aviya
900
I'm going to say "both".
A bold and audacious concept (as with the Double / Triple Split, the Zeitwerk...), including the ratchet-key wind. An amazing feat of German engineering - stacking two 6-foot long mainsprings and funnelling all that energy through a remontoire. But mostly, another great example of the then still young reborn Lange "learning by doing". That double-stacked mainspring architecture (though not 6-foot long!) is now on the current generation Zeitwerk, as is a remontoire of course.
I was fortunate to be at the Manufactory shortly after the Lange 31 was released. I tried it on in their boardroom and yeah...would struggle to wear it, even occasionally. But, similar to the Double and Triple Splits, I think that is a secondary consideration to the audacity and engineering. And, anyway, there are people with bigger wrists than mine for-whom it would be proportionately less of an issue.
I think it is an amazing watch - and part of Lange's development and now, story. "Never stand still."
Great post, RDSChicago.
I’ve tried this on
You need to buy two. One for each wrist. You won’t need to do any delt work at the gym. Of course a gym membership is less expensive.
I'm going to say "both".
A bold and audacious concept (as with the Double / Triple Split, the Zeitwerk...), including the ratchet-key wind. An amazing feat of German engineering - stacking two 6-foot long mainsprings and funnelling all that energy through a remontoire. But mostly...
Thanks for the education
Great description Aviya. I’ve always loved the clean look, but probably too impractical and a bit expensive.
Fair call, Brandon.
As you likely know, the winding key is actually a miniature torque wrench with a planetary-geared slip that prevents you from over-winding the watch. Really quite ingenious.
Museum pocket watch. Lange learned a lot from designing the movement.
And as others said, that R&D eventually led to the zeitwerk. I think it will be fascinating if one day Lange revisits the complication in an wearable format.
It's wearable, if you have the right physique for it.
Apart from that it is a monumental (pun intended) collector's piece, that I would love to own!
I love the innovation.
...but the watch isn't wearable for me. Makes me admire the Twin Beat even more.