A. Lange & Söhne

Lange presents the Richard Lange Tourbillon Pour le Merite, a tourbillon with a regulator dial inspired by a pocket watch created by 18^th century Saxon horologist Johann Heinrich Seyffert. It features a tourbillon, chain-and-fusee mechanism as well as a patented hack seconds device. In addition it has a clever hours disc showing the hours 8 to 10 which jumps into place at 6 and then retracts at 12 o’clock, illustrated by the GIF below. This allows the tourbillon to be viewed unobscured through the aperture on the dial.

It will be available in a 100 piece limited edition in platinum and also regular production in rose gold.

 

- SJX

 

Press release:

 

Precision above all: the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”

The fourth A. Lange & Söhne timepiece honoured with the distinction “Pour le Mérite” embodies a fusée-and-chain transmission as well as a tourbillon with a patented stopseconds mechanism. The underlying purpose shared by both of these grand complications is to improve rate stability and precision. The prominent regulator dial with its fascinating pivoting segment was inspired by a famous historic paragon.

 

There is hardly another watchmaker who can take more credit for the advancement of precision horology in Saxony than Johann Heinrich Seyffert (1751-1817). At the royal court and among scientists, his timepieces were immensely popular. His design concepts influenced the most talented artisans of his guild, elevating the art of horology in Dresden to new heights. In 1845, this trend culminated in the establishment of the first German watch manufactory by Ferdinand A. Lange. The circle of prestigious buyers of Seyffert’s fewer than one hundred exquisite timepieces also included the famous explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. For his expedition to South America, he acquired a Seyffert chronometer and took the time in 1797 to travel to Dresden expressly to learn the art of navigation with a sextant and barometer. According to Humboldt’s notes, Seyffert’s chronometer was accurate to four or five seconds a day and when stationary, its rate accuracy even improved to less than one second in 24 hours. Even today, two hundred years later, this degree of precision is nothing short of impressive.

 

 

 

The regulator he crafted in 1807 is a particularly attractive exemplar. It is now part of the collection of the Mathematics and Physics Salon in Dresden. Its dial features three intersecting circles for the time indications. In its calibre, a fusée-and-chain mechanism is responsible for the constant transmission of power. This watch, with the serial number 93, was the blueprint for the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”. It reflects Seyffert’s quest for horological perfection in a contemporary interpretation as an exclusive regulator for the wrist, dedicated totally to mechanical precision. The overlapping circles of the off-centre dials are what first meet the eyes of connoisseurs who study the face of the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”: the large minute circle at the top is the dominant element that hovers over the slightly smaller subdials for the seconds and hours to the left and right of the vertical centre axis. The dial layout has its origins in the precision regulators that since the 18th century were used for calibration by timekeeping services and observatories but also by manufactories for synchronising new watches. To prevent any confusion of the hour and minute hands under sometimes less than ideal light conditions, they were positioned on different axes of the dial.

 

 

 

In the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”, a round cut-out in the seconds dial, traversed by the minute scale and by the recessed tourbillon bridge, reveals the tourbillon cage. But the tourbillon can be admired in its entirety only from twelve to six o’clock. At six, a dial segment with the Roman numerals VIII, IX, and X instantaneously pivots into the aperture to make the hour scale complete. The motion is generated by an ingenious switching mechanism, which assures that the dial segment is advanced by 90 degrees in increments of six hours. Thanks to this remarkable feature, the watch tells the time unambiguously during the morning and the evening as well. At twelve o’clock, the hours dial segment vanishes as quickly as it appeared and for the next six hours again fully exposes the tourbillon as it concurrently revolves and reciprocates. Its task is to offset rate deviations that can potentially be caused by the effect of gravity on the balance wheel. With a patented stop-seconds mechanism, the tourbillon can be halted simply by pulling the crown, allowing the time displayed by the watch to be set to one-second accuracy. Its bearing on the caseback side is a diamond endstone secured in a screwed gold chaton. This noble setting was one of the hallmarks of the legendary Lange pocket watches that belonged to the manufactory’s eminent “1A” quality category.

 

 

 

The exceptional timepiece with the mesmerising dial bears the attribute “Pour le Mérite”, a distinction that has been conferred on a Lange watch only three times since 1994. It reverently alludes to the order of merit for extraordinary accomplishments in the sciences and arts initiated by Alexander von Humboldt in 1842.

 

The honour is bestowed only upon exquisite A. Lange & Söhne complications that incorporate the unique fusée-and-chain transmission. With a clever implementation of the principle of levers, it equalises the gradually waning force of the mainspring and keeps the effective torque – and thus the amplitude of the balance – constant across the entire power-reserve period of 36 hours. Moreover, a planetary gearing assures that this constant force delivery is maintained without interruption even while the watch is being wound. The captivating inner life of the filigreed marvel can be admired in detail through generously sized openings in the three-quarter plate. 

 

 

 

 

With a frequency of six semi-oscillations per second, a classic screw balance, and a recalculated balance spring that is manufactured in-house, the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite” fulfils all prerequisites that could possibly be imposed on a timepiece dedicated to the utmost in precision. The stately 41.9-millimetre platinum or pink-gold case accommodates the new hand-finished Lange manufacture calibre L072.1, uncompromisingly crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards. With a diameter of 33.6 millimetres, the movement makes good use of the available space. The strictly limited edition of 100 platinum-cased watches (below) underscores the exclusivity of this outstanding collector’s masterpiece.

 

 

 

 

This message has been edited by SJX on 2010-12-19 08:09:30 This message has been edited by SJX on 2010-12-20 02:01:38

the execution is top of the peak
but layout instantly reminded me of
our
Don Corson's Nr.4 Regulator

;0)

Thank you for sharing
Damjan
This message has been edited by Ares501 on 2010-12-19 08:13:47

My thoughts exactly in regards to the similarity between this timepiece and Don Corson's timepiece.

Very interesting.

Jaquet Droz when I first saw it.  Looks like a technical marvel, and I think the hour disc execution will be fine unless it's very slow.  My only concern is whether this regulator style dial is too far away from the usual layouts that we're used to seeing so that it detracts from readability.  Layout-wise I'm not sure that it's very "Lange", but that's a tradition and history for it to make.  Definitely one to be seen in person first...

this takes the tourbillon to another level...

wow

 

Those were the first words I thought of when I saw your post, SJX.  I'm a child of the 80s, what can I say?  The rotating plate is certainly interesting and a technical feat, but I'd like to see the actual motion in the real before giving a final 'yay" or "nay" on that aspect of the watch.  One thing I do love about this piece is that Lange has given a lot of thought to making the time legible.  That's something I value in a watch, so it's nice to see that Lange does as well.  I like regulator dials so that's also a point of interest for me on this timepiece. 

To be seen in the metal, but I am super intrigued and I love to see Lange reinterpreting historical watches in such a bold fashion.  Way to go!

Cheers,
Daos

the design with the intersecting circles based on the equilateral triangle in the middle works for me. In a way, the opposite design idea from the Lange 1, where all elements just touch, here, they are maximally interleaved. Also like the idea of the jumping dial segment. Nice.

Andreas

What an interesting piece!

Amazing!

I hope that it doesn't appear too "gimmicky" in person... This message has been edited by patrick_y on 2010-12-19 08:54:12

HQ at its best.

Another example of why Lange is the "best" watch in the world. To me, of course.

 

Thanks.

 

 

Vte

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Movable hours disc is a cool idea.

And another example of why no one beats Lange!

Not sure I have warmed up to the dial layout, but give me some time. Note the symmetry of the subdials as in Lange fashion. Also a nice idea to bias the time display to the right of the dial (unlike the historic pocket watch model), for a look under a shirt cuff. And a movable dial segment for full tourbillon view--definitely anti-Patek....... )

This one could seriously damage my pocketbook......

at least in RG. As far as I recall that's a first.

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Thanks for posting....

Cheers

... within the boundaries of aesthetics, makes this monumental watch even look "fragile"

Well done !

A collector's dream.

" The future was wide open..." ( Tom Petty )

Regards

Moritz

... when it comes to quality, execution and finishing.

My dreamwatch is a Lange, the Richard Lange, so I am very convinced by the brands superiority!

But I find this watch concept kind of "gimmicky", a little "toyish".
First they "destroy'" the dial by cutting a huge hole in it and then they compensate the whole "mistake" ;-) with a moveable device to aid readability...

To be honest I prefer a discreet tourbillon construction like the Laurent Ferrier or something in the Patek tradition by hiding it in the back. To be admired by the secretive and knowledgeable owner through the backpiece sapphire or huntercase.
I think a clean dial is better in the long run and I actually prefer the original pocketwatch!

Just my two cents

Rob.
Ps.I am sorry to be such a party pooper... This message has been edited by peregrino on 2010-12-19 12:09:16 This message has been edited by peregrino on 2010-12-19 12:12:16

Speechless.
Like it ( a lot!!)

It makes us understand how the animation on the dial works. A good way to enjoy a large opening of the dial and to preserve the readability of time.

I am very happy to see a new watch joining the Richard Lange collection and also a new PLM at the same time. I like the dial layout which is totally coherent with the main objective of a regulator watch.

Lange is redefining the Tourbillon with this watch. I can't wait to see it in the metal.

Fr.Xavier

Is a winner, but I'm afraid personally the dial leaves me wanting.

 

Wow, was my first impression.  They have done it again - did the unexpected.  Who could have even imagined regulator hands?  And (yet) another Richard Lange?

My second thought - while I appreciate its advanced technologies and complication, two quesitons pops up - the same as above - why does this have to be another Richard Lange, whe does this have to be regulator ?  I am sure, as usual, I will appreciate all of this in time, but for now, I am questioning myself - could be simpler three hands watch with Tourbillon + PLM with harf skelton mechanism in 39mm case... then my wallet might....

Anyway, this is the first of many new ones for Lange 2011 and I honestly prase their effort.  Well done.  Can't wait the other ones!

Thanks for the report, SJX!

Ken

but the dial layout of this new piece feels very "un-Lange like".  And it seems that the brand is still going for larger size cases while other brands such as Patek are moving to a 38-40mm range.  What do you think?

.... a few observations from this...

1) Lange seem to be concentrating on the very high end of the scale, ie, complications or PLM that the average WIS couldn't afford. Nothing around the Datograph level. They prove without doubt that technically they are the very best and nothing is unachievable by them. However, because of their size, this seem to come at an expense of the "middle" market if you call it that way. In terms of the middle range, it's been a few years since the Richard Lange came out, and over the past few years they've only been updating old models (1815 Chrono, Homage etc). Zeitwerk is the closest to the middle market but it's still a fair bit more than a Datograph. I'm in no way complaining, as these technical marvels never cease to amaze me, but purely an observation.

2) Lange is continuing the move to bigger watch case sizes. None of their new models in the past couple of years come under 39.5mm (1815 Moonphase Homage an exception). I have a feeling 42mm is the new 40mm.

2) I agree my first impression is, it looks like Don's watch!! (or to a lesser extent Jaquet Droz).

The pictures show Lange have produced yet another amazing watch. No doubt this will further cement Lange as THE top watch manufacture.

And the attention that Lange has been giving to the Richard Lange collection as of late.

The dial, unique, but i'm sure not to everyone's taste.

The combination of the tourbillon and chain fusee, much better than the tourbograph, because this one hacks.

Bravo, can't wait for another 5 weeks.

Stephen

Like my brother, I agree, this is a very unique watch and very technically sophisticated.  However, I have to admit, the unique dial is very unusual and may not be as elegant as a clean classic dial. 

Nevertheless, a very impressive watch and one that I am hoping to see in person soon. 

Who can ever hope to BEAT this one huh? Even in it's upside-down state!

Cheers

Stephen

 

But the King reigns and still remains - the King.

I believe that the Richard Langes were launched to demonstrate not only a tradition but the virtues of precision and accuracy, while being extremely readable as well.

My PLM is doing just that, now worn by me several hours a day, even out in the streets, and checked a couple of times per day - varying from +1/3 to +1 sec in any position.

I recently confused it with my Richard Lange, which was gaining around half of COSC at the very most. Sorry for the confusion!

In this model we have an old-fashioned tradition combined with a modern approach, and a touch of playfullness, ingenious and useful as it is on the dial side! The chaine et fusée combined with a visible-as-possible tourbillion thanks to an automatic slider into a Regulator. Wonderfull - of course - but does nothing for me.

The Referenz flopped with me - because bringing the seconds into allignment did not affect the allignment of the minutes. It crossed the line into becoming a gadget, whereas G.O. solved this problem so well with their Senator Chronometer (which I do not own).

Still a wonderful and wonderous watch! But there are so many others, even (!) from Lange ...

I just wish that they would keep the name Richard Lange out of it - to keep him from rolling in his grave (at how many beats per minute? - or as a watch winder for a manual watch?).

Personally not waiting for those 5 weeks, in part because I have other surprises coming in my direction...

Writing from a sick-bed and not wishing you the same - but don't let that bother you too much!

Amery
This message has been edited by amerix on 2010-12-20 08:55:26 This message has been edited by amerix on 2010-12-20 08:57:38 This message has been edited by amerix on 2010-12-20 08:58:37 This message has been edited by amerix on 2010-12-20 09:00:33 This message has been edited by amerix on 2010-12-20 09:05:59 This message has been edited by amerix on 2010-12-20 09:08:37 This message has been edited by amerix on 2010-12-20 09:20:23

Do take care of your health, especially in this season, in the snow that Deutschland is facing!

My prayers go out to you always!

Tschuss

Stephen