A. Lange & Söhne’s Zeitwerk Minute Repeater is the only mechanical wristwatch that combines a jumping numerals display with a decimal minute repeater.
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.
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. 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.
The acoustic time indication of the new Zeitwerk Minute Repeater Honeygold has 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.
“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.”
Anthony de Haas, Director Product Development, A. Lange & Söhne
The elaborate polishing of the gongs and blackpolishing of the gong hammers requires the experience and virtuosity of a master watchmaker. In keeping with their drive to do things differently, the Lange watchmakers explored new avenues when they developed the operating mechanism of this watch – it has a unique button mechanism for triggering the repeater.
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. At 12:59 hrs when the longest series of tones is struck, it takes about 20 seconds until the repeater sequence has ended.
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 (above). It acts as a pacemaker for the instantaneous advance of the numerals discs in one-minute intervals. 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.
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.
For more information please visit A. Lange & Söhne