The watch industry lost one of the greats. Gerd-Rüdiger Lang passed away on March 3rd in Munich at the age of 80. Gerd-Rüdiger has long been a fixture in the horological industry and is considered as a pioneer of the mechanical renaissance. In 1983, during the quartz crisis, Gerd-Rüdiger founded his own brand, Chronoswiss, in Munich. From the beginning, his ambitions were exclusive, mechanical watches in best Swiss Made quality. Hence the brand name which combines the Swiss provenience and the name of the Greek God of Time.

His passion, genius and dedication led to some trailblazing timepieces inspired by fine 19th century tradition, such as the world?s first mechanical chronograph with moon phase indication, the wristwatch with a regulator-style dial and retrograde displays as well as jumping hour mechanisms.
Distinguishing design features included a fluted bezel, onion-shaped crown and guilloche dials. Gerd-Rüdiger is also credited with the introduction of the sapphire case back revealing the sophisticated heart of a mechanical watch, he was so passionate about, and reviving old handcrafts, such as skeletonizing and engraving.

In 2012, the Swiss entrepreneur family Ebstein took over Chronoswiss. Oliver Ebstein became the new CEO and continued Gerd-Rüdiger’s philosophy. On Instagram, he recalled the watch pioneer’s achievement:

“As a watch revolutionary, his work changed the industry forever and continues to define the distin...