ZEITWERK 'HANDWERKSKUNST' MODEL, REF. 140.048, CASE NO. 206'305, NO. 5⁄30, CIRCA 2013

When the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk 'Handwerkskunst' was first released in 2012, it was so well received by critics and collectors that the 30-piece limited edition sold out almost instantly. 'Handwerkskunst', which means 'craftsmanship', is the ultimate expression of the Zeitwerk line, which is already among the manufacturer's most avant-garde and technically radical collections. The present lot is consigned by a private collector with a longstanding passion for rare and mechanically complex A. Lange & Söhne wristwatches.

The Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst elevates the standard model's unique architectural layout through exceptional artisanal execution. A fine burin is used to completely hand-engrave the solid silver dial plate, producing a subtle 'tremblage' granulated texture. After that, the power reserve indication and curved brand signature are meticulously hand-cut in relief to stand out against the textured background. The shimmering silver dial contrasts sharply with the rhodiumed German silver time bridge and the rhodiumed gold hands. Each dial requires more than two weeks of meticulous handwork, underscoring the extreme level of craftsmanship involved.

Powering the watch is the manually wound caliber L043.4. It is completed to a far higher decorative standard, despite being technically identical to the standard Zeitwerk movement. Most notably, the escape wheel cock and balance cock are hand-engraved in relief instead of the conventional recessed style, a very uncommon technique even within Lange's ateliers, and the three-quarter plate has a frosted finish. Most intriguingly, this version has a subtle but very important technical difference: the L043.4 has a Glashütte lever escapement, which has a pallet lever and escape wheel made entirely of solid 18k gold, in place of the Swiss lever escapement used in all other Lange movements.