SIHH2017: A. Lange & Sohne - Zeitwerk Decimal Strike. Differently from the Zeitwerk Striking Time introduced in 2014, where the mechanism triggers the striking of one of the two gongs every 15 minutes, the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Decimal Strike presented last January at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie de Geneve, makes time audible in a new way: in fact, its striking mechanism sounds every ten minutes. The new A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Decimal Strike (ref. 143.050) has a price of Euro 120,000.
Differently from the Zeitwerk Striking Time introduced in 2014, where the mechanism triggers the striking of one of the two gongs every 15 minutes, the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Decimal Strike presented last January at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie de Geneve, makes time audible in a new way. In fact, its striking mechanism sounds every ten minutes.
Produced in a limited edition of 100 pieces, the new model comes in a 44.2 mm x 13.1 mm case crafted from honey gold, a special alloy which is harder than other gold alloys while delivering a beautiful a distinctive warm tone.
Introduced in 2009, the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk gave time a new face with a mechanical jumping numerals display. Now, the Zeitwerk Decimal Strike expands the line with the third model featuring an acoustic time indication.
Given its mechanical architecture, the Zeitwerk calibre offers the ideal conditions for the integration of a striking mechanism considering that a large amount of energy needs to be built up for advancing its mechanical, precisely jumping numerals displays.
In the new model, the required energy relies on two differently tuned gongs to indicate the full hours as well as the ten-minute intervals between the start of one hour and the next.
The two hammers that are visible on the dial side consist of polished steel and, like the hammer bridge, are decorated with a tremblage engraving. The hammer on the left strikes the low-pitched gong once every full hour while the right-hand hammer sounds a higher-pitched tone every ten minutes.
In one-minute intervals, the units disc instantly advances by exactly one increment. Legibility is excellent thanks to the large display and the precision of the numerals jumps. The patented constant-force escapement between the mainspring barrel and the balance delivers the power, making sure that the balance has a constant amount of energy across the entire power reserve period.
The high-pitched tone sounds every time the tens disc advances; at the start of the hour, when the low-pitched tone is struck, all three numeral discs jump synchronously by one increment.
Of course, the striking mechanism can be switched off. When the button at 4 o’clock is pressed, the hammers are deflected away from the gongs. This also happens when the crown is pulled to set the time.
Assembled twice to ensure the highest quality, the hand-finished manufacture calibre L043.7 beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of 36 hours. Plates and bridges are made of untreated German silver. Balance cock and intermediate-wheel cock are engraved by hand making each piece unique.
The new A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Decimal Strike (ref. 143.050) has a price of Euro 120,000. alange-soehne.com
Introduced in 2009, the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk gave time a new face with a mechanical jumping numerals display. Now, the Zeitwerk Decimal Strike expands the line with the third model featuring an acoustic time indication.
Given its mechanical architecture, the Zeitwerk calibre offers the ideal conditions for the integration of a striking mechanism considering that a large amount of energy needs to be built up for advancing its mechanical, precisely jumping numerals displays.
In the new model, the required energy relies on two differently tuned gongs to indicate the full hours as well as the ten-minute intervals between the start of one hour and the next.
The two hammers that are visible on the dial side consist of polished steel and, like the hammer bridge, are decorated with a tremblage engraving. The hammer on the left strikes the low-pitched gong once every full hour while the right-hand hammer sounds a higher-pitched tone every ten minutes.
In one-minute intervals, the units disc instantly advances by exactly one increment. Legibility is excellent thanks to the large display and the precision of the numerals jumps. The patented constant-force escapement between the mainspring barrel and the balance delivers the power, making sure that the balance has a constant amount of energy across the entire power reserve period.
The high-pitched tone sounds every time the tens disc advances; at the start of the hour, when the low-pitched tone is struck, all three numeral discs jump synchronously by one increment.
Of course, the striking mechanism can be switched off. When the button at 4 o’clock is pressed, the hammers are deflected away from the gongs. This also happens when the crown is pulled to set the time.
Assembled twice to ensure the highest quality, the hand-finished manufacture calibre L043.7 beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of 36 hours. Plates and bridges are made of untreated German silver. Balance cock and intermediate-wheel cock are engraved by hand making each piece unique.
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