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A. Lange & Söhne

In the first instance….

 

I was not impressed with the RL jumping seconds..JLC did this last year as well and did it in an ‘affordable’ watch which to me is more important.

Having said that, what a great review and thank you for outlining why this is so special and I must say I understand it (MUCH) better.

I love regulator dials layouts very much as it gives a different perspective of how time can be read.

As mentioned by you and several others, I wished Lange would create more depth in the dial and also present the movement more and not close it up with the 3-quarter plate if it is not completely necessary. If the constant force mechanism is the part what makes it so special, then show it so everyone can enjoy and appreciate it even further. To give  an example, one of the reason why I like the recent announced Dato perpetual tourbillon is that it is not visible from the dial side…turn it over…and VOILA! A beautiful movement to be enjoyed and discussed by watch enthusiasts.

They should have done the same with this watch. I understand and very much appreciate the heritage of the 3-quarter plate, but I believe the heritage is already covered, by adhering to the specifics of a Lange observation watch by the means of the dial lay-out, the jumping seconds and the force contact, zero-reset, if not more.

Thanks for the excellent review.

Great technical watch, yes…..My number one, two or three of the SIHH Lange booth? No.

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29 Comments view entire thread 

SIHH 2016: hands on review of the Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Jumping Seconds

 
By: foversta : January 30th, 2016-13:36
The Richard Lange Jumping Seconds is not the most complicated watch of the 2016 Lange & Söhne collection but it is in my opinion the most interesting and attractive one. In fact, this watch fully meets my expectations from both the technical and aesth...  

Great review FX!

 
By: Stylophile : January 30th, 2016-13:51
Very informative indeed; you are absolutely right; movement side should have been more exposed to reveal the mechanism; also I feel the dial lacks contrast, although I like the proportions; seems very balanced and emphasizes the stop second mechanism. Tha... 

Terrific, Francois.

 
By: TheMadDruid : January 30th, 2016-14:34
You have covered every point for this exceptional watch. Congratulations. This watch is a technical marvel (as are so many Langes) and it DOES look good on your wrist. The RL Jumping Seconds has surpassed the Datograph on my "WTB" list.

I overlooked this reference completely

 
By: Mark in Paris : January 30th, 2016-15:12
I remember the two previous models which were too big, though very interesting and I prefered the PLM Tourbillon version (especially because of the opening/closing hour window). However, knowing that it is now 40mm and that I like the jumping second featu... 

Thanks Mark!

 
By: foversta : January 31st, 2016-01:54
I understand your point about the end of power reserve indicator. But at the end, I like its presence. It is the only element which brings a rupture on the flat dial and it is also nice to have from time to time a red touch... even if you wind it daily, t... 

The dilemma for A. Lange & Söhne

 
By: MTF : January 30th, 2016-17:45
First, I agree that this watch is fetchingly romantic in form and function. A number of people complained about the 3/4 plate being too large and not exposing more mechanism. Therein lies the problem for A. Lange & Söhne. They set a rod fo their own back ... 

It is a complex topic at the end...

 
By: foversta : January 31st, 2016-01:32
But things are moving. Look at the last "simple" handwind movements which power the Saxonia Thin or Up&Down... you start to see more. And due to the specificities of this one, I would have expected a more "open" approach around the constant escapement mec... 

Brilliant review as always

 
By: sanzaw : January 30th, 2016-19:55
Thanks for pointing out the mechanical harmony between the jumping seconds and constant force. This is the very few Langes where every single mechanical element coherently contributes to the one single goal of accurate time keeping. All that in an elegent... 

Thanks Sanzaw! I appreciate your words.

 
By: foversta : January 31st, 2016-01:30
And yes, the very wearable size makes it even more appealing! Glad to see this kind of dial in a case which is not large like a plate. Fx

Jumping seconds and constant force are one condition and linked to each other

 
By: COUNT DE MONET : January 31st, 2016-03:28
As far as I recall and understood a constant force system, like the one used here, it results in a dead beat second. I would not compare it to Lange's other constant force mechanisms. This one would be the forth in line where I must say that I did not go ... 

Thank you for another great review.

 
By: davudvl : January 31st, 2016-08:01
While I do greatly admire the technical aspects of the watch, the "flatness" of the dial ruins it for me. I wish it were more three dimensional.

Thanks davudvi!

 
By: foversta : February 1st, 2016-12:22
I think at the end it is a matter of taste. But I have to confess that applied elements usually enhance the perceived quality of a watch. At least, we can't miss the jumping second hand here, our eyes are not distracted by other details! Fx

In the first instance….

 
By: sc16 : January 31st, 2016-20:51
I was not impressed with the RL jumping seconds..JLC did this last year as well and did it in an ‘affordable’ watch which to me is more important. Having said that, what a great review and thank you for outlining why this is so special and I must say I un... 

Thanks sc16 for your comments!

 
By: foversta : February 1st, 2016-12:20
I understand your point. Fortunately, the zeo reset mechanism brings its originality to the movement lay-out. But anyway, I was very seduced by this RL and even more by its consistency. Fx

Great review of the Jumping Seconds Fx!

 
By: WYK : February 1st, 2016-09:53
Since its launch at SIHH 2016, I\'ve fell in love with this piece! Personally, I really like the more sombre approach to the design of the dial, appearing to be abit more "scientific" in its look and feel! I think it goes well with the theme and idea of t... 

Thanks a lot WYK!

 
By: foversta : February 1st, 2016-12:18
And thanks for having pointed out the "scientific" look of the dial. I think you have the right analysis. Fx