Lang & Heyne Hektor - Green dial

Origin

There is a certain kind of quality that requires very little explanation or elaboration. It is simply absorbed through the senses - seen, felt, heard and subsequently inherently understood. It is this kind of quality that the Dresden-based, independent watchmakers Lang & Heyne create.

At just 22 years old the brand is young, yet it is steeped in the tradition of the age-old art of Saxon watchmaking. Founded in 2001 by Marco Lang and Mirko Heyne, their very first creations Friedrich August and Johann - both powered by the entirely in-house developed, produced and exquisitely finished Calibre I - were presented in Basel just one year later. A presentation which led to an inundation of orders for this new, compelling brand. Mr Heyne would move on to a new position at Nomos Glashütte that same year, while Mr Lang would continue to develop their clearly defined, exceptionally high-end and extra fine watchmaking until 2019. During his 18-year tenure, 9 movements and 8 watch models were introduced. Dynamic activity matched with dynamic demand, and the number of watchmakers alone at Lang & Heyne increased three-fold under Mr Lang's leadership.

A fifth-generation watchmaker and member of the AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants) since 2005, Mr Lang's work harnesses the skill of the human hand and centuries-old techniques which can only be achieved through that incomparable human touch. Lang & Heyne timepieces are known for their highly classical look and feel - and their movements are an absolute wonder to behold. Solid gold wheels and chatons, diamond-crowned balances and yellow gold-plated movement components with the finest of finishes. Each Lang & Heyne timepiece is an exclusively in-house, individual and manually curated work of art.

Since 2019, Jens Schneider (previously of A. Lange & Söhne) has held the position of Development Director at the brand. With his new direction came a new venture into previously uncharted territory. For the first time in its history, the wealth and depth of the Dresden watchmaker's skill in creating classic masterpieces was channeled into the interpretation of a modern icon: the steel sports watch.

The watch 

This is Hektor. "Bold and strong" as Mr Gutierrez Diaz, CEO of Lang & Heyne has remarked - yet with a clear, fresh feel of that classic elegance for which Lang & Heyne are renowned.

Launched in 2021 and limited to a production run of just 99 pieces, the watch exists with either a solid silver blue, grey or green dial. 33 pieces of each colour. The watch's steel case measures 40mm in diameter and sits at 10.95mm in height. Whilst being a completely new genre of watch for Lang & Heyne, certain trademark features of their timepieces are notably present. The five-line, integrated steel bracelet attaches to the watch through the brand's traditional, three-lug construction and the watch's deeply fluted, ornamental crown is a very elegant feature that is present in all their other watch families.

The Hektor has been given that great practicality and versatility of the steel sports watch but with the attractive, distinguished and noble character of any Lang & Heyne timepiece still ever-present. Distinguished and noble character that is further conveyed through the two motifs recurrent throughout the watch's design: the 'petticoat' and the strong 'H' of Hektor.

At the 6 on the full, rich and vibrant green dial, the petticoat hour bridge of the movement has been made visible and a feature of the whole dial construction - while simultaneously providing a glimpse through to the petticoat-replete movement. The silver-coloured hour and minute hands, as well as the fine, golden seconds hand, all incorporate this strong yet elegant motif. The bold 'H' is seen in the form of the applied hour markers and also gives defined texture to the dial's center. Concentric circles flow behind the hour and minute markers, while the two silver circle delineations between the different sections of the dial recall the polished, smooth bevel of the cool steel case and give an added spark when the watch catches the light.

The hour markers and hands are filled with Super-LumiNova, allowing for the watch to be read more easily in darkness. On the outer perimeter of the dial, seconds markers are printed in white, matching the 'Made in Saxony' printed below the 6 and the 'Lang & Heyne Dresden' signature which is placed below the 12. Engravings in German on the caseback communicate the watch's 50 metre water resistance, as well as the fact that this piece is just 1 of 99.

The dial is protected by anti-reflective sapphire glass that sits flush to the case and is mirrored on the reverse side of the watch - providing a clear and complete view of the watch's ultra-sleek movement.

Movement

It is the Caliber 33.2 that powers Hektor. This movement was developed and produced by Uhren-Werke-Dresden, a movement supplier founded by Marco Lang in 2013 and a sister company of Lang & Heyne. Since 2018 the two companies have shared the same premises, fostering even closer collaboration.

While there may be no gold or diamonds, the Caliber 33.2 is an aesthetic delight in its own right. The multiple use of the petticoat form allows for a wonderfully open movement construction, the workings of the wheels and balance are very easily observed. The main material used within the movement is Arcap, a material that is highly resistant to corrosion and whose hue and texture pairs perfectly with the steel case. The movement, which measures 33mm in diameter and sits at just 4.4mm in height, includes a self-developed eccentric balance with 21,600 vph, a fine adjustment and a flying barrel. The watch's power reserve is 48 hours. The finish, as would be expected, is exquisite.

How it wears

Entirely unique and a stand-alone piece in the Lang & Heyne collection - this is a timepiece that really could be worn all day, every day. A piece that would add cool, classic refinement to any outfit.

With its dimensions, the presence on the wrist is considerable but tempered through the smooth, impeccable German construction and flow of the whole piece. From the case to the bracelet there is alternation between polished and brushed surfaces, while the beveled form of the bracelet links is also recalled in the caseband of the watch. The three-lug construction and signed butterfly clasp, with side pushers, allow the watch to sit and feel very secure on the wrist.

 The set & condition

A first-of-its-kind timepiece from the refined Saxon watchmaker, this sporty yet debonair Hektor is brand new, unworn and comes with its full set.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. 

Reference	Hektor Green
Movement	Manual Wound
Caliber	Calibre  33.2
Dial	Green
Size (Case)	40mm
Material (Case)	Steel
Bracelet	Steel bracelet
Glass	Sapphire
Condition	New/Unworn
Year	2022
Papers	Yes
Box	Yes
Warranty	2 years