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. 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.

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.

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.”

“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.”

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.

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.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

“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.”

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.

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. 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.

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.

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). 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.

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. 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.

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. 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. 

Inserting the mainspring barrel

Lever for hour switching process

Inserting the jumping numerals module

Third wheel with blued retension spring

View of sapphire, setting constant-force escapement

Fixing the balance cock with blued screw

Viewing the finished piece

he product developers at A. Lange & Söhne have never spared any effort in questioning conventions and continually refining the mechanical watch. The ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” is the latest result of this characteristic approach.

ZEITWERK – a revolutionary technology and design concept

With its three-disc jumping numerals mechanism that indicates the time in a digital format, the ZEITWERK has ranked among the most progressive mechanical wristwatches since 2009. In the interest of superb legibility at all times, the product developers at A. Lange & Söhne questioned everything except the mechanical paradigm. 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.

The pioneering technical concept is paired with an equally innovative design. One of its most prominent elements is the curved time bridge that dominates the dial. It is part of the movement and forms an elegant frame for all time indications. In the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen“, it consists of black rhodiumed German silver and thus integrates well with the dark sapphire-crystal dial.

The calibre L043.9 – the second generation of a mechanical masterpiece

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.

The integration of a pusher for correcting the hour indication, first introduced in the ZEITWERK DATE, required considerable effort from the designers and increased the number of movement parts to 462. To enable the correction independently of the switching cycles of the time display, a clutch uncouples the hour ring from the jumping numerals mechanism each time the pusher is pressed. The setting of the minute display in both directions is performed with the crown located at 2 o’clock.

The cam-poised balance wheel with a freely oscillating balance spring beats with a frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour (2.5 hertz). 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. Easily recognisable assets are the hand-engraved balance and escape-wheel cocks, the solarised winding wheels and the filigreed, straight-grained constant-force escapement bridge that accommodates two recessed, screwed gold chatons.

Luminous numerals

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.

At A. Lange & Söhne, “Lumen” is the name of a series of timepieces that rely on current scientific insights to deliver a clear design statement. The ZEITWERK “Luminous” presented in 2010 was followed by “Lumen” editions of the GRAND LANGE 1 (2013), the GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE (2016) and the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN (2018).

HONEYGOLD – a warmer gold hue

Limited to 200 watches, the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” continues the tradition that began eleven years ago and transcends it. 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. Combined with a dark dial and a dark-brown leather strap, the hue is an eye-catcher.

It started with the ZEITWERK STRIKING TIME. In 2011, it was the first Lange watch of the new era with a striking mechanism. Since then, two more watches have been added to the ZEITWERK family: the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER in platinum (2015) and white gold (2020) and the ZEITWERK DECIMAL STRIKE, introduced in 2018. All three timepieces are equipped with a visible striking mechanism on the dial side. The sound concepts behind them differ in interesting details.

The ZEITWERK STRIKING TIME chimes on the hour and the quarter hours with two differently tuned individual tones – a deeper tone for the hours, a higher one for the quarter-hour intervals. The acoustic time indication of the ZEITWERK DECIMAL STRIKE works according to the same principle, although its striking mechanism chimes every ten minutes. The left-hand hammer strikes the low-tuned gong once on the hour. The right-hand hammer strikes every ten minutes, producing a higher tone at the start of a new ten-minute interval.

In the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER, the wearer can set the watch as desired to chime on the hour, at ten-minute intervals and every minute at the touch of a button. The acoustic time indication corresponds to the digital display: a deep tone for each complete hour, a double tone at the end of the ten-minute intervals and a high tone for the remaining minutes. The time shown in the image, 7.52 a.m., would therefore be represented by seven deep tones, five double tones and two high tones.

The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER is available in platinum and white gold. “Each individual timepiece has a unique sound,” says Anthony de Haas, who has been responsible for product development at A. Lange & Söhne since 2004. “The sound is affected by the gongs and the hammers. Material, shape, size, weight and manufacturing technique are defining factors in both cases. Regarding the hammers, the stroke is also crucial, just as with a piano. And the gongs must be carefully tuned by an experienced watchmaker, just like musical instruments.”

The greatest influence on the sound, however, is actually the case material, according to Anthony de Haas, as it is the resonating body. Platinum has a bright, clear and resonant sound. In comparison, white gold sounds fuller, warmer and silkier – altogether louder. “There is no better or worse. As a drummer, I like to compare the striking mechanism of the watch with a snare drum, where the body is usually made of steel, brass or wood. Depending on the material used, different timbres and moods are created. The choice of case material is therefore a matter of personal preference.”

The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER features a totally new interpretation of the classic complication. Its striking mechanism – it sounds ten-minute intervals instead of quarter-hours with double strikes – is a convincing logical complement to the “digital” display of the time.

As soon as the striking mechanism is activated with the repeater pusher at 10 o’clock, it sounds the time as indicated on the dial. One hears what one sees. And one sees what one hears. At 7.52, for instance, the gong hammer on the left strikes the low-pitched gong seven times, once for every elapsed hour. Then, five double tones are struck for the elapsed ten-minute intervals, followed by the right-hand hammer with two high strikes, one for each elapsed minute. The polished gongs and the black-polished gong hammers are subtly integrated in the design of the dial.

Special design features

In the development of the striking mechanism, Lange’s engineers relied on the basic principle of the jumping numerals mechanism with which the time is displayed by an hour ring and two minute discs. This configuration makes it possible to sample the number of strikes to be executed – separately for the hours, ten-minute intervals and minutes – directly on the snails that are connected to the mechanical display elements. At the same time, enlarged sampling surfaces enhance the reliability of the striking mechanism. This assures that the acoustic time always corresponds to the displayed time.

Pusher instead of slide

The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER features a unique pusher mechanism for triggering the repeater. Because the power for the striking mechanism is delivered by the mainspring barrel, there is no need for a slide – common in minute repeaters – to tension a separate spring. The absence of a large lateral opening in the case eliminated a source of acoustic disruption, thus improving the sound quality. And since a pusher, unlike a slide, can be sealed, the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER is water-resistant to as much as 3 bar.

Harmonious sound

To achieve the best possible sound quality, the product developers carefully reconciled all relevant parameters such as the case, gong hammers, gongs and movement architecture with one another. The large white-gold case delivers a reverberant, warm sound. The gongs, patiently tuned by hand, generate pure, resonant tones in perfect harmony.

Finesse in details

The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER stands out with a number of refined technical features that in particular optimise its operation.

Since a switching action could cause mechanical conflicts while the repeater is running, the numerals discs are prevented from incrementing until the repeater sequence has ended. This can take up to 20 seconds. The delay also assures that the digitally displayed time and the acoustic time are always the same.

For the same reason, the crown cannot be pulled while the striking mechanism is active. The actuation of the repeater pusher uncouples the wheel train of the winder from the ratchet wheel that drives the striking mechanism. This prevents the wheel train of the winder, including the crown, from rotating during the repeater sequence, which would result in an unnecessary loss of energy.

Finally, when the power reserve drops to less than twelve hours, the striking mechanism can no longer be activated. This assures that the repeater sequence is always executed in full: The watch will not stop unexpectedly before the strike sequence has been completed. On the power-reserve indicator, the 12-hour mark is identified with a red dot.

Jumping numerals mechanism

With their precisely jumping numerals display, the ZEITWERK models stand for uncompromising purity of design. Consisting of three discs, the display module is arranged in such a way that the time, with large-format numerals, can be read from left to right in the natural way. With a gentle click and hardly discernible to the human eye, the patented jumping numerals mechanism advances from minute to minute until, at the top of the hour, all three numerals discs simultaneously jump forward by precisely one increment. An exceptionally strong mainspring is required to handle these switching actions. It is equally important to assure the controlled deceleration of the abruptly accelerated discs to rule out damage to the movement. This is done with a fly governor that absorbs excess energy after each switching sequence.

Constant-force escapement

As all models of the ZEITWERK watch family, the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER also features a patented constant-force escapement between the barrel and the balance that 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 and despite energy-intensive switching processes – is powered with a consistent amount of force across the entire power-reserve duration.

Flawless craftsmanship

Composed of 771 parts, the manufacture calibre L043.5 is completed by hand with extreme care and utmost patience. Of the 93 jewels, three are set in screwed gold chatons. The hand-engraved balance cock – the artistic signature of all Lange watches – was given a design complement: the escape-wheel cock engraved with the same motif.

Edition 2020

Five years after its debut in 2015, the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER now comes in a 44.2-millimetre white-gold case with a matching deployant. The deep-blue dial in solid silver contrasts beautifully against the rhodiumed German silver time bridge. A blue hand-stitched leather strap highlights the elegance of the timepiece. Limited to 30 watches, this edition is available exclusively in the 33 A. Lange & Söhne boutiques.

Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid was pleased with the good performance in one of the largest readers’ polls in the watch world: “The award is a welcome demonstration of the continued high reputation our timepieces enjoy in our home market Germany, while we move forward on the international road to success.”

Readers of the German trade journal Uhren-Magazin and registered users of Focus Online, the internet portal of the German news magazine of the same name, voted among 243 mechanical models to determine “the best watches in the world” in five categories. Since 1998, the first year of the competition, A. Lange & Söhne has won 37 different prizes in this coveted award.

With the presentation of the ZEITWERK in 2009, A. Lange & Söhne started a new era in timekeeping. The prominent face and innovative concept of the first mechanical wristwatch with constant-force escapement and precisely jumping digital displays that indicate the hour and minute with jumping numerals have been commended with multiple awards. Within a fraction of a second, the unique mechanism advances the numeral discs, even simultaneously incrementing all three discs at the top of the hour. Given the controlled release of the forces involved, the ZEITWERK is a genuine “time machine”.

Ten years later, Lange’s mechanical digital watch welcomes a newly designed movement that incorporates an additional function: The ring-shaped date display, perfectly harmonised with the ZEITWERK design, circles the dial. The ZEITWERK DATE comes in a 44.2-millimetre white-gold case with a grey dial and a red date.

The circumferential date ring consists of glass with printed numerals from 1 to 31. The current date is displayed in red. To achieve this effect, a small colour segment beneath the date ring performs one step exactly at midnight. So in the course of a month, it moves around the dial by one full revolution. With this arrangement, the date is always clearly legible at all times and also recognisable intuitively. The date display can be adjusted with the corrector at 8 o'clock; the switching impulse is generated when it is released.

For the developers at Lange, the ZEITWERK is both a challenge and an opportunity. The large numeral discs and the prominent dial with the time bridge make it impossible to integrate a conventional date, let alone an outsize date. That is why they needed a totally new design approach. The precisely jumping ring date matches the ZEITWERK design as a seamless fit with the unusual concept.

The technical innovations in the ZEITWERK DATE include an additional button at 4 o'clock. It is used to separately advance the hour indication, thus solving a problem that originated in the date display in the first place. Since it calls for a time setting that is accurate to 24 hours, it would take too long to adjust the time via the crown – minute by minute. The integration of the hour button was associated with considerable design modifications. To enable the correction independently of the switching cycles of the movement, a clutch uncouples the hour ring from the jumping numerals mechanism each time the button is pressed. The switching impulse is generated when the button is released.

The new manually wound calibre L043.8 stands out with its clearly organised movement architecture. What remains is the patented constant-force escapement that handles two tasks. As a remontoir device, it powers the balance with a uniform amount of force for the entire running duration. Additionally, it delivers the one-per-minute impulse for switching the three-disc jumping numerals display.

The characteristic Lange hallmarks of the ZEITWERK DATE include the lavish finissage of the 516-part movement. A number of its components, for example the engraved ratchet wheel and the filigreed remontoir bridge, can be viewed through the sapphire-crystal caseback.

Introduced in 2009, the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk gave time a new face with a mechanical jumping numerals display. Now, the Zeitwerk Decimal Strike is enriching the successful, unusually designed watch family with a third model featuring an acoustic time indication.

Given its mechanical architecture, the Zeitwerk calibre offers ideal prerequisites for the integration of a striking mechanism: A large amount of energy is built up for advancing its mechanical, precisely jumping numerals displays. As was already the case with the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater and the Zeitwerk Striking Time, this energy can be put to good use by an automatic striking mechanism. In the new model, it relies on two differently tuned gongs to indicate the full hours as well as the ten-minute intervals between the start of one hour and the next. The two hammers that are visible on the dial side consist of polished steel and, like the hammer bridge, are decorated with a tremblage engraving. The hammer on the left strikes the low-pitched gong once every full hour. The right-hand hammer sounds a higher-pitched tone every ten minutes, or in other words, every time a new ten-minute interval begins.

With its large, precisely jumping numerals display, the Zeitwerk Decimal Strike assures excellent legibility. In one-minute intervals, the units disc instantly advances by exactly one increment. The patented constant-force escapement between the mainspring barrel and the balance delivers the power. It makes sure that the balance has a constant amount of energy across the entire power reserve period. The high-pitched tone sounds every time the tens disc advances; at the start of the hour, when the low-pitched tone is struck, all three numeral discs jump synchronously by one increment. The striking mechanism can be switched off. When the button at 4 o’clock is pressed, the hammers are deflected away from the gongs. This also happens when the crown is pulled to set the time.

The technical concept is paired with an innovative material. The case of the Zeitwerk Decimal Strike, limited to an edition of 100 watches, consists of honey gold as used exclusively by A. Lange & Söhne; it has a diameter of 44.2 millimetres. The lavishly finished, manually wound calibre L043.7 has a maximum power reserve of 36 hours. Lange-typical quality hallmarks include the three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver and decorated with Glashütte ribbing, the hand-engraved balance cock, and a cam-poised balance with a free-sprung hairspring crafted in-house.