A. Lange & Söhne – ZEITWERK Minute Repeater the perfect sound of time

A. Lange & Söhne – ZEITWERK Minute Repeater the perfect sound of time

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO

The perfect sound of time

The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER is the first mechanical watch that pairs a jumping numerals display with a decimal minute repeater. But it is not just an amazing horological work of art: it is also a fine-tuned mechanical musical instrument for the wrist. The first few of these watches are now being delivered to select showrooms.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO

Musical instruments have been crafted in Saxony for centuries, especially around the town of Markneukirchen in the Vogtlandkreis district, where more than 100 workshops still uphold this tradition today. By definition, an exceptional music experience is based on purity of sound. Just like master instrument makers, the product developers at A. Lange & Söhne are keen on achieving perfect sonority, for instance in the new ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO

In a chiming watch, as in musical instruments, the physical laws that govern acoustic phenomena are key to achieving sounds of superior quality and reverberant volume. The case material, the size and shape of the gongs, the way they are secured to the movement, the number of moving parts – every detail counts. Special measuring technologies and a musically trained ear are essential in the development of a minute repeater for optimising the individual acoustic parameters down to the finest of nuances. It begins with loudness.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO

The volume of the sound must be perceptible but not overbearing. Its fullness and purity must be compelling to the connoisseur. The rhythm and cadence of the sounds should express pleasant musicality. 

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO

The gongs must harmonize perfectly with one another. All the while, any chatter of the striking mechanism must be reduced to the absolute minimum. It was a formidable challenge for Lange's product developers to fulfil all of these criteria.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO

But even during the assembly of the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER, the watchmakers must perform numerous adjustments.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO

As is commonplace for high-end musical instruments, the gongs are tuned exclusively by hand until they thoroughly harmonise with each other. In the end, they both sound full and pure – so the future owners of one of these masterpieces can look forward to a splendid experience in sonority.

 -----------------------------------------------------------
Technical Specifications

Model:  ZEITWERK Minute Repeater
Ref: 147.025F

Movement 
Lange manufacture calibre L043.5;
Manually wound, crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards,
decorated and assembled by hand; precision-adjusted in five positions;
three quarter plate made of untreated German silver;
balance cock engraved by hand; constant-force escapement
Movement dimensions:
Diameter: 37.7 millimetres; height: 10.9 millimetres
Movement parts: 771
Jewels: 93
Screwed gold chatons: 3
Escapement: Lever escapement
Oscillator: 
Shock-resistant balance wheel with eccentric poising weights;
balance spring manufactured in-house, frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour;
precision beat adjustment system with lateral setscrew and whiplash spring
Power reserve: 36 hours when fully wound if the striking mechanism is not activated
Functions 
Time display in hours and minutes with precisely jumping numeral discs,
subsidiary seconds with stop seconds, power reserve indicator,
striking mechanism with decimal minute repeater
Operating elements 
Crown for winding the watch and setting the time; pusher for activating the striking mechanism
Case 
Platinum
Diameter: 44.2 millimetres; height: 14.1 millimetres
Crystal and back: Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9) 
Dial 
Solid silver, rhodié
Time Bridge: Black rhodiumed German silver
Hand: Rhodiumed gold 
Strap 
Hand-stitched alligator leather strap, black
Buckle: Lange deployant buckle in platinum
-------------------------------------------
Contact information for the media
Arnd Einhorn, Director Press and PR
* Tel.: +49 (0)35053 44 5505
* E-mail: presse@lange-soehne.com
------------------------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Lange&Soehne
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.Alange & Soehne.com