By Jovan Krstevski
The Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar Terraluna from A. Lange & Söhne is no doubt one of the most interesting timepieces that came out from SIHH 2014. I remember it fondly and more so because I have been given the chance to actually play with this particular watch and all I can say is that I enjoyed it or shall I say that I’m pretty much still enjoying it. The one I tested was in pink gold but this watch is also available in a white gold model. Needless to say the new Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar Terraluna from A. Lange & Söhne is a complex timepiece. It sports a regulator-like dial with a perpetual calendar. It also includes 14-day power reserve and a constant force escapement. Of course, there is the graphic orbital moonphase complication right on the plate of the movement which pretty much is the reason for this watch, I like it.
The case is rather large at 45.5 mm but personally, the details at this size simply shine out. On a daily basis though this would feel bulky but if you’re used to large yet stylistic watches, this is a bonus point plus the clarity is simply awesome. The sapphire caseback is also perfect for viewing the calibre L096.1, more on this later. I like the feel of the case on my wrist and as usual, the details are very much stark like the perfect crown and the pusher at the 1 o’clock. The lugs look great too and the bezel very luxurious.
As I’ve mentioned, the dial sports a regulator display for the time which feels old and nerdy since we see this usually on nineteenth-century scientific clocks. The biggest regulator shows the minutes off centered at 12 o’clock while the hours marked with classic clock-style Roman numerals is found on the right and the seconds sporting the signature Lange seconds hand is found on the left. The perpetual calendar details are scattered on the dial which is pretty odd for me but that is just me, we see the Lange panoramic big date at 12 inside the minutes register while the day of the week and month are opposite each other just below 9 and 3. It takes some time getting used to the dial but once you get the hang of it, it becomes very easy to read besides visual priority is given to the information needed the most across the whole dial. I also like the small leap year indicator at 2 o’clock and the curved power reserve indicator at the bottom of the dial, they’re very unobtrusive.
Personally, though, I like what’s at the back, the impressive calibre L096.1. It showcases great information about its mechanics plus it displays the orbital moonphase indicator right there. Illustrating the moonphase is challenging but it’s quite simple, the balance wheel represents the sun and the three discs represent the earth, sky, and moon. Everything is intuitive so it’s really quite easy to figure out. Moreover, the movement is crafted from German silver. Another visible part is the escapement sporting consistent bursts of energy every 10 seconds.
Furthermore, the Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar Terraluna comes in white gold priced at $230,400 with very slow production due to its complexity. For more info, please visit alange-soehne.com
