Showing posts with label A. Lange & Sohne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A. Lange & Sohne. Show all posts

Monday, April 14, 2025

A. Lange & Sohne – SAXONIA Minute Repeater Perpetual in Platinum Edition

 

A. Lange & SohneSAXONIA Minute Repeater Perpetual Platinum Edition - 2025

Crystal-clear sound for perpetuity

A. Lange & Söhne incorporated two of the most sophisticated horological complications in the Minute Repeater Perpetual. A newly developed, manually wound movement breathes life into this rare and ambitious combination of a minute repeater with a perpetual calendar. The elaborately, artisanally finished timepiece boasting an enamel dial crafted in-house comes in a 950 platinum edition, limited to 50 pieces.

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With the Minute Repeater Perpetual, A. Lange & Söhne once again launches a watch with a minute repeater, this time pairing it with a perpetual calendar. Each one of these complications alone represents a technical feat in itself, the combination of the two, however, poses an even greater challenge. This holds true for the engineers as well as the watchmakers, since the precise tuning and harmonising of all the mechanisms requires a superior degree of technical expertise and craftsmanship.

Classic minute repeater with special features 

When the slide integrated into the left-hand case flank is actuated, the chiming mechanism strikes the hours, sounding at a low pitch, the quarter hours with a double tone, and the minutes that have elapsed since the last quarter hour with a higher-pitched tone.

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The impressive duet delivered by two differently tuned gongs comprises a repertoire of 720 different sequences – one for every minute in the twelve-hour cycle. The sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the orchestrated movements of the gong hammers and the gongs, resulting in their melodious sound. An ingenious system of precisely choreographed racks, snails, levers, and wheels controls the 194-part mechanism. 

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To optimise the operation and functionality of the classic minute repeater, the striking mechanism was enhanced with further intricate devices, among these the pause elimination feature. It skips the pause between the hour and minute strike when no double tone must be struck for the quarter hours in the first 14 minutes after the top of the hour. To prevent damage to the chiming mechanism, it was also equipped with a safety device so that the minute repeater cannot be activated while the crown is pulled. Consequently, the crown cannot be pulled when the chiming mechanism is active.

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Finally, the patented hammer blocker causes the hammers to dwell in their home position for a fraction of a second after the gongs have been struck. Thus, the re-bounding hammers cannot bounce and strike the gongs again.

The art of crystal-clear sound

Just like all Lange watches with a striking mechanism, the Minute Repeater Perpetual is designed to superb acoustic quality standards and has a unique timbre. A lucid, clear, and reverberant sound is assured by the hand-tuned gongs that harmonise perfectly with the acoustic characteristics of platinum, the case material.

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The completion of a minute repeater is highly elaborate; it also calls for acute hearing and extreme dexterity. All components are carefully harmonised with one another by a Lange master watchmaker. This requires adapting, multiple disassemblies, reworking, reassembly and finally testing. As far as the hammers are concerned, the key issues are material, shape, size, weight, and hardness – and above all, just like with a piano, strike.

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Thanks to the development of a new movement, we were able to work towards a perfect sound experience, right from the start ‒ just like with our other models featuring a striking mechanism: the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater, the Richard Lange Minute Repeater or the Grand Complication. Combined with the acoustic properties of platinum, we succeeded in achieving a singular sonority and intensity of sound,” explains Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development at A. Lange & Söhne.

Perpetual calendar with Lange outsize date

While the minute repeater chimes the time in the here and now, the technical virtuosity of the perpetual calendar will persist into the distant future. Across decades, the mechanism will assure the precise display of the date, day of the week and month, even taking into account the leap years. The calendar indications must only be corrected by one day but not until 1 March 2100; according to the rules of the Gregorian calendar, the leap year will then be skipped. 

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This also applies to the moon-phase display that so closely emulates the duration of the synodic orbit of the earth’s satellite that it would take 122.6 years for the display to be corrected by one day. The mechanism is highly sophisticated yet excels with its ease of operation: in typical Lange manner, all calendar indications can jointly be advanced with one single corrector.

An eye-catching detail of the timepiece ‒ the enamel dial

The technical sophistication of this multiple-complication watch is reflected in the high-quality artisanship of the four-part dial. Made of white gold and filled with black enamel, it is crafted in the A. Lange & Söhne manufacture in a time-consuming procedure.

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The immaculate, glossy black surface offers the displays and the characteristic Lange outsize date an elegant stage, providing a contrasting backdrop, thus assuring excellent legibility. The subsidiary dial at 9 o’clock accommodates the day-of-week and the 24-hour displays while a second one located at 3 o’clock is graced by the month and leap-year indications. A third subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock showcases the small seconds and the moon-phase display: both moons in 750 gold are surrounded by more than 100 hand-engraved stars.

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This exceptional timepiece exhibits a further salient detail: all four dial sections are embellished with a circular lesene, a fine border in white gold. On the main dial, it runs between the outsize date and the Roman numerals; on the subsidiary dials, the lesenes separate the inner display sections from the outer ones.

Artisanally finished new manufacture calibre

The sapphire-crystal caseback provides fascinating insights into the technical complexity and the high degree of artisanal finishing of the newly developed Lange manufacture calibre L122.2.

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Whether clearly visible or concealed, all 640 parts of the manually wound movement address all expectations that are associated with A. Lange & Söhne’s craftsmanship. The aesthetic highlights include the balance cock that is engraved with a free-hand technique, with the whiplash spring mounted on top. The lateral setscrew assures the precision regulation of the interaction between the escapement and the oscillation system. The three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver is decorated with black-rhodiumed engravings. Four screwed gold chatons adorn its grained surface.

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Whereas the greater part of the repeater and the perpetual calendar mechanisms lies concealed below the dial, the most important elements of the striking mechanism – the two manually bent gongs framing the movement and the two gong hammers – are resplendent in their beauty. The hammers provide an additional focal point: they are elaborately finished with black polish, a technique that involves a considerable amount of manual work.

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It ensures that incident light is reflected in merely one single direction. Viewed from one perspective only, the surface is jet black, yet seen from all other angles, it appears to have a mirror-like gloss. The barrel bridge, the centrifugal-governor bridge and the gong hammer bridges are adorned with solarisation, creating a visual entity. The most dynamic component of the movement, the centrifugal governor, is mounted in an overhung position, making it almost silent when operational. It rotates at a speed of more than 2,000 revolutions per minute when the striking mechanism is running. This guarantees the uniform cadence of the strikes.

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The Lange manufacture calibre is equipped with a screw balance and a freely oscillating balance spring crafted in-house. Decorated with solarisation, the mainspring barrel delivers a maximum power reserve of 72 hours.

With a case diameter of 40.5 millimetres and a height of 12.1 millimetres, the platinum Minute Repeater Perpetual is worn on a black, hand-stitched alligator leather strap with a deployant platinum buckle. Limited to 50 watches, the edition is exclusively available at select A. Lange & Söhne boutiques.

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Technical Specifications

Model:   SAXONIA Minute Repeater Perpetual Platinum Edition

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Reference: 607.091FE

Case
Material: 950 platinum
Diameter: 40.50 mm
Case back: sapphire glass
Water-resistant to 2 bar (20 metres)
Movement
Calibre L122.2
Manually wound movement 
Dimensions: Diameter: 30.0 millimetres; height: 7.6 millimetres
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
Frequency: 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour (3.0 Hz)
Number of parts: 640
Power reserve of 72 hours
Escapement:  Lever escapement
Oscillation: system
Shock-resistant screw balance; superior-quality balance spring
manufactured in-house, frequency 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour,
precision beat adjustment system with lateral setscrew and whiplash spring
Functions/Indications
Time indicated in hours and minutes, subsidiary seconds with stop seconds;
striking mechanism with minute repeater; perpetual calendar with displays for outsize date, day of week, 24-hour display, month and leap year; moon-phase display
Dial
750 Gold, black enamelled
Hands: 750 gold
Appliques: 750 gold, rhodiumed, Roman
Strap
Hand-stitched alligator leather, black
Buckle: Deployant buckle in 950 platinum


🔰Edition - ✅ Only ❱❱❱ 50 pieces, Edition number engraving

🔴Price: on Request 💰

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Press Release - 2025
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Press enquiries
Arnd Einhorn, Head of Global Corporate Communications & Product PR
Tel.: +49 (0) 35053 440 | Email: presse@lange-soehne.com
-------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Lange&Soehne
----------------------------------------------------
www.Alange & Soehne.com

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

A. Lange & Sohne – SAXONIA DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition”

 

A. Lange & SohneSAXONIA DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court EditionWhite Gold 2024

 Watch auctioned in support of The Prince's Trust
The DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” will be auctioned on 9 November 2024 in Geneva

From 30 August to 1 September 2024, the Concours of Elegance took place in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace near London, once again providing A. Lange & Söhne with a fitting stage to exhibit consummate masterpieces of Saxon watchmaking artistry. This year, the spotlight was on select chronographs, particularly the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition”. 

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The unique A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down "Hampton Court Edition" was introduced to the public at the A. Lange & Söhne booth at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace in late August 2024

On 9 November 2024, this unique timepiece, featuring an engraved hinged cuvette, will be auctioned in Geneva by the renowned auction house Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, with all proceeds supporting The Prince’s Trust.

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 Saxony precision watchmaking in an English country garden: A. Lange & Söhne’s presence at the Concours of Elegance 2024, where the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” attracted widespread interest

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It was truly a weekend of mechanical elegance. Once again, the magnificent gardens of Hampton Court Palace provided an impressive backdrop for this year’s Concours of Elegance, showcasing spectacular vintage cars. Sponsored by A. Lange & Söhne since 2018, this prestigious competition captivated the numerous spectators with about 60 rare and valuable automotive masterpieces, some making their debut appearance in Great Britain. The ceremonial highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Best-of-Show” award on Friday, which Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid presented to the owner of a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip. On Saturday, Schmid also honoured the winner in the category “Thirty Under 30” for a 1958 Austin Healey Supercharged Sprite.

 A unique piece of exquisite watchmaking artistry

The event offered not only a close-up experience of the history of the automobile in all its diversity but also a captivating display of horological excellence by A. Lange & Söhne. A selection of exclusive manufacture chronographs underscored the historical connection between timekeeping and motorsports. Thanks to their technical and aesthetic finesse, chronographs have been among the manufacture’s flagships since the launch of the DATOGRAPH 25 years ago. The highlight of A. Lange & Söhne's presence at this year's Concours was the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition”, a unique chronograph with a flyback function and precisely jumping minute counter, specially crafted for this occasion.

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For the first time, the one-of-a-kind watch unites a 750 white-gold case with a grey dial and black subsidiary dials. Beneath the hinged cuvette, engraved with the crest of the Concours of Elegance, lies the manually wound, 451-part L951.6 calibre, which breathes life into the watch. It is elaborately finished according to the superior standards of Lange artisanship and is assembled twice. 

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The sapphire-crystal caseback allows a view of the precisely orchestrated switching sequences, including the minute counter mechanism and the column wheel. The aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by signature elements of A. Lange & Söhne timepieces, such as the bridges made of untreated German silver, the hand-engraved balance cock with a whiplash precision index adjuster, and four screwed gold chatons, leaving a lasting impression.

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On 9 November 2024, the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition will be auctioned by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo in Geneva. All proceeds will go to The Prince’s Trust, including the buyer’s premium charged by the auction house. The mission of the UK-based youth charity under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III is to help young people to develop essential life skills, prepare for work and access employment opportunities.
 
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“Being part of the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace has become a special tradition for us, underscoring our passion for groundbreaking engineering and craftsmanship, as well as its significance for future generations,” says Wilhelm Schmid, A. Lange & Söhne CEO. “The masterpieces on wheels showcased here are born from the same pursuit of precision, originality and perfection as was once the case with our DATOGRAPH. As our manufacture’s very first proprietary chronograph movement, it has been an expressive symbol of our ambition to never stand still for 25 years. Our commitment to The Prince’s Trust also follows this philosophy. We hope that as many people as possible will take part in the auctioning of the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” and thus support the important work of the Trust.”

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

For more information on the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition,” please visit:
www.alange-soehne.com/auction

Information on participating in the auction can be found on the Phillips website:
Auction calendar: www.phillips.com/calendar
How to take part in the bidding: www.phillips.com/buysell/buy
Guideline: www.phillips.com/buysell/geneva/guide
 
Ref. 405.047 – 🔰Edition ✅ Only ❱❱❱ 1 Piece
 
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Press Release - 2024
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-------------------------------------------
Press enquiries
Arnd Einhorn, Head of Global Corporate Communications & Product PR
Tel.: +49 (0) 35053 440 | Email: presse@lange-soehne.com
-------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Lange&Soehne
----------------------------------------------------
www.Alange & Soehne.com

Friday, August 30, 2024

A. Lange & Sohne – SAXONIA DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST Yellow Gold Edition

 

A. Lange & SohneSAXONIA DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST 41mm Yellow Gold Edition 2024

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 A trailblazing chronograph ‒ supremely finished

Following the relaunch of the brand, A. Lange & Söhne presented their first chronograph, the DATOGRAPH, 25 years ago. In the latest model, the unique alliance of technical complexity and expressive design is enriched with further exceptional elements, created by the artisanal finishers’ hands. 

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The limited HANDWERKSKUNST edition boasts rare and exceedingly sophisticated dial and movement decorations.

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The DATOGRAPH has been a benchmark in chronograph construction since 1999. To commemorate its 25th anniversary, A. Lange & Söhne has presented two fascinating interpretations of this mechanical magnum opus: the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN in white gold with a blue dial and the DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL TOURBILLON HONEYGOLD “Lumen”.

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A rare composition of aesthetic details

The limited-edition DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST will be launched shortly ‒ a further highlight of the anniversary year. Exclusive decorations accord the unparalleled dial design of the original model an artistic and refined appearance. 

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Since 2011, the attribute “HANDWERKSKUNST” has been used to identify exclusive, special limited-edition watches whose dials and movements are adorned with particularly elaborate decorations. 

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Endless patience, ample experience, a keen eye, a steady hand as well as the absolute commitment to perfect every single detail ‒ these are the finishers’ and engravers’ prerequisites to raise the decorative opulence for which A. Lange & Söhne is renowned to an inordinately high level.

Tremblage engraving on the dial: magnificent artisanal virtuosity on small surfaces

The black-rhodiumed main dial as well as the rhodiumed, light-grey totalisers of the DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST feature an ornate tremblage engraving, resulting in a three-dimensional structure with subtle light reflexions. For this technique, the engraver uses a specially crafted lining burin to create a fine-grained surface. 

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The challenge presented here is to not only achieve a uniform texture on the smallest of planes but to simultaneously preserve certain dial elements such as the arch brand logo, the minutes and seconds graduations as well as the tachymeter scale. 

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Together with the subsidiary dials that were moved downwards slightly and the aperture for the outsize date, they remain clearly visible with their sculpted contours of the relief engraving and contrast crisply against the dark background. In a first step, the edges of the appliques and Roman numerals are chamfered and the surfaces are decorated with straight graining. In a second step that requires great diligence, they are placed on the dial. 

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The hands of this HANDWERKSKUNST edition showcase meticulously executed circumferential chamfers and straight graining.

Black polishing of the chronograph levers ‒ the apex of finissage

The artisanal virtuosity also manifests itself in every detail of the lavishly finished manufacture calibre L951.8. 

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For example, the finishers blackpolish the surfaces of the chronograph levers, a particularly time-consuming and rare technique: it ensures that incident light is reflected in merely one single direction. Viewed from this perspective only, the surface of the lever appears to be jet black, yet seen from all other angles, it has a mirror-like gloss. 

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Inspired by historic pocket watches, the granular surface of the bridges on the three-quarter plate made of German silver represents the design counterpart of the tremblage engraving of the dial. 
 
 
And last but not least, a glance through the sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the intricacy and mechanical beauty of the manually wound movement.

Hand-engraved balance cock with a vine motive

The manual engraving on the balance cock is the most distinctive design element. This minuscule yet lavishly decorated movement part with its special filigreed vine pattern sets the DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST apart. 

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Unlike a conventional Lange engraving where the pattern is cut into the material, for this piece the vine pattern is relief-engraved. Floral motives have a long-standing tradition at A. Lange & Söhne. They graced the first precision pocket watches dating back to the fledgling years of the manufacture in the 19th century. Hence, this calibre constitutes a significant example of the manufacture’s competence in chronograph construction as well as its artistic craftsmanship.

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The DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST is the eighth model of this special edition and features a yellow-gold case with a diameter of 41.0 millimetres and a height of 13.1 millimetres. Given the extraordinary amount of artisanal work involved, this masterpiece is limited to only 25 watches worldwide. 

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This timepiece is exclusively available at Lange boutiques. Towards the end of August 2024, it will make its debut at Watches & Wonders Shanghai 2024 and will also be shown during the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace near London, taking place at approximately the same time.

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 “With the DATOGRAPH, our engineers created a manufacture chronograph as early as 25 years ago that unites highly sophisticated functions with a balanced dial design,” explains Anthony de Haas, Director Product Development. “In the DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST, the artisanal perfection is raised to an even higher level. Be it at a glance at the dial or through the sapphire-crystal caseback – every perspective reveals fascinating details that are testament to the outstanding prowess of our engravers and finishers. Manually executed with the highest degree of precision, the decorations and finishing exhibit aesthetics that no machine in the whole world could possibly achieve.”

Online information | facebook.com/langesoehne 
| youtube.com/user/alangesoehne
instagram.com/alangesoehne  

| #alangesoehne | #langesaxonia | #datographhandwerkskunst | #25yearsdatograph | #athomeinunchartedterritories | #watchesandwonders2024

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

Model: SAXONIA DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST Yellow Gold  Edition

  Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

 Ref. 405.048F

Movement
Lange manufacture calibre L951.8
, manually wound,
crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards, decorated and assembled by hand;
precision-adjusted in five positions;
plates and bridges made of untreated German silver; balance cock engraved by hand
Movement dimensions
Diameter: 30.6 millimetres; height: 7.9 millimetres
No. of movement parts  426
No. of jewels  43
No. of screwed gold chatons 4

Escapement Lever escapement
Oscillation system
Shock-resistant balance with eccentric poising weights;
superior-quality 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 60 hours when fully wound
Functions
Time indicated in hours, minutes, and subsidiary seconds dial
with stop seconds; flyback chronograph with precisely jumping
minute counter; outsize date
Operating elements
Crown for winding the watch and setting the time; two
chronograph buttons, one button for rapid correction of the
outsize date
Case
750 yellow gold
Case dimensions
Diameter: 41.0 millimetres; height: 13.1 millimetres
Crystal and transparent caseback
Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9)
Dial
750 gold, main dial black-rhodiumed and tremblage-engraved;
totalisers rhodiumed and tremblage-engraved
Hands
Hour and minute hands: 750 gold; subsidiary seconds and
minute counter hands: steel, yellow gold-plated; chrono
seconds hand:steel, yellow gold-plated
Strap
Hand-stitched alligator leather, dark-brown, grey seam
Our alligator straps fully comply with the CITES regulations: Species – alligator mississippiensis. Extraction method – farmed. CITES Appendix – Appendix II
Buckle
Deployant buckle in 750 yellow gold

🔰Limited Edition  to only 25 watches, edition number engraving

🔴 Price: upon request 💰

-----------------------------
Press Release - 2024
----------------------------- 

-------------------------------------------
Press enquiries
Arnd Einhorn, Head of Global Corporate Communications & Product PR
Tel.: +49 (0) 35053 440 | Email: presse@lange-soehne.com
-------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Lange&Soehne
----------------------------------------------------
www.Alange & Soehne.com

Thursday, November 2, 2023

A. Lange & Sohne – ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HoneyGold Edition

A. Lange & Söhne – ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HoneyGold® 43mm Edition 2023

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A time-measuring instrument with an inimitable sound

The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER is the only mechanical wristwatch that combines a jumping numerals display with a decimal minute repeater. At the push of a button, it sounds the hours, ten-minute intervals and minutes. 

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A. Lange & Söhne now presents this technically exceptional timepiece in a limited 30-watch edition with a grey dial, crafted from Lange-exclusive honey gold (HONEYGOLD®) ‒ according the watch a singular sound.

The new ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD

With the launch of the platinum ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER in 2015, A. Lange & Söhne presented a totally new interpretation of the classic complication. Its technically highly sophisticated mechanism sounds the time on demand. Instead of the conventional quarter-hours, it chimes ten-minute intervals: thus, its unique sound format corresponds exactly to the mechanical-digital time as displayed. 

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As soon as the button at 10 o’clock is activated, a low-pitched tone is sounded for each elapsed hour, a double tone (high-pitched/low-pitched) for each elapsed ten-minute period, and a high-pitched tone for each elapsed minute. 

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At the illustrated time of 7:52 hrs, seven low-pitched tones, five double tones, and two high-pitched tones are struck. One hears what one sees. And sees what one hears.

Perfecting the sound

The acoustic time indication of the new ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD is endowed with an individual, expressive sound. Its unique sonority and acoustic characteristics are attributable to the honey-gold alloy of the case that serves as a resonant body. It produces a clear, reverberant sound, paired with a rich and warm timbre.

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Anthony de Haas, Director Product Development at A. Lange & Söhne, and a passionate drummer, explains: “Every minute repeater has its own, one-of-a-kind sound. Apart from the gongs and gong hammers, the case material has the greatest impact on the sound. Similar to a musical instrument, different tone colours and sound impressions are created, depending on the material used. That is also the case with our novelty in honey gold. It sounds different to all other materials ‒ truly distinctive.”

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“To attain this particular sound quality, all parameters are perfectly matched to one another,” elaborates Tino Bobe, Director Manufacture. “The gongs that are meticulously hand-tuned deliver a pure, resonant sound and harmonise with the sound characteristics of the Lange-exclusive case alloy. Additionally, all components are carefully tuned by one of our master watchmakers. This requires multiple disassembly, reworking, reassembly and finally, testing procedures. Much of the manufacturing time is thus dedicated to perfecting the sound: to complete such a watch calls for acute hearing and extreme dexterity.”

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

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The elaborate polishing of the gongs and blackpolishing of the gong hammers requires the experience and virtuosity of a master watchmaker. These components are subtly integrated in the design of the dial and can be observed in action during the repetition sequence: the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD stages an impressive performance ‒ acoustically as well as visually.

Simple and safe

In keeping with their drive to do things differently, the Lange watchmakers explored new avenues when they developed the operating mechanism of this watch. The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER comes with a unique button mechanism for triggering the repeater. Because the power for the striking mechanism is delivered by the twin mainspring barrel, there is no need for a slide ‒ common in minute repeaters – to tension a separate spring.

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To guarantee the flawless interaction of the complex mechanical ensemble, elaborate safety and blocking mechanisms have been integrated into the movement. To assure that the repeater sequence is not prematurely interrupted and the watch inadvertently stops running, the striking mechanism can no longer be activated if the remaining power reserve is less than twelve hours. On the power-reserve indicator, the 12-hour mark is identified with a red dot.

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While the repeater is working, the switching action of the numerals discs is delayed. At the same time, the crown cannot be pulled. This precaution prevents any interference with the strikework sampling sequence and ensures that the acoustic indication of time is not impaired. 

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At 12:59 hrs when the longest series of tones is struck, it takes about 20 seconds until the repeater sequence has ended. If a new minute begins while the repeater is striking, the minute and/or hour jump is performed immediately when the tone sequence has ended. Thereafter, the next numeral disc switching cycle takes place with the regular timing when the seconds hand passes the 60-seconds mark.

Manufacture calibre with constant-force escapement

As with all models of the ZEITWERK watch family, the manufacture calibre L043.5 features a constant-force escapement between the barrel and the balance. It acts as a pacemaker for the instantaneous advance of the numerals discs in one-minute intervals. 

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 At the same time, it makes an important contribution to rate stability by assuring that the balance – regardless of the state of wind of the watch – is powered with a consistent amount of force across the entire power-reserve duration. 

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Composed of 771 parts, the movement is elaborately finished by hand with extreme care. The balance cock and the escape-wheel cock are intricately engraved by hand.

Elegant appearance

The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD now joins the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER in platinum with a rhodié-coloured dial, launched in 2015, and the limited 30-watch edition in white gold with a deep-blue dial, presented in 2020

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All model versions have a case diameter of 44.2 millimetres. The new model version comes with a dark-brown, hand-stitched leather strap, enhancing its strikingly elegant appearance. The timepiece is limited to 30 watches in 18-carat honey gold and is exclusively available in select A. Lange & Söhne boutiques.

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Technical Specifications

Model:  ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HoneyGold® Edition


  Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Reference  147.050F

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 and escape-wheel cock engraved by hand; constant-force escapement    

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Calibre L043.5
Number of parts     771        
Screwed gold chantons     1        
Power reserve     36 hours        
Frequency 18,000 A/h / 3 Hz
Rubies     93
Escapement   Lever escapement
Oscillation system
Shock-resistant balance with eccentric poising weights;
balance spring crafted in-house, frequency
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 numerals discs, subsidiary seconds with stop seconds, power-reserve indicator, striking mechanism with decimal minute repeater

Case 
Measurements     18-carat HONEYGOLD®
Diameter     44.2 millimetres        
Height     14.1 millimetres   
Operating elements  Crown for winding the watch and setting the time; button for activating the striking mechanism  
Crystal and caseback   Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9)
Dial
18-carat HONEYGOLD®
Time bridge   Rhodiumed German silver
Hands    18-carat HONEYGOLD®
Bracelet  
18-carat HONEYGOLD®
Deployant buckle in 18-carat HONEYGOLD® and 18-carat white gold


🔰 Edition    Limited to 30 timepieces
🔴 Price: on Request 💰

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Press Release - 2023
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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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