To the uninitiated, a general rule of thumb when it comes to the A. Lange & Söhne “Handwerskunst” editions is an expectation of witnessing a timepiece that has undergone the highest level of intensive artisanal process. This process involves the inculcation of many finishing and decorating techniques, types of engraving and enamel dials etc. So when A. Lange & Söhne recently announced the introduction of their new Cabaret Tourbillon Handwerkskunst, we exactly what we were getting and now you will too.

But first...a little history:

A. Lange & Söhne first introduced the HANDWERKSKUNST (meaning craftsmanship) models back in 2011 with the Richard Lange Tourbillon Pour le Mérite Handwerkskunst (ref. 761.050). Since then, the brand has added a five new models to the Handwerkskunst editions;  Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst (ref. 140.048) in 2012, Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst (ref. 140.048) in 2013, Lange 1 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst (ref. 704.048) in 2014, 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst (ref. 730.048) in 2015, 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst in 2017. The 2021 Cabaret Tourbillon Handwerkskunst makes the seventh model in this line of watches.

To affix a timepiece with the prestigious “HANDWERKSKUNST” label involves the inculcation of a few common features. These include a 30-piece limited edition number, all lettering on the movement bridges to be hand-engraved, each and every component of the watch to be assembled by one watchmaker, a wider case ring back to provide more space for engraving etc.

The 2021 HANDERKSKUNST model like its earlier iterations features the signature artistic and artisanal qualities. It also marks the return of the Lange's most unique and historically significant watch- the Cabaret – in 1997 with a square case. This rectangularly shaped collection signified the brand's departure from the round cases that it was popularly known for. While the earlier versions of the Cabaret were simple time only or time and date only pieces, the collection expanded its limits with the launch of the Cabaret Torubillon in 2008. With this timepiece, it was the first time that A. Lange & Söhne had succeeded in instantaneously stopping the balance inside of the rotating cage and then immediately restart it by pushing the crown home.

Details of the watch:

Set in Lange's only rectangular model, the Cabaret Tourbillon Handwerkskunst is crafted in a 950 platinum case that holds the same dimensions like its former editions; 29.5mm wide, 39.2mm long and a thickness of 10.3mm. The three-part dial is made of solid white gold and decorated to perfection.The central area of the dial is hand-engraved with a lozenge pattern that matches the six applied lozenge hour-markers. The patterned lozenge box encircles the brand's signature oversize date window and is set against a matt grey background that houses a combination of Roman numerals and lozenge-shaped hour markers. The lower half of the dial is home to two sun-dials; small seconds and the power-reserve indicator. The aperture at 6 o' clock reveals the one-minute tourbillon which is suspended between two diamond endstones.

All of the different aspects of the dial has been meticulously decorated with different types of techniques like Lange's tremblage technique that can be found in the line separating the different areas of the dial and the central lozenge pattern that has been manually engraved. Finally the overall dial is coated with a semi-transparent enamel layer that not only adds extra depth to the engraving but gives the dial a three-dimensional effect.

Powering the watch is the manually wound calibre L042.1 that clocks in a power reserve of 120 hours and is made up of 370 parts. Once you turn over the watch, the see-through sapphire crystal will allow the wearer to get a magnificent view of the intricately developed and meticulously decorated movement beating within.

Limited to 30 pieces, the A. Lange & Söhne Cabaret Tourbillon Handwerkskunst comes in a black leather strap with a platinum deployant buckle.

Technical Specifications:

Name: Cabaret Tourbillon Handwerkskunst

Reference No.: 703.048

Movement: Lange manufacture calibre L042.1, manually wound, crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards, decorated and assembled twice by hand; precision-adjusted in five positions; three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver; tourbillon and intermediate wheel cocks engraved by hand

Movement dimensions: 22.3 × 32.6 × 6.4 millimetres

Movement parts: 370, of which 84 for the tourbillon

Jewels: 45, as well as two diamond endstones

Screwed gold chatons: 9

Escapement: Lever escapement

Oscillation system: Shock-resistant screw balance; balance spring manufactured in- house, frequency 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour

Power reserve: 120 hours when fully wound

Functions: Time indicated in hours, minutes, and subsidiary seconds; one- minute tourbillon with stop seconds; UP/DOWN power-reserve indicator; outsize date

Operating elements: Crown for winding the watch and setting the time; recessed push piece for correction of the date

Case: 950 platinum

Case dimensions: 29.5 × 39.2 × 10.3 millimetres

Crystal and caseback: Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9)

Dial:18-carat white gold, grey with hand-engraved lozenge pattern, semi-transparent enamelling

Hands and appliques: Rhodiumed gold

Strap: Hand-stitched leather strap, black with grey seam 

Buckle: Deployant buckle in 950 platinum

Limited edition: 30 watches, engraved limitation number

Price: On request