A. Lange & Söhne - Zeitwerk
"I shut my eyes in order to see." For once, the phrase coined by Paul Gauguin* was taken literally by Lange's masters so they could gain a clear outlook on some fundamental issues concerning the future of precision watchmaking.
How can the principles of a mechanical watch and a modern time indication format be persuasively combined? What are the lasting values of a watch? And is it possible to visualise the flow of time such that it can be experienced or felt with other senses? In dealing with these questions, they began to assemble the mental image of a timepiece that explores new paths: the Lange Zeitwerk.
With its all-mechanical numeric display for hours and minutes, the watch symbolises a leap into a new era - after all, both indications leap forth instantaneously, thanks to a disc configuration never before implemented in quite this way.
The Lange principle clearly differentiates itself from the so-called creeping digital minute displays in which the hands are merely replaced by permanently rotating discs. It also distinguishes itself from the genuine jumping numeral mechanisms found in pocket watches (Pallweber and Durrstein principles) by introducing two key improvements: the first truly conveniently legible format of the numerals and the precise generation of switching steps based on a proprietary constant-force escapement.
One small step for a watch, but a giant leap for horology: thanks to the innovative jumping numerals mechanism, the Lange Zeitwerk displays the hours and minutes in a larger-than-ever format to assure perfect legibility. Thus, the watch probably constitutes the first truly mechanical alternative to the indication of time with rotating hands.
A totally new sense of time
With its all-mechanical numeric display for hours and minutes, the Lange Zeitwerk symbolises a leap into a new era - after all, both indications leap forth instantaneously. Contrary to continuously running (creeping) displays, it always tells the time dependably and unambiguously. Moreover, its innovative configuration of discs results in numerals of probably unmatched size. Thus, it gives its owner a totally new sense of time.
The next dimension in design
The new design vocabulary of this timepiece reflects a horological evolution. The time bridge - the framework for hours, minutes, and subsidiary seconds - assertively stretches its wings across the entire width of the dial. The perpetually smiling power-reserve indicator radiates optimism.
The comfortable crown
Pointing northeast, the crown also symbolises an uptrend. But in particular, its unusual position prevents it from jabbing the back of the wearer's hand, thus introducing a new sense of comfort on the wrist.
A watch for all senses
In the Lange Zeitwerk, the sensuousness of a mechanical watch is endowed with an additional quality. The disc switching action is optimised to allow an attentive listener to acoustically distinguish between a single minute advance (1416 times a day) and a collective progression at the full hour (24 times a day).
The movement
Jumping numerals according to the Lange principle
The manufacture calibre L043.1 features a jumping numerals mechanism for hours and minutes. Designed according to the Lange principle, it consists of two minute discs and a large hour ring. Precisely once a minute, a constant-force escapement generates the necessary switching impulse. Viewed through the caseback, the movement presents a host of further forwarding-looking inventions.
The patented barrel
The patented mainspring barrel delivers the enormous amount of energy required by the movement, especially when all three discs need to be simultaneously advanced at each full hour. The venerable wind/unwind principle was literally turned upside down for this purpose. As the mainspring relaxes, the barrel rotates in the minimised-friction bearing. Conversely, the mainspring barrel bearing with the higher friction rating is involved while the watch is being wound. Thus, a slightly greater effort is required when winding the watch but in return, more of the energy stored in the mainspring remains available for powering the movement. Additionally, the size of the mainspring itself can be reduced without any concessions in terms of energy yield.
A multi-talented constant-force escapement
A constant-force escapement is positioned between the barrel wheel and the balance. This patent-pending mechanism has two crucial functions. On the one hand, it generates the switching steps for the instantaneous jumps of the hour and minute displays, using the strike-train principle with warning followed by drop-and-release as often found in striking clocks. Never before has such a mechanism been integrated in a wristwatch. On the other hand, the constant-force escapement drives the balance with nearly uniform power during the entire autonomy period and thus enhances the rate stability of the movement.
A fresh breeze for the movement
An unusual device sends a fresh breeze through the movement. To cushion the comparatively large forces that occur when the discs are accelerated and braked, it contains a fly governor that absorbs and dissipates part of the energy as it rotates.
[Rating: 5 / 5 stars]
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