Glashütte-based A. Lange & Söhne is launching the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen”. The watch with digital time display now combines a honey gold case with a sapphire crystal dial. The latter makes the discs of the time display visible. In this model of the “Lumen” series, the numerals are generously coated with luminous material, which gives the watch a unique appearance. In addition, the manufacture has installed an updated calibre, which increases the power reserve. The A. Lange & Söhne ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” is limited to 200 pieces and is available exclusively in the company’s own boutiques.
Actually, there has been something like a ZEITWERK “Lumen” before. It was called ZEITWERK “Luminous” and made its debut in 2010. The platinum watch was limited to 100 pieces and quickly sold out. Now follows the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” which is part of the “Lumen” series. For the first time, however, a case made of honey gold, an alloy that was also used for the three “Homage to F. A. Lange” watches, is combined with the “Lumen” design concept.
The ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” is, as the name suggests, housed in a case made of honey gold. This proprietary 18-carat gold alloy is particularly hard and has a warm shine. However, the brand does not reveal the exact recipe. The diameter of the watch is 41.9 millimetres, while the height is 12.6 millimetres. On the right side, there is both the crown at the unusual 2 o’clock position and a pusher. On the back of the case, the sapphire crystal case back allows a view of the mechanics.
The front is composed of a tinted sapphire crystal and the curved “time bridge”. The latter is part of the movement and also forms the frame for the time displays. Three discs – one for hours and two for minutes – are precisely switched here and can be read from left to right. Meanwhile, the sapphire crystal lets through enough light to also charge the luminous numerals that are not in the window. This makes them easy to read even immediately after they have been switched. At the same time, the small seconds tick at 6 o’clock and bring analogue time display into play.
The watchmakers equip the new model with the calibre L043.9. This is a further development of the L043.1 calibre that powered the original ZEITWERK. It has been revised from the ground up and now offers a power autonomy that has been doubled to 72 hours. Two barrels transmit the power to a constant-force escapement. This controls the switching timing and also ensures that the screw balance is driven with constant torque. The balance has a free-sprung hairspring and works at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 hertz).
Meanwhile, the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” is set with the crown at 2 o’clock. It allows the wearer to adjust the minute display in both directions. In addition, this second-generation calibre has a pusher at 4 o’clock with which the hours can be advanced independently. However, the impulse is only generated when the button is released. This means that the switching is always carried out in the same way, regardless of how the pusher is pressed. Last but not least, the Manufacture crafts the movement to its usual high standards. The hand-engraved balance and escape wheel cocks and the winding wheels decorated with a sunburst finish are striking. The movement also bears Glashütte stripes on the bridges made of German silver.
The watch appears on a dark brown leather strap that ends in a honey gold pin buckle. As a limited edition, only 200 pieces of this ZEITWERK will be produced. The price is 114,000 euros.
