Acclaimed for their exceptional rarity and beauty, Lang & Heyne watches have caught the attention of connoisseurs throughout the world since their founding in 2001. An independent Manufactory through and through, the company has become a bridge between the once-famous Saxony watchmakers of the 18th and 19th centuries and modern horology, with a portfolio that reflects a similar philosophy to that of the region’s clock and watchmaking forefathers. Characterised by innovation, technical mastery and a high standard of artisanship, each Lang & Heyne watch is created from pen to wrist in their Dresden Manufactory, and with less than 200 pieces released per year, the client can be assured of exclusivity. Crafted with a nod to the past, but with a resolutely contemporary vision, the Friedrich II showcases a satisfying level of hand finishing, and as with all Lang & Heyne timepieces, the watch bears the provenance of a historical, noble name from the Saxony region.

The watch carries a pristine white enamel lacquered dial enhanced by a three-tiered arrangement. Positioned at the the six o’clock a generous eccentric seconds indication intersects with the sunken middle section while the crisp aesthetic achieved on the surface is elevated by concentric Art Deco hour numerals. Nuances of red on the minutes and the seconds track contrast wonderfully with the clean styling of the dial, lending a contemporary feel to this exceptional model, with the incredibly slender rose gold hands adding a final flourish to the layout.

The watch is presented in a rounded, polished 18ct white gold case sized at 39.2mm with a height of 10.5mm, fitted with an flattened onion shaped crown which is neatly tucked within its subtle crown guard, and the flowing lugs and trim bezel are perfectly proportioned.

Manufactured in the Lang & Heyne Dresden workshops, whose small team is overseen by Master Watchmaker and Development Director, Jens Schneider, the manual winding Caliber VI is front-mounted, giving a larger opening on the dial side, which gives additional visual impact to its immaculate enamel lacquered surface. Exhibiting an extraordinary level of craftsmanship the arrangement and finishing of the calibre is exceptional. As if to pay homage to the illustrious history that ties the Saxony region firmly to the independent watchmaking landscape of today, the calibre is exquisite in its traditional hand detailing, with a trigonal bridge layout that features beautiful frosted finishing with high polished bevelling, and with elaborate hand engraving on the balance cock, which is adorned with a diamond end stone. Beating at a rate of 18’000 vib/h, the Calibre VI has a power reserve of 55 hours when fully wound.