A Technical Masterpiece with a Unique Sound
The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER stands as a mechanical wristwatch unlike any other, seamlessly fusing a jumping numerals display with a decimal minute repeater. With a simple press of a button, it artfully resonates the hours, ten-minute increments, and minutes. A. Lange & Söhne has proudly introduced this technically remarkable timepiece in a limited edition of 30 watches, featuring a distinct grey dial crafted from the exclusive Lange honey gold (HONEYGOLD®), thereby bestowing the timepiece with a unique auditory character.
The Fresh ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD
In 2015, A. Lange & Söhne launched the platinum ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER, reimagining the traditional complication in an entirely novel light. This watch boasts a technically sophisticated mechanism that chimes the time on demand, but it differs from the norm by sounding ten-minute intervals instead of quarter-hours. As a result, its acoustic format perfectly mirrors the mechanical-digital time display. When the button at 10 o’clock is activated, each elapsed hour is marked by a low-pitched tone, each elapsed ten-minute period by a double tone (high-pitched followed by low-pitched), and each elapsed minute by a high-pitched tone. For instance, at 7:52 hours, you would hear seven low-pitched tones, five double tones, and two high-pitched tones. In essence, you not only see the time but also hear it, creating a harmonious fusion of visual and auditory elements.
Refining the Acoustics
The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD sets itself apart with its unique and expressive sound, courtesy of the resonant honey-gold alloy that serves as the watch’s case. This alloy produces a distinct, vibrant sound with a rich and warm tonal quality.
Anthony de Haas, Director Product Development at A. Lange & Söhne, and a passionate drummer, explains: “Every minute repeater has its own, one-of-a-kind sound. Apart from the gongs and gong hammers, the case material has the greatest impact on the sound. Similar to a musical instrument, different tone colours and sound impressions are created, depending on the material used. That is also the case with our novelty in honey gold. It sounds different to all other materials ‒ truly distinctive.”
“To attain this particular sound quality, all parameters are perfectly matched to one another,” elaborates Tino Bobe, Director Manufacture. “The gongs that are meticulously hand-tuned deliver a pure, resonant sound and harmonise with the sound characteristics of the Lange-exclusive case alloy. Additionally, all components are carefully tuned by one of our master watchmakers. This requires multiple disassembly, reworking, reassembly and finally, testing procedures. Much of the manufacturing time is thus dedicated to perfecting the sound: to complete such a watch calls for acute hearing and extreme dexterity.”
The intricate polishing of the gongs and the black polishing of the gong hammers require the expertise and virtuosity of a master watchmaker. These components are thoughtfully integrated into the dial’s design, visible in action during the chiming sequence, ensuring that the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD delivers an impressive performance, both acoustically and visually.
Simple and Secure
Continuing their tradition of innovation, Lange’s watchmakers explored new avenues in developing the operating mechanism for this watch. The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER features a unique button mechanism for activating the repeater, eliminating the need for a slide, a common feature in minute repeaters, to tension a separate spring since the striking mechanism is powered by the twin mainspring barrel.
To ensure the seamless functioning of the complex mechanical assembly, intricate safety and blocking mechanisms have been integrated into the movement. To prevent unintentional interruption of the repeater sequence and ensure the watch doesn’t stop running, the striking mechanism cannot be activated when the remaining power reserve falls below twelve hours, indicated by a red dot on the power reserve indicator.
During the chiming operation, the numeral discs’ switching action is delayed, and the crown cannot be pulled. This precaution prevents any interference with the chiming sequence and ensures that the acoustic time indication remains undisturbed. For instance, at 12:59 hours, when the longest series of tones is chimed, it takes approximately 20 seconds for the repeater sequence to conclude. If a new minute begins while the repeater is still active, the minute and/or hour jump occurs immediately after the tone sequence has finished. Subsequently, the next numeral disc switching cycle resumes its regular timing as the seconds hand crosses the 60-seconds mark.
Manufacture Caliber with Constant-Force Escapement
As with all models in the ZEITWERK watch family, the in-house caliber L043.5 boasts a constant-force escapement between the mainspring barrel and the balance, serving as a metronome for the instantaneous progression of the numeral discs every minute. Simultaneously, it contributes significantly to rate stability by ensuring that the balance receives a consistent level of energy, regardless of the watch’s winding state. Comprising 771 meticulously crafted components, the movement is meticulously hand-finished, with the balance cock and the escape-wheel cock intricately engraved by skilled artisans.
Elegant Aesthetic
The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD joins the previous platinum version with a rhodié-colored dial launched in 2015 and the limited 30-watch edition in white gold with a deep-blue dial introduced in 2020. All these models feature a 44.2-millimeter case diameter. The new variant is paired with a dark-brown, hand-stitched leather strap, enhancing its strikingly elegant appearance. This exclusive timepiece is limited to 30 watches in 18-carat honey gold and is available exclusively at select A. Lange & Söhne boutiques.
For more information, please visit ALange-Soehne.com.