By Jovan Krstevski
A. Lange & Söhne introduces another version of the Richard Lange Jumping Seconds which was first presented in 2016 and it was in platinum.
The 2016 Platinum version of the A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Jumping Seconds (ref. 252.025)
The second version is now in pink gold. If you don’t remember the first one, it was successful because it combined a jumping second, a constant-force escapement, and a ZERO- RESET mechanism with a regulator dial layout. Basically, this watch is carefully designed to fit all these amazing tech. Like the inaugural model, the new Richard Lange Jumping Seconds is also limited to 100 pieces.
The pink gold case shares the same dimensions of 39.9 mm x 10.6 mm case which falls on the dressy side of things. The finishing is lovely as expected on a pink gold look. Speaking of elegance, the overall appeal of the case focuses on simplicity such as clean lines, chamfered lugs and proper sized crown. The bezel is super smooth. Flipping the watch on its belly, we see sapphire-crystal caseback that exhibits the luxurious decors on the watch’s mechanical movement.
Moving on to the watch face, the pink gold case houses a solid silver featuring blued-steel seconds hand and smaller pink gold hours and minutes hands. Since the watch pays tribute to scientific observation, it utilizes the smallest of the three time measurement units. Indeed, the Richard Lange Jumping Seconds is super precise that its tactile behavior is so pleasing to observe. On the technical side, the blued seconds hand moves along the upper and largest circle of the regulator dial in 60 steps per minute. The cadence is then indicated by a second constant-force escapement that serves two purposes: 1) it delivers the switching impulse for the seconds jump, and 2) it assures constant power delivery for the entire power reserve of 42 hours. This is perhaps a very ingenious idea and the power reserve indicator is subtle, very subtle as it is located at the intersection of the three time circles and only switches to red ten hours in advance, ample time to recharge the watch.
The beautiful constant-force escapement is observable through the exhibition caseback. One can see that the aperture shows how the remontoir spring of the constant-force escapement is receiving fresh energy every second from the mainspring barrel to power the escapement at the same time. And under a transparent jewel bearing, is a star connected to the fourth-wheel arbor managing the jumping seconds sequence. Looking deeper, one can also see the ZERO-RESET mechanism where when the crown is pulled, the cam-poised balance is stopped thus shifting the seconds hand to the zero position instantly. This is perfect for precision adjustment such as referencing time signals or radio-controlled clocks. The watch also features a multi-disc clutch that stabilizes the large seconds hand throughout the accelerating and braking phases that simply translates to a perfect one-second reading.
Delivering the amazing functions above is the hand-wound manufacture calibre L094.1 with 42 hours of power reserve and beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour. The 390 pieced movement showcases decors meeting the highest standards with bridges made of untreated German silver and further decorated with Glashütte ribbing, hand-engraved balance cock, and eight screwed gold chatons.
Finally, the A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Jumping Seconds retails for about Euro 75,000 and wears on a nice leather strap. For more info, please visit alange-soehne.com
