Unveiled at the inauguration of its Moscow boutique, Lange has now made its Langematik Perpetual available for the first time in white gold, with a black dial, a colour combination typically found only in platinum models.

Historically black dials have only been available with platinum-case Lange watches, like the Datograph for instance, or limited editions. The vast majority of Lange timepieces have silver-tone dials. But now Lange has unveiled the Langematik Perpetual in white gold with a striking black dial (ref. 310.026).

Like most Lange watches the dial is made of solid silver, then lacquered black with the indices in contrasting rhodium-plated gold. And the oversized date in white along with the silvered leap year display and day and night indicator provide further contrast against the black dial.

Mechanically the new perpetual calendar is identical to the existing models in rose gold and platinum. The case is the same 38.5 mm diameter with the calibre L922.1 inside. In addition to the perpetual calendar functions, the movement also features Lange’s patented Zero-Reset seconds – when the crown is pulled to set the time the seconds hand reset to 12 o’clock and stop.

Notably this is not the first Langematik Perpetual with a black dial. In 2008 Lange made a 25 piece limited edition in rose gold with a black dial for Singapore retailer Sincere Watch.

The decision to make this in white gold instead of the expected platinum might be due to the straitened times the watch industry is facing. Naturally this costs less than the platinum model, about 15% less to be exact. The Langematik Perpetual in white gold is part of the regular collection and retails for €68,000 or US$84,200.

Of Mastery and Time is an exhibition of timepieces featuring several rare artisanal crafts, including a handful unique to Hermès in watchmaking, like engraved crystal and millefiori glass. The exhibition runs from 25 September till 5 October. 

Hermès will present its metier d’art timepieces in an exhibition titled Of Mastery and Time, running until 5 October. Rather than complications, it is a showcase of Hermes timepieces decorated with a variety of techniques. The exhibits include exquisite timepieces with enamel dials by Anita Porchet. More unusual and used only by Hermès is the Arceau Millefiori. This features a dial made by glassmaker Cristalleries royales de Saint-Louis, comprised of thin slice of fused glass that forms a brilliantly coloured flower motif – Millefiori is Italian for “a thousand flowers”.

Also unique to Hermès is the Arceau Pocket Chevaux sauvages, a pocket watch with a fired enamel dial and a front lid in clear crystal engraved with a horse motif. 

Each cover is engraved by hand on an abrasive wheel and takes 15 days to complete. For the first five days of the exhibition, 25 to 28 September, a crystal engraver from the Czech Republic will be present to demonstrate his craft with a small lathe and abrasive wheel.

Also on display are Hermès’ signature complications like the Dressage L’heure masquée and Hermes Arceau Le Temps suspendu. Of Mastery and Time is situated on the ground level of Scotts Square on Scotts Road, open to the public from September 25 to October 5 from 11 am to 9 pm daily.