A Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Date Ref. 148.038
Complete set with 2020 paperwork.
Asking $99k + Label
Watch in Palm Beach, FL

About the Watch:

The 2019 ref. 148.038 Zeitwerk Date represents the most significant update to the Zeitwerk series since its original introduction in 2009. Previous iterations of the Zeitwerk were primarily cosmetic variations or featured complex complications like an hour-striker and minute-repeater, making them less practical. However, the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Date manages to strike a balance between luxury and functionality.

The standout feature of the Zeitwerk Date is its calendar complication, indicated by a date display on the dial's periphery. The date is presented through a fixed ring with 31 days, with the active date highlighted in red. At midnight, the red indicator precisely jumps to the next spot beneath the cut-glass date display. If necessary, the date can be quickly adjusted using one of the pushers on the case.

One might argue that the Zeitwerk didn't necessarily require a date indicator, as it is a timepiece driven by emotion rather than practicality. Nevertheless, the addition of the date serves as a subtle message from A. Lange & Söhne to collectors, emphasizing the watch's suitability for daily wear. Interestingly, my personal favorite enhancements in the Zeitwerk pertain to features beyond the new calendar complication. So, why add it? A. Lange & Söhne aims to prevent its older models from becoming obsolete by introducing new functionalities to subsequent versions, thereby maintaining demand for the previous iterations.

In my opinion, the two most significant upgrades in the 2019 Zeitwerk Date are the larger case size and the increased power reserve. The original Zeitwerk Date measured 41.9mm in width and 12.6mm in thickness, while the new Zeitwerk Date boasts dimensions of 44.2mm in width and 12.3mm in thickness.

This slightly broader and flatter case design exudes a more contemporary feel and wears comfortably on the wrist. Despite the increased size, it remains well-proportioned and accommodates a larger mainspring barrel. The original Zeitwerk suffered from a limited power reserve of approximately 36 hours. However, A. Lange & Söhne has managed to enhance the Zeitwerk Date's autonomy by extending the power reserve to 72 hours.

This improvement is attributed to the brand's new in-house caliber L043.8 manually wound movement. The watch retains its original functions, such as the instant-jumping hours and minutes displayed digitally and the traditional subsidiary seconds dial. The analog power reserve indicator, which ensures the watch remains wound, was crucial in the previous Zeitwerk and remains useful even with the extended 72-hour power reserve. It is worth noting that the additional pusher on the case allows for adjusting the hour hand quickly, making time adjustments more convenient when in a hurry.

The development of the dual digital indicator mechanism for the Zeitwerk presented significant challenges due to the power consumed during each indicator change. To overcome this, Lange incorporated a constant force escapement complication into the Zeitwerk, ensuring a consistent power supply from the mainspring to the movement's gear train. This is achieved through a remontoire system that accumulates and releases power in consistent intervals. The beautifully hand-decorated and -polished L043.8 movement comprises a total of 516 components. In addition to the extended 72-hour power reserve, the watch operates at a frequency of 18,000 beats per hour.

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