A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater Watch Review
Angus Davies discusses the A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater, originally launched at SIHH 2015. This watch is an exemplar of watchmaking know-how. Indeed, it has an impressive six patents relating to its movement.
A. Lange & Söhne watch
I have had a weakness for A. Lange & Söhne watches for many years. The styling of the brand’s timepieces blends ease of interpretation and timeless aesthetics with beautifully crafted movements. It all makes a persuasive argument for selection.
The German watch company does not discard former designs in the pursuit of innovation and, as a result, enjoys a loyal following. The changes made to existing models are often small. For example, in 2015, the Lange 1 received some minor reworking of the bezel and a modification to the outsize date, which now instantaneously changes at midnight. I doubt existing owners of Lange 1 models will feel the kudos of their watch has been compromised by this prudent approach to new product development.
However, there was one particular timepiece released at SIHH 2015 which did offer radical differences to the models that proceeded it. The A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater fuses the brand’s ingenious jumping numerals display, seen on other Zeitwerk models, with a decimal minute repeater, a first at the time of its unveiling.
A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater – a push piece
Normally with a minute repeater, the chiming sequence is actuated by sliding a lever, usually located on the left flank of the case. Hammers and gongs collaborate to chime the hours, quarters and minutes, in sequence. However, the new A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater is different.
The chiming sequence, activated by pressing a push-piece at 10 o’clock, is ingenious. A hammer, positioned at 8 o’clock, chimes the hours indicated on the time display above. Thereafter, a second hammer at 4 o’clock sounds each ten-minute integer with a double strike, one with each gong before the single minutes are indicated by the hammer at 4 o’clock working in isolation.
The charms of this watch are the linear presentation of time from left to right and the accompanying aural indication, available on demand.
A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater calibre L043.5
A. Lange & Söhne has imbued this timepiece with a colossal amount of watchmaking know-how and the specification distinguishes it as exceptional. The new calibre L043.5 consists of 771 parts and includes a patented constant-force escapement to ensure consistent power is delivered to change the jumping numerals on the dial.
With some minute repeaters, costly damage can occur if the crown is operated during the chiming sequence. The prestigious watch company from Glashütte has given this due consideration, equipping the watch with a safety mechanism that prevents the crown from being pulled out whilst the chiming sequence takes place.
When the repeater is operational, the jumping action of the numerals is also delayed, preventing interruption of the repeater sequence.
The striking mechanism will not operate if the power reserve is less than 12 hours. A small red dot on the power reserve indicator advises the wearer the mainspring requires winding and any remaining energy is allocated solely to the indication of time.
The calibre L043.5 features six patented systems, affirming the creativity of the watch brand from Saxony.
A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater – gongs and hammers
Usually, the gongs of a minute repeater are shrouded by the case and hidden from view. However, A. Lange & Söhne has indulged eyes with the sight of the hammers striking the exposed gongs.
The two gongs are arranged one on top of the other, following a curving line around the small seconds display, hugging the underside of the time bridge before ultimately arcing around the edge of the upper dial area.
Interestingly, the watch is supplied in a 44.2 mm diameter platinum case. Stainless steel is often said to transmit sound more effectively, however, Anthony de Haas, Technical Director of Lange, assured assembled journalists that the sound of the new A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater is “excellent”. While I have not heard the watch’s mellifluous charms with my own ears, based on my experience of the company’s watches to date, I see little reason to doubt his word.
The frustrations of a watch fanatic
With the frenetic interest in the A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater at SIHH 2015, getting close to the watch was incredibly difficult. I studied an example in a display cabinet on the company’s stand and marvelled at its handsome lines and expertly crafted movement. However, getting a few snatched moments with this timepiece affixed to my wrist proved impossible.
This frustration serves as a metaphor. Sadly, I will never own a Zeitwerk Minute Repeater. While I adore this watch for many reasons, and would even go so far as to say that it is one of my favourite watches from the Manufactory, I have to be reconciled with the fact that with an asking price that is somewhere north of €400K, it will remain forever beyond my reach.
Technical Specification
- Model: A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater
- Ref. 147.025F
- Case: Platinum; diameter 44.2 mm; height 14.1 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Jumping hours and minutes; small seconds; power-reserve indication; decimal minute repeater.
- Movement: Lange manufacture calibre L043.5, hand-wound movement; frequency 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz); 93 jewels; power reserve 36 hours; 771 parts
- Strap: Black hand-stitched alligator leather strap presented on a platinum deployant.
- Price on application