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128 - A.LANGE & SÖHNE Zeitwerk Ref. 140.025
See original version (French)

Estimate €40,000 - €60,000
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Description
A.LANGE & SÖHNE Zeitwerk Ref. 140.025 No. 187578 Limited edition No. 032 / 200 Circa 2009 Platinum (950) wristwatch with digital display of hours and minutes, power reserve and ‘remontoir d’égalité’ constant-force escapement Case: round, sapphire crystal caseback with screw-down closure, off-centre crown, signed Dial: monochrome silver-grey, double window display with jumping hours and instantaneous digital minutes, power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, small seconds at 6 o’clock, signed Movement: mechanical, ‘remontoir d’égalité’ constant-force escapement, cal. L 043.1, hand-finished chamfers, edges polished at 45 degrees, hand-engraved balance bridge, micrometric adjustment screws, signed Buckle: platinum pin buckle, signed Diameter: 42 mm Gross weight: 167.30 g. Includes: warranty certificate dated 6 November 2009 bearing the stamp of the retailer Pisa in Milan, watch box and outer box, instruction manual Provenance: Collection of a Parisian collector. A platinum manual-winding wristwatch with digital hours and minutes, power reserve indicator and ‘remontoir dégalité’ constant-force escapement, gold-signed buckle. With a certificate dated 6 November 2009 stamped by Pisa Milano, box and outer packaging. From the collection of a Parisian collector. Unveiled in 2009, the Zeitwerk profoundly redefined the codes of contemporary fine watchmaking. Its mechanical digital display, which is instantaneous and remarkably legible, makes it one of the most striking creations of the early 21st century. This platinum version houses a hand-wound movement fitted with a constant-force mechanism designed to provide the energy required for the instantaneous jump of the hour and minute discs. The dial, organised around the two digital windows and the exposed nickel silver bridge, powerfully affirms the manufacture’s unique visual identity. Now regarded as an icon of modern watchmaking, the Zeitwerk occupies a prominent place in any collection dedicated to contemporary design. The instantaneous digital display (Zeitwerk) Unlike the traditional analogue display using hands, the Zeitwerk displays the hours and minutes via digital discs that change instantly. This mechanism requires a considerable amount of energy with every jump, particularly when changing from one hour to the next, when the two minute discs and the hour disc switch simultaneously. The equalising winding mechanism To ensure a regular and constant supply of the energy required for these jumps, A. Lange & Söhne has incorporated an equalising winding mechanism. This device gradually accumulates the energy supplied by the mainspring barrel, then releases it in a perfectly uniform and controlled manner at the precise moment the display changes. This prevents fluctuations in torque that could affect the mechanism’s accuracy or smooth operation. The constant-force escapement The constant-force escapement goes one step further: it ensures that the energy transmitted to the regulating organ — the balance spring — remains strictly identical throughout the power reserve, regardless of the tension level of the mainspring. In traditional watchmaking, the driving force gradually decreases as the mainspring unwinds, which can slightly affect the regularity of the movement. Here, this system guarantees a constant balance wheel amplitude and, consequently, optimal chronometric precision. The combination of the two The combination of these two complications — the equalising winding mechanism for the jumping digital display and the constant-force escapement for regulation — constitutes a horological achievement of rare complexity. It demonstrates absolute mastery of micromechanics and a constant pursuit of precision, values dear to the Glashütte manufacture. This Zeitwerk thus embodies not only an aesthetic feat through its unique display, but also one of the most accomplished technical demonstrations in contemporary watchmaking. This platinum model is powered by a hand-wound movement incorporating a constant-force mechanism specially developed to provide the energy required for the instantaneous change of the hour and minute discs. The balance of the dial, dominated by the two numeric windows and the exposed nickel silver bridge, has become one of the manufacture’s most recognisable visual signatures. Regarded as a modern icon, the Zeitwerk now occupies a key place in any collection dedicated to contemporary watchmaking. Context and innovation The Zeitwerk has profoundly redefined the codes of contemporary haute horlogerie. Its mechanical digital display – instantaneous and perfectly legible – is one of the major innovations of the early 21st century. In this platinum version, the technical prowess of the movement is complemented by an instantly recognisable aesthetic, dominated by the two digital windows on the dial. Key technical principles This platinum model is powered by a hand-wound movement incorporating a constant-force mechanism specially developed to provide the energy required for the instantaneous change of the hour and minute discs. The balance of the dial, dominated by the two digital windows and the exposed nickel silver bridge, has become one of the manufacture’s most recognisable visual signatures. Regarded as a modern icon, the Zeitwerk now occupies a key place in any collection dedicated to contemporary watchmaking. Rarity and Collectors’ Appeal Produced in a limited edition of 200 pieces, the platinum Zeitwerk ‘Phantom’ ranks among the most sought-after variations of the model. Its monochrome silver-grey dial, technical virtuosity and strong aesthetic identity make it a major piece for collectors of contemporary timepieces. This Zeitwerk thus embodies not only an aesthetic feat through its unique display, but also one of the most accomplished technical demonstrations in contemporary watchmaking. Our platinum version features a very understated monochrome silver-grey dial, hence the nickname ‘Phantom’ given to it by collectors. The Zeitwerk won the Aiguille d’Or, the highest honour at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), in 2009. This award is often regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of watchmaking. Historical Context and Innovation Introduced in 2009, the Zeitwerk fundamentally redefined the codes of contemporary haute horlogerie. Its instantaneous mechanical digital display, combining exceptional legibility with remarkable technical sophistication, established it as one of the most significant watchmaking innovations of the early twenty-first century. In this platinum version, the technical prowess of the movement is matched by an instantly recognisable aesthetic, dominated by the twin digital apertures on the dial side. Key Technical Features This platinum model is powered by a hand-wound movement incorporating a constant-force mechanism specifically developed to provide the energy required for the instantaneous jumping hours and minutes display. The balanced dial layout, defined by the two digital displays and the visible German silver time bridge, has become one of the manufacture’s most distinctive visual signatures. The Zeitwerk’s jumping digital display breaks entirely with traditional analogue time-telling. Hours and minutes are displayed via numerical discs that change instantaneously. This mechanism requires a considerable amount of energy, particularly at the top of the hour, when both minute discs and the hour disc advance simultaneously. To ensure a constant and reliable supply of power for these jumps, A. Lange & Söhne developed an ingenious remontoir d’égalité. This device continuously stores energy from the mainspring and releases it at precisely controlled intervals, ensuring a perfectly consistent delivery of power during each display change. The constant-force escapement further enhances performance by ensuring that the energy transmitted to the regulating organ remains uniform throughout the entire power reserve. Whereas the driving force of a conventional movement gradually decreases as the mainspring unwinds, this system maintains a constant balance amplitude, thereby contributing to exceptional chronometric stability. The combination of these two mechanisms—the remontoir d’égalité for the jumping digital display and the constant-force escapement for timekeeping regulation—represents a horological achievement of rare complexity and refinement, reflecting the manufacture’s relentless pursuit of precision. Rarity and Collectability Produced in a limited series of just 200 examples, the platinum Zeitwerk “Phantom” is among the most sought-after versions of the model. Its monochromatic silver-grey dial, extraordinary technical sophistication and strong aesthetic identity have made it a highly desirable piece amongst collectors of contemporary watchmaking. More than a visual statement, the Zeitwerk stands as one of the most accomplished technical demonstrations in modern horology. The understated monochromatic silver-grey dial of this platinum version earned it the nickname “Phantom” amongst collectors. The model’s significance was further recognised in 2009 when the Zeitwerk received the Aiguille d’Or, the highest honour awarded by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), often regarded as the watchmaking equivalent of the Academy Awards. Today, the Zeitwerk is widely regarded as a modern icon and holds a prominent place in any collection dedicated to contemporary haute horlogerie.
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About the sale Collectors’ Watches
Auction location
Auction time 07/06/2026 at 5:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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