A. Lange & Sohne – ODYSSEUS Chronograph Edition

A. Lange & Sohne – ODYSSEUS Chronograph DATOMATIC® Edition 2023

 ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH
The first A. Lange & Söhne self-winding chronograph

Four years ago, with the ODYSSEUS, the A. Lange & Söhne watchmakers launched their first sporty-elegant timepiece, showcasing a unique design and a customised, exquisitely finished movement. Now, the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH is the sequel to the success story of this watch family. The newly developed L156.1 calibre encased in stainless steel premieres: it is the first A. Lange & Söhne self-winding chronograph movement. 

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Thanks to its innovative and dynamic function that resets the chronograph hands to zero, this timepiece is proof that the Saxon manufactory dauntlessly explores new avenues and advances the development of precision watchmaking. Given its horological intricacy, the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH comes in a limited edition of 100 watches.

New horizons in design and function

The A. Lange & Söhne watchmakers continue to break new ground. In 2019, they redefined the category of sporty-elegant watches with the launch of the ODYSSEUS. They ventured into uncharted territory in several respects. One of them was the development of an individual movement, customised for the novel applications ‒ the L155.1 DATOMATIC calibre.

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Secondly, they struck a new and distinctive path when it came to designing the ODYSSEUS: its contemporary appearance is based on openness, lightness and the prominent features. Its narrow bezel allowed for a comparatively large dial. Together with the lancet-shaped hands and the typical Lange displays for the date and day of week, it assures excellent legibility.

The challenge of a manufacture movement

With the youngest member of the ODYSSEUS watch family, A. Lange & Söhne once again forayed into unknown territory, thus underscoring its expertise in the area of short-time measurement. To this day, designing and building a chronograph calibre is considered to be one of the greatest challenges in precision watchmaking. 

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Only a few manufacturers possess the knowledge and ability to develop and craft a similarly complex movement. With a total of 13 manufacture movements, chronographs have been among the most coveted A. Lange & Söhne models since 1999.

“The ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH transports the contemporary and one-of-a-kind design of the watch family to a new technical dimension. It meets all the requirements of a stopwatch suitable for many fields of application, without relinquishing the hallmarks of Lange precision watchmaking,” says Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development.

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To retain the characteristic dial design of the ODYSSEUS, the manufactory developed a customised movement that positions both chronograph hands in the centre, the minute counter with a lozenge-shaped tip as well as the red chrono seconds hand. As a consequence, the totalisers, which are conventionally arranged at 3 and 9 o’clock, could be dispensed with, and the style-defining positions of the outsize date and day of the week could be maintained. 

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Owing to the expansion of the measuring range from 30 to 60 minutes, the Lange developers succeeded in introducing new fields of application for the chronograph. Additionally, it is endowed with an innovative, dynamic reset-to-zero function. When the reset-to-zero button at 4 o’clock is actuated after a time measurement, a short but impressive spectacle ensues: while the minute counter jumps back to its starting position in the conventional way, the red chrono seconds hand covers the entire distance travelled beforehand within a fraction of a second ‒ one full revolution for each measured minute. 

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If the minute counter has not reached the 30-minute mark yet, the two hands move anti-clockwise. If the minute counter has passed the 30-minute mark, both hands will advance to zero clockwise. At high speed, the chrono seconds hand performs a full revolution for every minute required to reach the full hour.

Dual-function button

To assure safe and easy operation of the chronograph, the Lange product developers equipped the specially sealed, tapered buttons with a novel dual function. 

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In the normal position of the screw-down crown, the buttons at 2 and 4 o’clock are used to operate the chronograph functions: start, stop and reset to zero. When the crown is pulled, the date and day of the week can be corrected with a newly developed mechanism.

A distinctive design

The ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH takes centre stage in a three-part stainless-steel case with a diameter of 42.5 millimetres that withstands a test pressure of 12 bar and is robust enough to accompany its wearer even during sports and leisure activities. As with the other members of the watch family, the surfaces are matted and the edges are accentuated with a chamfer: the combination of brushed surfaces and chamfered edges creates an impressive play of light and is echoed on the lugs and links of the solid stainless-steel bracelet.

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The chronograph, which is limited to 100 watches, is equipped with a dial whose special architecture creates an illusion of depth ‒ a feature shared by the previous ODYSSEUS models. The inner surface of the black main dial boasts a textured surface, the notched baton appliques made of white gold and the subsidiary seconds scale are underlaid with concentric circles. A palladium-coloured flange ring with a printed two-part minute scale frames the dial. 

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The scale for the fractions of a second is positioned on the outer circumference, while the scale for minutes and seconds is arranged further inside. Printed in red, the number 60 at 12 o’clock and the red chrono seconds hand accentuate the equally elegant and dynamic appearance of the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH. The typical Lange lancet-shaped hour and minute hands, which are slightly more prominent in the watches of the ODYSSEUS family, contrast well against the background. They are luminous as well as the inner surfaces of the baton appliques.

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The large displays for the date and the day of week also contribute to the timepiece’s distinctive appearance. The modern, digital aesthetics are inspired by a masterpiece of historic Saxon watchmaking artistry that is closely connected with the A. Lange & Söhne history: the Five-Minute Clock in the Dresden Semper Opera. To mark the opening of the Opera House in 1841, the famous stage clock ‒ uncommon for that period, it displayed the time digitally ‒ was created by Court Clockmaker Johann Christian Friedrich Gutkaes. He was both apprentice master and father-in-law to Ferdinand Adolph Lange, the founding father of Glashütte precision watchmaking.

The proprietary path to perfection

The L156.1 DATOMATIC calibre ‒ the manufactory’s first self-winding chronograph movement ‒ powers the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH. The attribute DATOMATIC is derived from the words “date” and “automatic”. A skeletonised and partially black-rhodiumed central rotor with a centrifugal mass in 950 platinum assures efficient winding. When fully wound, the mainspring barrel delivers a maximum power reserve of 50 hours. The oscillation system is designed to ensure optimum rate accuracy. To this end, the balance, which beats at a frequency of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 hertz), was suspended beneath the balance bridge; it is hand-engraved with a stylised wave pattern alluding to the water resistance of the watch and the possible applications in sports settings.

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The A. Lange & Söhne watchmakers have always cut their own path in crafting and finishing their movements. Thus, the L156.1 DATOMATIC calibre is also assembled twice to ensure maximum precision. Many unique, traditional elements are incorporated, for example bridges and plates made of untreated German silver, the hand-engraved balance bridge or the gold chatons secured by blued screws. Additionally, all components, even those that are no longer visible once the movement is fully assembled, are, for the greater part, elaborately finished by hand. This can be admired through the sapphire-crystal caseback.

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“The ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH symbolises the pioneering spirit of the manufactory, to explore previously undiscovered fields, to overcome obstacles and to implement innovative technical solutions,” says Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid. “Inventiveness and creativity, two A. Lange & Söhne key areas of expertise, will continue to break the mould in traditional precision watchmaking.”

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Technical Specifications

Model: ODYSSEUS Chronograph DATOMATIC® Edition

Ref. 463.178 / LSLS4635BA

Movement
Lange manufacture calibre L156.1 DATOMATIC® ,
self-winding, crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards,
decorated and assembled by hand; precision-adjusted in five positions; 
unidirectionally winding central rotor with 950 platinum centrifugal mass; 
balance bridge engraved by hand

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Diameter: 32.9 millimetres; height: 6.2 millimetres
Movement parts: 516
Jewels: 31
Screwed gold chatons: 1
Escapement: Lever escapement
Oscillation system: Shock-resistant cam-poised balance with four poising screws,
superior-quality balance spring manufactured in-house,
frequency 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 hertz), precision
beat adjustment system with cam and whiplash spring
Power reserve: 50 hours when fully wound
Complications: Outsize date, chronograph, zero reset, day-of-week display
Functions:
Time indicated in hours, minutes, and subsidiary seconds with stop seconds; date and day-of-week displays; Chronograph
Operating elements: Screw-down crown for winding the watch and setting the time
Case
Case: Steel
Diameter: 42.5 millimetres; height: 14.2 millimetres
Distance between horns: 26 millimetres
Water resistance: To 12 bar (120 metres)
Dial
Black
Hands and appliques: White gold; baton markers, hour and minute luminous
Crystal and caseback: Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9)
Bracelet
Stainless steel
Clasp: Stainless steel safety deployant buckle with precision length adjustment mechanism

🔰 Limited edition ✅100 watches, engraved edition number

🔴 Price: in excess of  EUR 55,000 💰

 

| #AlangeSoehne | #LangeODYSSEUS | #ODYSSEUSсhronograph  | #DATOMATIC | #Higheststandards | #GiveTime |#LangeQualityStandards / #175yearsGlashuette | #Finewatchmaking |

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Press enquiries
Arnd Einhorn, Head of Corporate Communications & Product PR

* Tel.: +49 (0)35053 -440- +49 (0) 44-5505
* E-mail: presse@lange-soehne.com
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A. Lange & Sohne – Shining Masterpieces

 

A. Lange & Söhne – Shining Masterpieces

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Shining masterpieces

When the year draws to a close, a special time begins. These are days that are filled with magic. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends and create memories that will stay with us into the coming year and beyond. 

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Giving loved ones something that brings them joy is the best part of the festive period. A watch from A. Lange & Söhne expresses the heartfelt appreciation for our most valuable asset – time spent together.

1815 RATTRAPANTE – capturing the moment

It is by nature that even the most beautiful moments are fleeting. By reflecting on moments experienced together, we can preserve them with all their facets as memories. The 1815 RATTRAPANTE helps us keep in touch with time. 

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This special chronograph variant combines moments by measuring their duration or adding up time intervals. 

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It allows any number of intermediate times to be measured within one minute and features two stopwatch hands on top of each other – the chrono seconds hand and the rattrapante seconds hand. 

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As the eye follows their precise movements or complex switching processes, timekeeping becomes an experience in itself.

The 1815 RATTRAPANTE in platinum

This year, A. Lange & Söhne is realising the 1815 RATTRAPANTE in an elegant platinum case. Limited to just 200 watches worldwide due to the high level of watchmaking craftmanship involved, the masterpiece is dedicated exclusively to its eponymous complication. 

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In their entirety, all 365 parts of the movement represent the perfection of simplicity that Ferdinand Adolph Lange, whose birth year provides the watch family with its name, once elevated to an art form. 

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To underscore the technical sophistication of manufacture calibre L101.2, the moving parts of the rattrapante chronograph are decorated with straight-line graining on the top, while the circumferential chamfers of these components are polished. This allows the 1815 RATTRAPANTE to add some sparkle to those festive moments.

LANGE 1 TIME ZONE – at home all over the world

Even if we enjoy reflective moments in close company, the time will come when we will be drawn back to distant places. The LANGE 1 TIME ZONE is the perfect companion for this, as the sophisticated timepiece brings 24 time zones to the wearer’s wrist. 

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It not only allows one to tell the time at home and in another time zone, but it also shows whether it is day or night and summer or standard time there.

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The bright argenté dial features functional elegance and a well-conceived design. The larger sub-dial shows the time at home and is combined with the outsize date. The smaller sub-dial displays a second time zone, which is selected in increments of the hour using the circumferential city ring showing all 24 time zones from west to east. 

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Pressing the time zone button 24 times is equivalent to travelling around the world. The LANGE 1 TIME ZONE is as precise as it is stylish for travelling in the coming year and beyond. 

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The pink-gold version also wraps itself in a warm glow that is also appropriate for the upcoming festivities.

The LANGE 1 TIME ZONE in pink gold

With their sophisticated details, the 1815 RATTRAPANTE and LANGE 1 TIME ZONE capture the precious nature of the moment and the anticipation for unforgettable moments in the future. 

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In times when so many things are constantly changing, masterpieces from A. Lange & Söhne retain their radiance and beauty.

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#Alangesoehne | #1815tourbograph | #Lange1 | #Lange1timezone | #Lange1815 | #1815rattrapante | #higheststandards | #timetoshine| #175yearsglashuette | #finewatchmaking |
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Press Release - 2022
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Contact information for the media
Arnd Einhorn, Director Press and PR
* Tel.: +49 (0)35053 44-5505
* E-mail: presse@lange-soehne.com
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A. Lange & Sohne – ZEITWERK 2022

 

A. Lange & Sohne – ZEITWERK Platinum and Gold - 2022

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The new ZEITWERK
The second generation of the digital watch with a mechanical heart

A. Lange & Söhne presents two new versions of the award-winning mechanical digital watch in platinum and pink gold. Thanks to the evolved calibre L043.6, the exceptional timepiece now has a power reserve doubled to 72 hours and offers even greater convenience. The revolutionary design concept has been subtly reworked as well, enhancing its expressive style. Even though the minute-by-minute progression of the large jumping numerals may seem to be moved by magic, it is precisely controlled by a reliable calibre with seven patents.

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In 2009, A. Lange & Söhne presented the first ZEITWERK to the amazement of the world of horology. The unprecedented wristwatch concept features large jumping numerals for the hours and minutes as well as a constant-force escapement as a beat controller. To this very date, the clear, avant-garde display of time is peerless. It underscores the manufactory’s ambition to constantly redefine the limits of technical feasibility. 

 

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Company founder Walter Lange repeatedly urged the need “to never stand still”. Following this maxim, the watchmakers at A. Lange & Söhne regularly question conventional concepts and pursue new innovative approaches to promote the development of precision watchmaking.

Historic inspiration: from the five-minute to the one-minute rhythm

This innovative approach is closely intertwined with the tradition of our manufactory. For the ZEITWERK, the master watchmakers at A. Lange & Söhne took their inspiration from the famous five-minute clock at the Semper Opera House in Dresden. At the time, court clockmaker Johann Christian Friedrich Gutkaes was commissioned to create it. He was asked to develop a time display that would be easily legible even from the rearmost seats. 

 

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 It was a challenge that forced Gutkaes to rethink the assignment. Contrary to all large-format clocks with hands, he opted for a revolutionary solution: a clock that displayed the time digitally in five-minute steps. In 1841, he completed the five-minute clock with his co-worker Ferdinand Adolph Lange.

 

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The unusual idea behind this clock was transposed to the ZEITWERK, even though it switches five times more often than its source of inspiration, namely once per full minute.

Hours and minutes at a glance

The ZEITWERK has a patented mechanism with three jumping numeral discs that make a glance at the watch a special experience. The hours and minutes are displayed from left to right by large-format numerals that are 2.9 millimetres high and 2.3 millimetres wide. The harmonious arrangement on the curved time bridge and the size of the displays ensure superb legibility. 

 

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Additionally, this aesthetically original and technically elaborate display endows the dial with vibrancy and verve because the underlying mechanism switches the three numeral discs – one displays the hours, the other two display the units and the tens digits of the minutes – within fractions of a second. 

 

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The most exciting event happens at the top of the hour when all three numeral discs are simultaneously advanced by one increment. With this precise choreography, the moment becomes the event.

Mechanically digital: a contemporary complication

To create this lucid and innovative display, Lange’s designers questioned the conventional principles and rules of precision watchmaking afresh. This was necessary, because the challenge of fitting the mechanism in the limited dimensions of a wristwatch and at the same time providing enough energy to produce the synchronised switching steps was enormous.

 

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 Some key figures make this impressively clear: For instance, the hour ring with a diameter of 30.0 millimetres extends to the outer circumference of the movement. In addition, there are two discs – the tens-minute and units-minute discs. 

 

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Their diameters are 19.0 and 12.7 millimetres, respectively. Both discs are separated by a height difference of merely 0.2 millimetres, which calls for highly precise settings by the watchmaker.

 

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“To switch the discs of the jumping numerals mechanism to forward on time every minute, the movement requires much more energy than a classic time display,” explains Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development. “Not only are the numeral discs very heavy by watchmaking standards, but they also have to be quickly accelerated and braked again. This calls for considerably higher forces than the uniform rotation of a pair of hands of much less weight. The greatest amount of energy is needed at the top of the hour when the movement advances all three discs at the same time.”

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Also, the incremental step must be executed precisely after 60 seconds. This challenging operation is handled by the patented constant-force escapement. As a multitalented device, it even makes a further contribution: It assures that the movement is also powered by a uniform amount of force; this benefits rate stability.

The calibre L043.6 – the second generation of a mechanical masterpiece

While these challenges were already intelligently mastered by the first-generation ZEITWERK, the new generation goes a step further with the refined calibre L043.6.

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Thanks to a patented barrel design with two mainsprings, it was possible to double the power reserve from 36 to 72 hours. Or, to express it with other numbers: When fully wound, the ZEITWERK now has sufficient energy to perform 4,320 minute jumps or, more precisely, 72 jumps with all three discs, 360 jumps with only two discs, and 3,888 jumps with only one disc. 

 

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Another improvement versus the predecessor model is the simplified setting of the hour. A pusher at four o’clock can now separately advance the display, which is particularly useful when the time zone changes during a trip. The pusher is an inverted type: Nothing happens when it is pressed but the display switches forward when the pusher is released.

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The integration of a pusher for correcting the hour indication, first introduced in the ZEITWERK DATE, required considerable constructional effort. To enable the correction independently of the switching cycles of the time indication, a patented vertical clutch uncouples the hour ring from the jumping numerals mechanism each time the pusher is pressed. The setting of the minute indication in both directions is still performed with the crown at two o’clock.

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In its second generation, the ZEITWERK also features an oscillation system with its own balance spring and patented beat-adjustment system. It oscillates with a frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour (2.5 hertz). 

 

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As with all of the manufactory’s calibres, the artisanal finissage of the 451-part movement complies with the most ambitious Lange standards. With a glance through the sapphire-crystal caseback, connoisseurs can admire the hand-engraved balance and escape-wheel cocks, the solarised winding wheels, the 59 jewels, and the intricate, straight-grained remontoir bridge that accommodates two recessed, screwed gold chatons.

Inimitable – in design as well

Watch enthusiasts often refer to the dial as the face of a timepiece. It not only reflects the designers’ aesthetic perceptions but also the skills of the movement engineers. This applies in particular to the ZEITWERK: Its innovative technical concept is expressed by progressive design.

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The most prominent element is the time bridge made of German silver. The material, traditionally used by A. Lange & Söhne for frame parts such as bridges and cocks, makes it clear that it is an integral component of the movement. In the new ZEITWERK, it was subtly reworked to make more room for the subsidiary seconds dial at six o’clock. 

 

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In the scale of the power-reserve indicator on the opposite side, harmoniously positioned above the round of the time bridge, the last twelve hours are now marked in red to clearly indicate that the tension of the mainsprings is gradually waning.

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The sapphire bearing jewel for the ones- and tens-minute ring to the left of the two indications is a refined detail that also builds a bridge to the movement. In most cases, rubies are used for bearing jewels, but in this case, Lange’s watchmakers chose this colourless, transparent precious stone for aesthetic reasons.

Two noble colour variations

The new ZEITWERK has a case diameter of 41.9 millimetres and a height of 12.2 millimetres. It is available in two versions. It comes in pink gold with a black dial and a time bridge made of untreated German silver. The platinum edition has a rhodié dial made of solid silver. 

 

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The time bridge is black rhodiumed. Colour-matched hands round out the harmonious design. The pink-gold model has a black alligator leather strap while the platinum version is paired with a dark-brown alligator leather strap.

 

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Technical Specifications

 

Model: A. Lange & Söhne – ZEITWERK 

Movement
Lange manufacture calibre L043.6, 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 and escape-wheel cocks engraved by hand; minute jump via constant-force escapement
Movement parts: 451
Jewels: 61
Screwed gold chatons: 2
Escapement: Lever escapement
Oscillation system: Shock-resistant cam-poised balance; superior-quality balance spring manufactured in-house with patented balance spring clamp, frequency 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour, precision beat-adjustment system with lateral setscrew and whiplash spring
Power reserve: 72 hours when fully wound
Movement dimensions
Diameter: 33.6 millimetres; height: 8.9 millimetres
Functions
Time indicated in hours and minutes with jumping numerals; subsidiary seconds with stop seconds; power-reserve indicator
Operating elements
Crown for winding the watch and setting the time; pusher for rapid correction of the hour indication
Case
Diameter: 41.9 millimetres
Height: 12.2 millimetres
Crystal and caseback
Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9)
Material

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• Ref. 142.025: 950 platinum
• Ref. 142.031: 18-carat Pink Gold

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Dial
Ref. 142.025: Solid silver, rhodié
Ref. 142.031: Solid silver, black
Hands
Ref. 142.025: White gold
Ref. 142.031: Pink gold
Strap
Ref. 142.025: Hand-stitched alligator leather, dark brown
Ref. 142.031: Hand-stitched alligator leather, black
Buckle
Ref. 142.025: Prong buckle in 950 platinum
Ref. 142.031: Prong buckle in 18-carat pink gold

 

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Press Release - 2022
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Press enquiries
Arnd Einhorn, Head of Corporate Communications & Product PR

* Tel.: +49 (0)35053 -440- +49 (0) 44-5505
* E-mail: presse@lange-soehne.com
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