Lang 1943, the distinctive watch brand launched in 2022, is proud to announce that its debut piece, Field Watch Edition One – inspired by the famous Dirty Dozen timepieces, is now available to own.
The elegant, manual winding timepiece is the creation of one of horology’s most influential watchmakers: Gerd-Rüdiger Lang. Famous for reinvigorating the mechanical watchmaking industry in the wake of the quartz crisis, Lang brought his deep knowledge and innovative design expertise to the Field Watch Edition One.
Inside the brushed stainless steel case of the 39mm watch lies its standout feature: a vintage Marvin movement from the 1960s that has been fully restored, refurbished and decorated by Swiss watchmakers for LANG 1943. Showing remarkable foresight, Lang acquired the entire remaining stock of Marvin movements and components in the 1990s. These horological treasures now power the new generation of watches from LANG 1943.
Assembled in Switzerland, Field Watch Edition One has a beautifully nostalgic appearance with its black to grey sunray-brushed fumé dial and comes with two high quality straps in leather and canvas. The design codes of the highly legible watch are inspired by the Dirty Dozen, a group of 12 watches commissioned by Great Britain’s Ministry of Defence for the armed forces, which were manufactured by Swiss watchmakers Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lémania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex.
Experienced watch industry entrepreneur Georg Bartkowiak is the founder of LANG 1943 and says Field Watch Edition One is the first of several new creations coming to the market in 2023. “This autumn, we will introduce two extraordinary watches made in collaboration with maverick creator Seconde Seconde as well as other beautiful pieces that will continue our field watch line,” he says. “I am incredibly proud of Field Watch Edition One, a timeless piece rooted in history that I believe is a fitting tribute to the genius of my dear friend and mentor Gerd-Rüdiger Lang.”
Lang was one of the first watchmakers to introduce crystal case-backs for wristwatches commercially that enabled the movement to be seen and admired. He went on to establish the successful watch brand Chronoswiss in 1983 and passed away aged 80 in March 2023. LANG 1943 – the year of Lang’s birth – ensures that his remarkable watchmaking legacy lives on.
LANG 1943 Field Watch Edition One Technical Specifications
Ref. FW1.L43001.002 EDITION ONE – €3,500
Movement
- Hand-wound mechanical movement
- Calibre: Exclusive L43.1 calibre, based on the Marvin 700 movement
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock
- Jewels: 17
- Power Reserve: Approximately 46 hours with fully wound mainspring
- Frequency: 3 Hz/21,600 vph
Case
- Material & Finish: Convex stainless steel round case with straight and circular brushed
- finish
- Diameter: 39.00 mm
- Thickness: 8.40 mm
- Lug to lug: 20.00 mm
- Glass & Caseback: Scratch resistant domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating and screw in
- clear caseback
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Dial
- Dial colour: Black to grey sunray brushed fumé dial and black sunray brushed sub dial
- Numerals & hour markers: Luminescent Arabic numerals and round/baton hour markers with Swiss
- Super Luminova in old radium colour
- Hands: White syringe hands with Swiss Super Luminova in old radium colour
Strap & Buckle
- Material: A brown calfskin leather strap and a beige woven textile strap with Alcantara lining , both with quick release spring bars
- Buckle: LANG 1943 signature buckle in stainless steel
- Size: Tapered from 20.00 mm into 18.00 mm with a length of 110/75mm
Brand Profile: LANG 1943
Founded in 2022, LANG 1943 is a contemporary watch brand that takes its creative inspiration from one of horology’s most influential watchmakers: Gerd-Rüdiger Lang.
Gerd-Rüdiger Lang, a steadfast champion of mechanical watchmaking, emerged as a pioneering figure during the 1970s and 80s when quartz watches seemed to have dealt a severe blow to the industry. In the face of the prevailing quartz crisis, Lang’s unwavering passion and dedication led him to establish his own brand, Chronoswiss, in Munich in 1983. From the very beginning, his vision was clear: to create exclusive mechanical watches of the highest Swiss Made quality. Despite his immense contributions as a watchmaker, Lang’s involvement extended beyond his own brand. He served as a mentor for the brand Lang 1943 and continued to write extensively about chronographs, his specialized area of expertise.
In 2022, experienced watch industry entrepreneur Georg Bartkowiak created LANG 1943 as an homage to his friend and mentor Lang who put his considerable expertise and experience to good use in his role as brand consultant for design and technology.
Made in Switzerland, LANG 1943’s debut release is Field Watch Edition One – a beautifully nostalgic, mechanical 39mm piece that is powered by the hand-wound L43.1 Calibre. Measuring 29mm in diameter and just 3.2mm thick, the calibre is a vintage Marvin 700 movement from the 1960s. In the 1990s, Lang had the great foresight to acquire the entire remaining stock of vintage Marvin movements and carefully preserve them.
LANG 1943’s future series will be a tribute to the golden age of watchmaking – connecting nostalgic design with modern aesthetics – as it proudly continues to bring to life Lang’s dedication to quality and passion for mechanical watchmaking.
Lang passed away in March 2023 aged 80, but with LANG 1943 – coincidentally the year of his birth – Lang’s astonishing watchmaking legacy lives on in style.
A Note on Field Watches
Robust, legible and reliable – the field watch is the hardest working timepiece in horology. Designed for the outdoors, field watches became an essential tool for military personnel operating in testing conditions. The LANG 1943 Field Watch Edition One is inspired by the Dirty Dozen, a group of 12 watches commissioned by Great Britain’s Ministry of Defence for the armed forces, which were manufactured by Swiss watchmakers Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lémania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex.