Many personalities in the annals of timekeeping relied on the trial-and-error principle to improve the precision of watches. Only few had the ability to translate the latest scientific insights of their epoch into technically viable solutions. Richard Lange, Adolph Lange's first-born son, was among them. He dedicated his entire life to scientific research in the service of horology and even at an advanced age worked on pioneering developments, some of which are still of decisive importance in the domain of precision watchmaking. Overall, he was awarded 27 patents and utility model grants. His probably most remarkable accomplishment is summarised in Patent No. 529945 entitled "Metal alloy for watch springs." Richard Lange had discovered a way to improve the quality of alloys conventionally used for balance springs: the admixture of beryllium clearly reduced the sensitivity of the springs to temperature fluctuations and magnetic fields, while simultaneously enhancing their elasticity and hardness. Richard Lange passed away only two years after the patent was granted - too soon to personally oversee the technical implementation of his invention. But his discovery resulted in the introduction of an alloy that is still used today to manufacture hairsprings for high-quality mechanical movements.