock that makes it possible to jump the hours forward without altering the minutes value, ideal for changing time zones. While the function of this pusher is relatively simple, the mechanics behind are anything but. A vertical clutch system has to disengage the hour ring from the jumping numerals function, rotate it by one stage and re-engage with seamless precision.

Naturally, the movement is finished to the brand’s exacting standards with hand engraving on the balance and escape-wheel and straight-graining on the remontoir bridge. All of which is visible through the watch’s sapphire crystal caseback. Plus, as it’s a manual movement there’s no rotor getting in the way.

As for price and availability, well, let’s not delude ourselves. The original Zeitwerks were price on request and boutique exclusive and considering that the second generation has higher specs and – in the case of the platinum edition – even more luxurious materials, expect the same to be true of the new pieces.