![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1" height="915px" width="1911px"></svg>)
T he A Lange Sohne Zeitwerk collection revolutionized haute horlogerie by introducing the first mechanical wristwatch with a digital jumping hour and minute display.
Launched in 2009, the Zeitwerk broke new ground with its innovative combination of precision engineering and avant-garde design. At its heart lay the caliber L043.1, which incorporated a patented constant-force escapement, ensuring consistent energy delivery and impeccable timekeeping accuracy.
Beyond its technical feats, the A Lange Sohne Zeitwerk's bold design includes a time bridge—a defining feature that frames the digital display while serving as a functional part of the movement. Each A Lange Sohne Zeitwerk showcases the brand's meticulous attention to detail, exceptional finishing, and a seamless blend of form and function.
Interest among collectors has continued to gain momentum, with many of these A Lange Sohne watches outperforming their estimate at auction. Join us in exploring a selection of A Lange Sohne Zeitwerk watches brought to market by the specialists at Sotheby's.
This A Lange Sohne Lange Zeitwerk "Luminous Phantom" Reference 140.035/LS1402AD sold for 2,394,000 HKD in July 2021, significantly exceeding its high estimate of 800,000 HKD.
The A Lange Sohne Lange Zeitwerk "Luminous Phantom" Reference 140.035 was a highly sought-after timepiece, celebrated for its innovative and distinct design. Limited to just 100 pieces, this A Lange Sohne watch featured a 42 mm platinum case with a translucent dial. The signature jumping numeral display was enhanced by its luminous quality, ensuring legibility even in low light
Powered by the manually wound caliber L043.3, the movement included 68 jewels and all of the exquisite finishing details that A Lange Sohne are renowned for. Paired with a black alligator strap and platinum folding clasp, this watch exuded technical prowess.
This A Lange Sohne Zeitwerk sold for 1,125,000 HKD in April 2018 during Sotheby's Important Watches sale in Hong Kong.
This A Lange Sohne watch featured a 42mm case crafted entirely from platinum. The dial’s distinctive granular texture was hand-engraved using a special burin technique, creating a unique "tremblage" effect. Additionally, the curved A Lange Sohne logo and the power reserve indicator were meticulously hand-cut.
The time bridge was made from rhodium-plated German silver, providing a striking contrast against the silver backdrop. Each dial took over two weeks to complete, and showcased a masterful combination of textures and materials all created entirely by hand.
This A Lange Sohne Zeitwerk Date Reference 148.038 sold for 889,000 HKD in October 2023 during Sotheby's Important Watches sale in New York.
Debuted in 2019, this A Lange Sohne watch featured a distinctive grey dial and a rhodium bridge that displayed the hours and minutes through a jumping digital display.
Unique with this Reference 148.038 was the addition of a seamlessly integrated date indicator. The date was shown via the movement of a red marker under the dial that filled in the appropriate transparent number to indicate the date.
While the addition of a date ring on the outer edge of the dial provided a point of difference, the original Zeitwerk design DNA was maintained. The effect of the date display was subtle, and not obtrusive to the reading of the bold Zeitwerk hours and minutes.
This A Lange Sohne Zeitwerk Decimal Strike Honeygold Reference 143.050 sold for 889,000 HKD in October 2023, exceeding its high estimate of 800,000 HKD.
The A Lange Sohne Zeitwerk Decimal Strike, in addition to sharing the jumping numerals of its predecessors, also integrated a unique chiming system.
Unlike most watches that draw on this complication, the repeater chimed at a high pitch tone every ten minutes, with a lower pitch intonation to indicate every hour. Since this feature was also powered by the mainspring, the watch required a constant force mechanism to balance the energy output and ensure consistent measurement of time. An additional feat that exemplified the finest of mechanical watchmaking.
This A Lange Sohne watch was one from a limited edition run of 100 differentiated by their 18k honey gold cases, a proprietary gold alloy exclusive to the maison.
This A Lange Sohne Zeitwerk Reference 140.025 sold for 630,000 HKD in April 2021, exceeding its high estimate of 400,000 HKD.
This A Lange Sohne watch housed the digital display in a 12.9 mm platinum case. Powered by the manual-winding in-house Caliber L043.1, the movement boastes 68 jewels, 415 meticulously crafted components, and Côtes de Genève embellishments. Key features included a swan-neck index regulator, two screwed gold chatons, and a monometallic balance spring calibrated for five positions.
The mechanism oscillated at 18,000 vibrations per hour and incorporated heat-blued screws for durability and aesthetics. Produced in a limited edition of 200 pieces between 2009 and 2014, this watch was numbered 10 in the series.
At Sotheby’s our A Lange Sohne experts have brought a wide range of extraordinary examples to market, making us well placed to advise clients on the sale or sourcing of an A Lange Sohne watch. Work with Sotheby's A Lange Sohne specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
Trust our worldwide network of leading watch specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280 year history.
