A. Lange & Sohne: Richard Lange Jumping Seconds In Pink Gold

After launching last year a first edition in platinum, A. Lange & Sohne now unveils a new version of the Richard Lange Jumping Seconds in pink gold, also in a limited 100-watch edition.

The model pays tribute to watches for scientific observation and puts the focus on the smallest of the three time measurement units: small seconds. The subdivision of an hour into 60 minutes of 60 seconds each dates back a millenium. Then, about 400 years ago, the first watch with a seconds hand appeared, marking the beginning of a new and more precise standard in timekeeping.

In 60 steps per minute, the blued seconds hand of the Richard Lange Jumping Seconds advances along the upper and largest circle of the puristic regulator dial. The cadence is defined by an ingenious one-second constant-force escapement that, on the one hand, delivers the switching impulse for the seconds jump, and, on the other, assures constant power delivery for the entire power reserve of 42 hours. A small indication in the intersection of the three time circles tells the owner when to rewind the watch: it switches to red ten hours in advance.

The function of the constant-force escapement can be observed close up through the sapphire-crystal caseback. The aperture reveals how the remontoir spring of the constant- force escapement receives fresh energy from the mainspring barrel every second to power the escapement at the same rate. Just below it, under a transparent jewel bearing, there is a star connected to the fourth-wheel arbor that controls the jumping seconds sequence.

The Zero-Reset mechanism is also easily visible. When the crown is pulled, it stops the cam-poised balance and instantly propels the seconds hand to the zero position. This allows the watch to be conveniently and precisely synchronised with a time signal or a radio-controlled clock.

An innovative multi-disc clutch reliably stabilises the large seconds hand throughout the accelerating and braking phases to assure perfect one- second legibility of the time.

The Richard Lange Jumping Seconds in pink gold is yet another example of the excellence of the Saxon manufacture. A.Lange & Sohne today produces only a few thousand gold or platinum wristwatches a year, exclusively with movements developed, assembled and hand-decorated in house. (€.73.000)