ingmar de lange

Step back for a moment to consider what went into this timepiece. Traditional German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne doesn’t mess around when releasing a new watch. Each new timepiece needs to be planned out and tested as though a space shuttle is being designed. The new Lange Zeitwerk is a digital mechanical watch of the highest regard. That means everything about the watch uses an exclusive in-house-made mechanical movement, while the time itself is displayed in a digital manner. The face is what we call “vintage fresh” in style, with complications being the time, a power reserve and a subsidiary seconds dial. 91 Uniqueness A. Lange & Söhne intends for the Lange Zeitwerk to help meld the old way of watch*** with the current popularity of digital watches -- something from the old and something for the new. While the modern approach is obvious, true enthusiasts of the brand realize that the idea for mechanical digital watches started with Lange back when its founder crafted the similar “5 Minute Clock” for a German Opera House in 1841. This new interpretation of the idea is a highly precise mechanical marvel. A complex disc system displays hours and minutes that “jump” into position at exactly the right moment -- always displaying the time clearly and correctly. The dial features a silver plate used for the digital windows with two circular dials to balance out the look. Lange has cleverly imbued the Zeitwerk with a refined “exposed” mechanical look, just hinting at the machinery below with an exposed screw and palette jewel. Read more 89 Durability Lange’s designers toil to create timeless-looking and classic designs, which was a particular dilemma with a watch trying to be modern and traditional at the same time. A. Lange & Söhne's success is evident in the fact that the Lange Zeitwerk seems to naturally fit in the company's current collection, despite its uniqueness. All Lange Uhren movements are thoroughly tested and meticulously made by hand to be durable and precise for generations with only regular servicing required. The Lange Zeitwerk contains a new manually wound L043.1 movement that features a constant-force escapement complication. The 42mm wide case is available in 18k rose, yellow or white gold, and in platinum -- with a handful of dial color options. While a hardy watch mechanically, this is still a precious timepiece so you ought to treat it that way. Its refined looks are primed for a new generation of technologically sophisticated men of the world, with little patience for all but the best. Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

The Saxonia by A. Lange & Sohne is a midsize 18-karat gold dress watch available in yellow, white or pink gold. The engraved gold buckle and crocodile strap (in black or varying shades of brown) contrasts with the dials, which are available in champagne, gray and black. It also features a manually wound movement with stop seconds. Elegantly designed and finely constructed, the Saxonia -- named after the German state of Saxony -- may be one of the most exactingly finished watches available on the market. 88 Uniqueness Luxury goods may come with an over-the-top price tag, but you certainly don’t want them to look fussy or overdone. At their best, they define superior craftsmanship, exquisite detailing and bring you a sense of individuality. The Saxonia by A. Lange & Sohne will unquestionably turn heads at the gentlemens' club because of its exclusivity; each watch is finished and polished by hand, and production is limited. From levers to wheels, every moving part on this watch -- including those that are hidden -- has been decorated by hand. These unexpected details hit the right note. Read more 85 Durability At AskMen.com, we praise investment dressing -- but since when did *** an investment in your wardrobe come with a $16,000 price tag? Relax, it doesn’t -- scoring a classic and sophisticated watch for a fraction of this price is a no-brainer. However, the Saxonia goes well beyond an investment -- it is a first-order luxury proposition for the man who is not price-sensitive. Not only is the Saxonia splash-water protected, but the sapphire-crystal caseback also makes it strong and scratch-resistant. Top-quality craftsmanship aside, this classic design will pair equally well with a precisely tailored suit as it would with a worn T-shirt and jeans. All in all, if you’re a luxury goods shopper, this timepiece exudes an understated elegance that will last a lifetime.