Introducing the Richard Lange Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite” Handwerkskunst

Lange has just unveiled the Richard Lange Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite” Handwerkskunst, a 15 piece limited edition for Lange boutiques. Like the 165th anniversary Homage set launched last year, this tourbillon is cased in honey gold. Notably, the RL Tourbillon PLM was launched only at SIHH 2011, several months ago.

Richard Lange Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite” Handwerkskunst

“Handwerkskunst” means craftsmanship, consequently this limited edition has several features that represent artisan skill.  The dial, made of solid honey gold, is decorated with tremblage, a grained finish. This is applied by hand with a burin that digs into the metal from different directions. 

The dial in solid honey gold
A lining burin is guided over the dial with an orbital motion in eight different directions



The movement is decorated with a subtle radial solarisation but the fourth wheel bridge is decorated with relief engraving for an extravagant touch.

Fourth wheel bridge with relief engraving

While my initial reaction of the idea of a limited edition variant on a newly launched complication is not positive, I see it as gimmicky, I do like the look and finishing on this watch a lot. It has a lot more character than the first edition which is fairly plain. For comparison here are some shots of the Richard Lange Tourbillon taken at SIHH 2011.

I definitely look forward to seeing the Handwerkskunst in the metal. – SJX

Back to top.

You may also enjoy these.