Lang & Heyne Friedrich III Manufaktur Edition

Lang & Heyne presents the Friedrich III Manufaktur Edition. A mechanical masterpiece in five acts: from first glance to final detail, a performance in precision.

The Dresden-based watch manufacture Lang & Heyne proudly unveils the Friedrich III Manufaktur Edition – a timepiece that fuses classical Saxon watchmaking tradition with uncompromising technical execution. Limited to only five pieces worldwide, this edition embodies the essence of decelerated mechanics, deliberate design, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Engravings such as „FIII - ME“ and „One of 5“ signal the intentional exclusivity of this piece, offering collectors and connoisseurs of authentic mechanics a true one-of-a-kind watch.

Just like the Anton Manufaktur Edition introduced in late 2023, the "ME" watches reflect the pinnacle of our craftsmanship while showcasing new capabilities of our specialists – representing the spearhead of their respective collections.

Concept & philosophy

The Friedrich III Manufaktur Edition is driven by the idea of advancing historical movement constructions both functionally and aesthetically. A hinged caseback inspired by the Savonnette principle of traditional pocket watches is milled from solid material and secured by a specially developed spring mechanism. Opening it becomes a moment of deliberate revelation – unveiling the Caliber VI, entirely manufactured in Dresden and protected by an additional sapphire crystal.

Upon request, the caseback can be custom engraved – initials, symbols, or personal emblems turn each watch into a singular timepiece of lasting personal value.

Mechanics & movement architecture

Caliber VI is a hand-wound movement with a 55-hour power reserve and a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. Its architecture follows the Saxon school but deliberately omits the traditional three-quarter plate. Instead, the minimalist bridge design reduces coverage to a functional minimum, offering an unobstructed view of the finely decorated movement.

Key features:

• Rhodium-plated movement with a refined sheen and exceptional durability

• Transparent jewel bearings made of colorless sapphire for a seamless visual integration

• Individually crafted, violet-hued heat-blued screws sorted by color and paired with gold chatons and rose gold wheels to achieve a subtle, harmonious contrast

• A carefully curated color palette across all visible components

Each of these elements is not only functional but also part of a holistic design concept that combines technical precision with aesthetic coherence.

Material logic & manufacturing depth

As with all Lang & Heyne calibers, over 90% of the movement components are produced in-house. The selection of materials follows strictly functional principles – not just visual appeal – and is a hallmark of our manufacture:

• Solid rose gold wheels – durable, oxidation-resistant, and wear-proof

• AMAflex escapement – anti-magnetic, low-wear, technically advanced

• Ecobrass mainspring barrel – lead-free, high-performance brass with no galvanic coating

Dial, case & wearing experience

The two-part enamel dial in black on white gold is crafted using champlevé technique and printed with Roman numerals via tampography. Finely hand-engraved Louis XV hands in steel complement the aesthetic. A rehaut – a first for Lang & Heyne – elegantly frames the dial.

The 39.2 mm stainless steel case is distinguished by its solid hinged caseback. A traditional onion crown set with an onyx cabochon and a hand-sewn reptile leather strap with pin buckle complete the wearing experience.

The Friedrich III Manufaktur Edition – The Ultimate Collector's Piece

The Friedrich III Manufaktur Edition is strictly limited to five pieces worldwide and is offered at a price of €50,000 net. It is created for the collector who seeks true rarity, who values technical refinement and authentic craftsmanship – the connoisseur who sees in a watch not only an instrument for measuring time, but a finely crafted work of art. It is equally dedicated to our friends of the maison who look forward to a “best of” from our manufacture.

Friedrich III, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringia

In 1349, Friedrich III took over the lands of Thuringia and Meissen from his father, governing them together with his brothers. During his regency, Friedrich III consolidated the inner structure of the country. He pursued the increase of Wettin’s properties and internally expedited the development of public administration with determination.

About Lang & Heyne

Since 2001, Lang & Heyne has been crafting exquisite watches by hand in Dresden. Fusing traditional Saxon watchmaking with uncompromising quality and strict limitation, every Lang & Heyne watch becomes an ambassador of its origin.

Technical specifications

Lang & Heyne Friedrich III Manufaktur Edition

Limited edition of 5 pieces

Case

• Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 39.2 mm
• Thickness: 10.65 mm including the hinged cover (with clasp closure)
• Onion crown with onyx stone
• Sapphire glass on top and bottom, anti-reflective coating on both sides
• Water-resistant to 30 meters

Dial and hands

• Two-part black enamel dial
• Roman numerals
• Louis XV hands in steel

Movement

• Caliber VI 'ME' 
• Manual winding movement
• Diameter: 14 ¼ lines (33.50 mm)
• Height: 4.90 mm
• Frequency: 18'000 vph (2.5 Hz)
• Number of parts: 152
• Number of jewels: 19
• 1 brilliant-cut diamond
• Power reserve of 55 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes
• Small seconds at 6 o'clock
• Second hand stop

MSRP: EUR 50'000 (excl. taxes)

For more information, please visit lang-und-heyne.de