A. Lange & Soehne presented the new Zeitwerk Honeygold Lumen with a case honey gold and a semi-transparent dial. Ref. 142.055 has a price of € 116,900
With its instantly jumping digital displays indicating the hour and minute, the Zeitwerk by A. Lange & Söhne is a truly unique timepiece.
But today the Saxon watchmaker is launching a new Zeitwerk model that is even more unique.
In fact, the Zeitwerk Honeygold Lumen adds two more peculiarities: a case crafted from Lange’s proprietary honey gold and a semi-transparent dial that makes the luminous jumping numerals display fully visible.
Moreover, this exclusive 200-piece limited edition is powered by the second generation of Zeitwerk movement, introduced with the Zeitwerk Date, that doubles the power reserve to 72 hours.
The digital display of the Zeitwerk is based on a three-disc jumping numerals mechanism that offers unparalleled legibility of the time. Two discs are used for the tens and units-minutes while a larger ring spanning almost the entire diameter of the movement is used for the hours. All numerals are identical in size.
For the first time, Lange’s proprietary honey gold is used for a “Lumen” model. Also thanks to a special thermal treatment, the proprietary alloy offers extra hardness and a distinctive warm lustre.
The 41.9 mm x 12.6 mm case alternates satin-brushed and brilliantly polished surfaces. The large crown positioned at 2 o’clock can be used to wind the movement (position 0) and to set the time (position 1). The rectangular push-button at 4 o'clock allows the hour indication to be switched separately for faster adjustment.
Honey gold is used also for the hands of the power-reserve indicator and of the subsidiary seconds as well as the Lange prong buckle.
Framed by a polished bezel and protected by a sapphire crystal, the dial is made of a dark sapphire crystal integrating the imposing time bridge that frames the time indication. Consisting of black rhodiumed German silver, this is an actual part of the movement. On the right, just near the minutes indication, it is easy to recognise the sapphire bearing for the arbor of the tens and units discs.
The light-permeable coating of the dial allows the luminous numerals that are not exposed in the aperture to absorb enough UV light and thus light energy needed to make them glow in the dark. This way, the digital display remains visible even right after each switching sequence. The numerals discs, barely discernible during the day, cause the watch to glow at night. To experience this, make sure to watch the video presentation by Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development at A. Lange & Söhne, at the end of this article.
The switching requires lot of energy which is delivered by two mainspring barrels. The switching point is controlled by a patented constant-force escapement that assures that the balance is always driven with constant power for extreme precision by handling two key functions: it generates the impulse for the jumping advance of the time display as well as driving the balance with nearly uniform power across the entire run time. This keeps the amplitude constant, which has a positive effect on rate stability.
The Zeitwerk calibre L043.9 is showcased in its splendour through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback.
Comprised of 462 parts and beating at the frequency of 2,5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour), this hand-wound movement is finished according to the highest Fine watchmaking standards as demonstrated by the hand-engraved balance and escape-wheel cocks, the solarised winding wheels and the filigreed, the straight-grained constant-force escapement bridge that accommodates two recessed, screwed gold chatons (more on Lange's "beauty recipe" can be found here).
Matched to a dark-brown leather strap, the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Honeygold Lumen, ref. 142.055, has a price of Euro 116,900. alange-soehne.com
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