Otto Lilienthal stands as an eminent figure in German aviation history, a true pioneer in his field. Hailing from Berlin, he accomplished an extraordinary feat by achieving a successful takeoff with his self-constructed flying apparatus, thereby realizing the long-cherished human desire to conquer the skies. The notion of taking off holds great significance, and it aptly applies to the young Berlin-based company that bears Lilienthal’s name. This company, resembling the distinguished aviator’s spirit, is soaring to new heights. Its initial distinguishing traits bear resemblances to numerous fashion watch imitations, yet possess their own unique flair. Read on for a review on their famous Zeitgeist.
Lilienthal Berlin Zeitgeist Automatik
Lilienthal Berlin is a renowned watchmaker that specializes in minimalist timepieces within the lifestyle industry. Their aim is to break away from the conventional and outdated reputation often associated with watch manufacturers, striving to attract a fresh customer base. However, they offer much more than meets the eye. Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that Lilienthal Berlin is a truly authentic watch brand, prioritizing the highest standards of quality. Setting themselves apart from the norm, their watches are not simply designed and produced in Asia; rather, they are meticulously crafted in Germany. Moreover, their product range is distinctively unique, avoiding the cookie-cutter approach commonly found elsewhere. The price alone hints at Lilienthal Berlin’s aspiration to compete in a league of its own.
Among their captivating collection, the Zeitgeist Automatik captures my attention the most. This extraordinary timepiece from the esteemed Berlin-based manufacturer stands out due to its exceptional versatility, award-winning design, and remarkable technical specifications that I have rarely encountered in the lifestyle sector. Consequently, today we embark on an in-depth exploration of the Zeitgeist, specifically in its striking “All Black” design, to assess its capabilities thoroughly.
First impressions
The sleek and understated packaging of Lilienthal Berlin bears only their distinctive seal, mirroring the watch’s minimalist essence. Tucked beneath a pile of postcards and care instructions lies the Zeitgeist, its true essence veiled. Accompanying this timepiece is an elegantly designed personal certificate and detailed guidelines for strap replacement and watch adjustment. Extraneous embellishments are absent, directing all attention to the watch itself.
Upon first glance, what captures my attention is the Zeitgeist’s commendable size, defying expectations. While most fashion watches adhere to a diameter of 36-39 millimeters, Lilienthal boldly presents their timepiece with a generous 42.5 millimeters! Personally, I find great appeal in such larger dimensions, and remarkably, the Zeitgeist remains poised on the wrist without appearing oversized. This achievement can be attributed to its restrained design. The talented designers at the Berlin watch manufacturer have skillfully eliminated all superfluous elements, allowing me to offer a tangible example. The crown, once protruding, now seamlessly integrates into the case. Both the case itself and the dial exhibit a purposeful reduction to the essentials, showcasing the designers’ mastery.
As for my own Zeitgeist Automatik, the All Black rendition accompanies a black mesh strap, perfectly harmonizing with its aesthetic. Additionally, Lilienthal Berlin thoughtfully included three leather straps in dark brown, light brown, and gray. However, I will delve further into these details shortly.
A closer look
The watch’s case is crafted from 316L stainless steel and distinguishes itself from typical fashion watches by being screw-mounted. Its matte, sandblasted surfaces exhibit impeccable finishing and offer a satisfying tactile experience when held. The design exudes remarkable clarity and simplicity, which contributes to its inherent beauty. Personally, I find the crown to be a hidden highlight, seamlessly integrated into the case while adhering to the clean lines. This integration serves a functional purpose as well, as the crown, despite its size, never interferes with wrist movements and avoids contact with the back of the hand. Additionally, the 42.5 millimeter case diameter stands out distinctly from the prevailing norm.
Lilienthal Berlin places great emphasis on maintaining high standards of quality. Accordingly, they make a praiseworthy choice of materials for the watch glass. The black dial is safeguarded by a sapphire crystal, which surpasses the commonly used mineral crystal found in many Asian models. This selection ensures exceptional durability and a certain level of resistance to everyday scratches.
The Zeitgeist watch from Lilienthal Berlin has a water-resistant rating of up to 5 bar, which means it can theoretically withstand diving up to 50 meters deep. However, I would exercise caution and avoid taking such risks. Nevertheless, you can confidently wear the Zeitgeist in the shower or while swimming, thanks to its screwed-together case back.
The movement
When it comes to the case back, the Zeitgeist showcases its playful nature while staying within appropriate limits. However, if you were only familiar with the front side, the case back might catch you off guard. Lilienthal has ingeniously incorporated a window that offers a glimpse of the movement within. This movement is a Swiss caliber, specifically the SW200 by Sellita, boasting 26 jewels and a power reserve of 38 hours. Renowned for its durability, the Swiss caliber ensures smooth and precise movements with its 26 jewels. It maintains an impressive rate accuracy of approximately +/- 12 seconds per day.
Lilienthal Berlin has added a dark galvanized rotor to improve the visual appeal of the movement. This feature is specifically designed for the All Black version. The seamless integration of the glass bottom is also a remarkable achievement in my opinion, serving as yet another captivating feature of this automatic watch.
The dial
The Zeitgeist Automatik has achieved a remarkable feat by consecutively winning the prestigious German Design Award in 2020 for the third time. One of the key contributors to this achievement is the dial, which serves as the central design element. Notably, the dial exhibits a tasteful and uncluttered approach without any overwhelming design elements. Its galvanized, matt blasted surface imparts an exclusive and even luxurious appearance to the watch. Furthermore, the design incorporates a three-dimensional element, as a circular trench elegantly traverses the dial, adding depth and enhancing its overall aesthetic.
Even upon closer examination, the precision and cleanliness of the printing are remarkable, a quality that is not always guaranteed. Nevertheless, the Zeitgeist Automatik surpasses this quality test effortlessly. Additionally, discreet lettering, a subtle light blue second hand, and the distinctive Lilienthal Berlin logo adorn the dial, further contributing to its charm.
The bracelet
The mesh bracelet presents itself splendidly, adorned with a black buckle engraved with the manufacturer’s distinctive mark. Its quality is commendable, as it exhibits durability that instills confidence. However, when it comes to comfort, nothing surpasses a leather bracelet. One notable feature of the Zeitgeist timepiece is its quick change system. Since the bracelets are not fully integrated, switching between them can be effortlessly accomplished within seconds, without requiring any tools.
Final thoughts
Lilienthal Berlin has skillfully struck a balance, making their product captivating even for those who have had minimal exposure to watches. The Berlin-based manufacturer captures the essence of the youthful generation, who view watches as fashion accessories that enhance their personal style.
Regardless of the occasion—be it a typical workday, a special celebration, or a casual barbecue—the Zeitgeist Automatik seamlessly adapts to every setting and complements any ensemble. In addition, Lilienthal Berlin prioritizes quality, incorporating premium materials and a robust movement that exceeds the standards set by conventional fashion brands.
Moreover, the price-performance ratio is commendable. One need not immediately invest in a high-end, four-figure range to sport a timepiece of excellence. Nevertheless, the price reflects the notable disparity in quality when compared to other fashion brands. Overall, the Zeitgeist Automatik offers an exceptional package, providing great value for money.
No comments yet.