The revolutionary A. Lange & Söhne technology and design concept of the ZEITWERK model series has been unique since its introduction in 2009. Developed exclusively for A. Lange & Söhne timepieces, this new version introduces Lange’s proprietary honey gold. The designation “Lumen” refers to the specially developed, semi-transparent dial that makes the luminous jumping numerals display fully visible.
The ZEITWERK has ranked among the most progressive mechanical wristwatches, with its three-disc jumping numerals mechanism that indicates the time in a digital format. In addition to two discs for the tens and units-minutes, the jumping numerals mechanism is endowed with a large hour ring that spans almost the entire diameter of the movement. All numerals are identical in size. They switch precisely and read from left to right.
Two mainspring barrels deliver the power needed for switching. The switching point is controlled by a patented constant-force escapement. It also assures that the balance is always driven with constant power. Refined from the bottom up, the ZEITWERK calibre L043.9 has twice the power reserve of its predecessor model – 72 hours. The pusher at 4 o’clock is new. It allows the hour indication to be switched separately, which in turn makes it simpler to set the time. The switching impulse is generated when it is released. The advantage is that switching is always uniformly executed, regardless of how gently or vigorously the pusher is actuated.
With a gentle click, the new manufacture calibre L043.9 instantly switches the numerals display of the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” from one minute to the next until, at the top of the hour, the sophisticated mechanism simultaneously switches all three numerals discs by one increment. In the second generation as well, a patented constant-force escapement controls the complex switching processes and at the same time handles two important functions: on the one hand, it generates the impulse for the jumping advance of the time display. On the other hand, it drives the balance with nearly uniform power across the entire run time. This keeps the amplitude constant, which has a positive effect on rate stability.
Further Lange-style quality features of the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” include the exquisite artisanal finissage of the twofold-assembled movement, much of which can be admired through the sapphire-crystal caseback.
The light-permeable coating of the dial allows the luminous numerals that are not exposed in the aperture to absorb enough UV light and thus light energy needed to make them glow in the dark. Consequently, the digital display remains visible even right after each switching sequence. At night, the numerals discs that are only vaguely discernible during the day cause the watch to glow.
The ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” is limited to 200 watches. The case, with a diameter of 41.9 millimetres, is made of Lange’s proprietary honey gold – a first for a “Lumen” model. Various admixtures and a special thermal treatment endow the 18-carat gold alloy with extra hardness and an inimitably warm lustre. The hands of the power-reserve indicator and of the subsidiary seconds as well as the Lange prong buckle are made of the same material.
Technical Specifications:
| ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen“ Ref. 142.055 | |
| Movement | Lange manufacture calibre L043.9, 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 | 462 |
| 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 |
| 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 dimensions | Diameter: 41.9 millimetres; height: 12.6 millimetres |
| Movement dimensions | Diameter: 33.6 millimetres; height: 9.2 millimetres |
| Crystal and caseback | Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9) |
| Case | HONEYGOLD® |
| Dial | Sapphire crystal, coated |
| Time bridge | German silver, black rhodiumed |
| Hands | HONEYGOLD® |
| Strap | Hand-stitched leather, dark brown |
| Buckle | Prong buckle in HONEYGOLD® |
| Limited edition | 200 watches, engraved limitation number Special boutique edition |
SRP: £110,000.00
For more information please visit A. Lange & Söhne