A. Lange & Söhne Minute Repeater Perpetual: A Masterpiece Of Sound And Time
A. Lange & Söhne once again pushes the boundaries of haute horology with the introduction of the Minute Repeater Perpetual, an exquisite timepiece that merges two of the most intricate complications in watchmaking: a minute repeater and a perpetual calendar. Encased in 950 platinum and limited to just 50 pieces, this watch is a true testament to the brand’s commitment to technical excellence and artisanal craftsmanship.
A Harmonious Blend of Sound and Mechanics
The minute repeater in this timepiece is a feat of engineering, designed to produce a crystal-clear chime that resonates with precision and clarity. When activated via the slide on the left-hand case flank, the striking mechanism delivers a low-pitched strike for the hours, a double tone for the quarter hours, and a high-pitched chime for the minutes past the last quarter.
What sets this minute repeater apart are its refined features, including pause elimination, which removes unnecessary silences between strikes. A safety device prevents activation when the crown is pulled, ensuring the mechanism is never engaged at an improper moment. Additionally, a patented hammer blocker ensures clean, singular strikes without unintended rebounds. The sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the intricate choreography of its 194-part chiming mechanism, with two meticulously hand-tuned gongs ensuring a sound that is both resonant and harmonious.
Perpetual Precision: A Calendar for Eternity
Complementing its auditory brilliance is the perpetual calendar, engineered to maintain precise date calculations for over a century. The mechanism automatically adjusts for varying month lengths and leap years, requiring manual correction only on March 1, 2100. The moon-phase display is equally impressive, deviating by just one day every 122.6 years.
True to A. Lange & Söhne’s philosophy of ease of use, all calendar functions can be adjusted simultaneously via a single corrector.
A Dial of Exceptional Craftsmanship
The timepiece features a black enamel dial, meticulously crafted in-house and framed by a 750 white gold base. This four-part dial provides a striking contrast for the signature Lange outsize date and the three subdials. At 9 o’clock, the dial displays the day of the week and a 24-hour indicator. At 3 o’clock, it houses the month and leap year display. Finally, at 6 o’clock, the small seconds and moon-phase indicator complete the composition. Further elevating the dial’s aesthetic are hand-engraved gold moons and more than 100 individually engraved stars. A circular lesene, a fine white gold border, highlights the separate sections of the dial, enhancing both elegance and legibility. Completing the design are 950 gold Lancet-shaped hands, Roman numerals, and a large date window at noon.
Case: A Platinum Masterpiece
The 950 platinum case measures 40.5mm in diameter and 12.1mm in height, featuring a polished finish that enhances its luxurious appeal. Sapphire crystal adorns both sides, providing a clear view of the intricate movement. The fluted crown at 3 o’clock bears the brand’s signature, while a slide button on the opposite side allows activation of the minute repeater. The open case back is engraved with individual numbering (00/50), marking its exclusivity. With a water resistance of 20 meters, this masterpiece combines sophistication with practicality.
The Mastery of Movement: Calibre L122.2
At the heart of this masterpiece beats the Lange manufacture calibre L122.2, a manually wound movement composed of 640 parts. The movement, visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback, features a balance cock with free-hand engraving, a precision-adjustment system with a lateral setscrew and whiplash spring, and a black-rhodiumed three-quarter plate in untreated German silver. Four screwed gold chatons enhance the elegance of the movement.
The minute repeater’s hammers, finished with an intricate black polish, create an interplay of light and shadow, reflecting only in a single direction for a mirror-like effect. Additionally, the centrifugal governor, operating at over 2,000 RPM, ensures uniform strike timing while remaining nearly silent.
Strap: A Luxurious Complement
The hand-stitched black alligator leather strap enhances the elegance of the timepiece. Secured with a deployant platinum buckle, it ensures both comfort and security on the wrist, completing the sophisticated aesthetic of this exceptional watch.
A Limited-Edition Collectible
With a case size of 40.5mm in diameter and 12.1mm in height, the Minute Repeater Perpetual sits elegantly on the wrist, secured by a hand-stitched black alligator leather strap with a deployant platinum buckle. As part of an exclusive 50-piece limited edition, this extraordinary timepiece is available only through select A. Lange & Söhne boutiques.
Conclusion
The A. Lange & Söhne Minute Repeater Perpetual is more than a watch; it is a horological symphony, a testament to centuries of craftsmanship, and a celebration of precision engineering. With its unparalleled combination of sound, timekeeping, and artistry, it stands as one of the most remarkable creations in contemporary watchmaking.
For more details and inquiries on pricing, contact A. Lange & Söhne directly.
General Specifications:
Brand: A. Lange & Söhne
Model: Minute Repeater Perpetual
Reference: 607.091FE
Dial: 750 gold, black enamelled
Case Material: 950 Platinum
Case Dimensions: 40.50 mm Diameter, 12.10 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 20 Meters
Strap: Blue or brown hand-stitched alligator leather strap with a 750 white or pink gold pin buckle
Calibre: L122.2
Dimensions: 30 mm Diameter, 7.60 mm thickness
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, 24-hour indicator, day, date, month, leap year, moon phase
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 Vph)
Jewels: 54
Components: 640
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Price: Upon request
Limited Edition: Yes, 50 pieces individual numbered
Availability: Excusive selected brand boutiques
