Cover A. Lange & Söhne’s new Zeitwerk Date in pink gold with a grey dial
A. Lange & Söhne’s new Zeitwerk Date in pink gold with a grey dial
1 / 1
The latest Zeitwerk Dat pairs A. Lange & Söhne’s trailblazing mechanical digital display with a sophisticated ring-shaped date and a striking new colourway in pink gold and grey
When A. Lange & Söhne first unveiled the Zeitwerk in 2009, it presented a mechanical watch that displayed time in a digital way yet retained all the beauty and complexity of Saxon watchmaking. Its unconventional design—with precisely jumping numerals for the hours and minutes—was made possible by a patented constant-force escapement and framed by the brand’s distinctive time bridge in German silver.
Now, 16 years on, the Zeitwerk remains one of the Glashütte-based manufacture’s most singular families, balancing avant-garde function with traditional craft. This year, it returns in a fresh execution: the new Zeitwerk Date pairs its progressive mechanical concept with the warm lustre of 18-karat pink gold for the first time, matched with an understated grey dial.
In case you missed it: Every second counts: Richard Mille and Ferrari’s latest masterpiece fuses precision with power
1 / 1
At its core, the Zeitwerk challenges assumptions of what a mechanical watch can be. Its prominent hour and minute numerals are arranged side by side along the central axis for maximum clarity, switching precisely 1,440 times a day within fractions of a second. The constant-force escapement manages the considerable energy needed to advance the discs while regulating power to the balance wheel for consistent timekeeping. This dual function—a signature of Lange engineering—ensures each minute is displayed as crisply as the last.
Operation on this timepiece remains straightforward despite the mechanical sophistication. The crown handles winding and setting the minutes, while two discreet pushers adjust the date and hour independently. The hour can be advanced separately using the pusher at 4 o’clock, which engages a clutch to uncouple the hour ring from the movement’s switching cycle, allowing correction at any time. Like the date pusher at 8 o’clock, it triggers the change only when released, ensuring every adjustment is as precise as the watch’s daily rhythm.
Above The Zeitwerk Date is powered by the manufacture calibre L043.8
The Zeitwerk Date is powered by the manufacture calibre L043.8
1 / 1
The Zeitwerk Date adds a clever ring-shaped date display to the concept. Numerals from 1 to 31 are printed on glass and circle the dial, with the current date shown in red by a small segment that advances each night at midnight. Over the month, the red marker makes a complete revolution, giving the wearer an instant sense of how far the month has progressed.
This new combination of pink gold and grey gives the Zeitwerk’s distinctive architecture a softer, more refined character. The grey dial, first seen on the original white-gold Zeitwerk Date launched in 2019, now takes on fresh warmth against pink gold. Together, they draw the eye to the polished time bridge in untreated German silver, which connects the clear, modern display to the intricate movement within.
Above The current date shown is indicated in red by a small segment that advances each night at midnight
The current date shown is indicated in red by a small segment that advances each night at midnight
1 / 1
Inside, the manually wound calibre L043.8 is pure Lange. Comprising 516 parts, it features twin mainspring barrels for a robust 72-hour power reserve, which is essential for driving the jumping numerals and date ring with unwavering accuracy. Through the sapphire crystal caseback, the finishing speaks for itself: hand-engraved balance cock, solarised ratchet wheel and the delicate constant-force escapement bridge all remind the wearer that, for all its innovation, the Zeitwerk remains rooted in traditional craft.
“The Zeitwerk Date gives traditional A. Lange & Söhne watchmaking artistry a distinctive, contemporary face,” explains the brand’s director of product development, Anthony de Haas. “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.”
Beyond its technical mastery, the Zeitwerk has always been about reimagining how time can be displayed. It appeals to those who respect watchmaking’s heritage yet want something different on the wrist—a conversation piece as much about its mechanical theatre as its quiet design. With this new pink-gold version, A. Lange & Söhne extends that story, pairing one of its boldest ideas with a refined, modern palette.
Credits
Images: A. Lange & Söhne
Topics
Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
