Richard Lange Special Edition
Right on time for the start of spring, A. Lange & Söhne presents a special edition of the Richard Lange in white gold and with blued steel hands. From April 2013, this new variation is available exclusively at the boutiques of the traditional Saxon watch brand.
In 2006, A. Lange & Söhne revived the grand tradition of scientific observation watches with the launch of the Richard Lange. They were once indispensable in navigation and as precision instruments for scientists. Reduced to the function of exact time measurement, the new boutique edition of the three-hand watch with sweep seconds comes in a white-gold case for the first time, with the familiar diameter of 40.5 millimetres. Hands in blued steel over an argenté-coloured solid-silver dial assure excellent high-contrast legibility of the time.
The Richard Lange pays tribute to Ferdinand A. Lange’s eldest son. During his entire life, the long-tenured technical director of the manufactory focused on evolving precision watchmaking on the basis of scientific research. The balance spring is a manifestation of what is no doubt his greatest achievement. In 1929, he recognised that the addition of beryllium to the nickel-steel alloy made hairsprings less susceptible to temperature fluctuations and simultaneously more elastic. Richard Lange’s insight, for which a patent was granted in the following year, resulted in a quantum leap in precision and expedited the development of a timepiece category that defines itself in terms of accuracy: the observation watch.
The Richard Lange was inspired by the characteristic traits of its historic predecessor and re-interprets them with contemporary panache. With its white-gold case and the exquisite finissage of the movement, it is a very accurate observation wristwatch that befits our era. This special edition of the Richard Lange is available exclusively through the A. Lange & Söhne boutiques. Only a few pieces can be handcrafted per year.
Movement
Lange manufacture calibre L041.2, manually wound, crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards, decorated and assembled by hand; precision-adjusted in five positions; plates and bridges made of untreated German silver; balance cock engraved by hand
Movement parts
199
Jewels
26
Screwed gold chatons
2
Escapement
Lever escapement
Oscillation system
Shock-resistant screw balance with eccentric poising weights, superior-quality balance spring manufactured in-house, frequency 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour, precision beat adjustment system with lateral setscrew and whiplash spring
Power reserve
38 hours when fully wound
Functions
Time display in hours, minutes and sweep seconds with stop seconds
Operating elements
Crown for winding the watch and setting the time
Case dimensions
Diameter: 40.5 millimetres; height: 10.5 millimetres
Movement dimensions
Diameter: 30.6 millimetres; height: 6.0 millimetres
Crystal and caseback
Sapphire crystal (hardness 9)
Case
White gold
Dial
Solid silver, argenté
Hands
Blued steel
Strap
Hand-stitched crocodile strap, black
Buckle
Lange prong buckle in solid white gold
Published by WatchMundi
