A. Lange & Söhne’s Zeitwerk minute repeater, first introduced in platinum in 2015, offers an exciting and innovative take on this traditional haute-horlogerie with its intricate mechanism Displays the time clearly as required. Different from the usual quarter-hour chime, this masterpiece sounds uniquely at ten-minute intervals, precisely aligned with the unprecedented mechanical-digital hour and minute display. The Glashütte-based luxury manufacturer now presents this technically exceptional wristwatch in a limited edition with a striking gray dial in Lange’s exclusive Honey Gold. Serving as the resonator body, this pure gold alloy produces clear, resonant sound with a rich and warm timbre.
When the button at 10 o’clock is pressed, each passing hour resonates with a low tone, each passing ten-minute period with a double tone (high/low tone), and each passing minute with a high tone. high tone. For example, at 7:52, seven basses, five doublets, and two trebles resonate, creating a harmonious interplay of perfectly synchronized auditory and visual timing.
Attractive sound comes from the shell material. “Each minute repeater has its own sound,” explains Anthony de Haas , Director of Product Development at A. Lange & Söhne and a passionate drummer. Besides gongs and gong hammers, the material of the guitar’s case has the biggest impact on the sound. Similar to a musical instrument, different tone colors and sound impressions are created, depending on the materials used. That’s also the case with the honey gold Zeitwerk Minute Repeater implementation. It sounds different from all the other materials – truly special.”
“To achieve this exceptional sound quality, all the parameters had to match each other perfectly,” said Tino Bobe, Production Manager. “The meticulously hand-tuned gongs deliver a clear, resonant sound that harmonizes with the acoustic properties of Lange’s exclusive alloy case.
In addition, all parts are carefully adjusted by one of our master watchmakers. This requires repeated disassembly, rework, reassembly and finally testing procedures. Much of the production time is therefore dedicated to perfecting the sound: perfecting such a watch requires keen hearing and extreme dexterity.”
The elaborate polishing of gongs and the polishing of gong hammers also requires the experience and virtuosity of a master watchmaker. These components are subtly integrated into the design of the dial and can be observed operating in a repeating sequence.
To ensure perfect engagement of this complex mechanical design, the production caliber L043.5 features multiple safety and stop mechanisms. The most important thing is to ensure that the repeating sequence is not prematurely interrupted and the watch is accidentally stopped, the chronograph mechanism can no longer be activated if the remaining power reserve is less than 12 hours. Therefore, on the power reserve indicator, the 12-hour mark is identified with a red dot.
While the repeater is operating, the switching action of the dials is delayed. At the same time, the crown cannot be pulled. This precaution prevents any interference with the strike sampling sequence and ensures that the audible indication of timing is not impaired. At 12:59, when the longest tone sequence is played, it will take about 20 seconds until the repeating tone sequence ends. If a new minute begins while the repeater is playing, the minute and/or hour jump will be performed immediately when the tone sequence ends. After that, the next dial shift cycle takes place at regular intervals when the second hand passes the 60-second mark.
Like all models in the Zeitwerk family, the manually wound L043.5 has a constant force escapement between the barrel and the balance wheel. This delicate mechanism acts as a pacemaker for the instantaneous advancement of the dials over a period of one minute. At the same time, it contributes to rate stability by ensuring that the balance – regardless of the watch’s wind state – is supplied with a consistent amount of force throughout the entire power reserve period. Comprised of 771 parts, the movement is painstakingly hand-finished to the highest standards. Highlighting the craftsmanship in the beautiful architecture are the intricately hand-engraved balance levers and escape wheel levers.
The new Zeitwerk Minute Repeater Honey Gold comes with a hand-stitched dark brown leather strap, adding to its strikingly luxurious look. The watch is limited to 30 models and available only at selected A. Lange & Söhne boutiques. Prices available upon request.