The ZEITWERK defies every convention. Its display is digital, yet a mechanical heart beats within. In a fraction of a second, the large jumping numerals of the time indication switch, minute by minute. Its digital time display conceals an ingenious movement featuring sophisticated mechanisms. With this disruptive approach, the ZEITWERK watch family appeals to aficionados of traditional watchmaking artistry who also welcome progressive concepts and unconventional solutions.
Distinctive design
The one-of-a-kind concept of the ZEITWERK manifests itself in a distinctive design. The time bridge made of German silver is one of the most prominent design elements of its dial. The material traditionally used by Lange for frame parts such as bridges and cocks clearly illustrates that it is part of the movement. Simultaneously, it frames all time indications. The time is displayed in large apertures for the hours and minutes, arranged from left to right, as usual in digital watches. The ZEITWERK elegantly sets itself apart in the plethora of analogue mechanical watches, establishing a category of its own.
The winding crown of the ZEITWERK provides a further salient detail. Its particular position at 2 o’clock not only makes it more comfortable to wear. From an engineering point of view, it is necessary so that the winding mechanism can bypass the jumping numerals mechanism.
Ingenious mechanical solutions
To create this lucid and innovative jumping numerals display, Lange’s engineers questioned the conventional principles and rules of precision watchmaking afresh. This was necessary, because the many challenges of fitting the mechanism in the limited dimensions of a wristwatch and at the same time providing enough energy to produce the synchronised switching steps were enormous. For every single one, the A. Lange & Söhne watchmakers succeeded in finding an ingenious solution.
The jumping numerals mechanism
At the core of all ZEITWERK models lies the patented jumping numerals mechanism. A large numeral disc displays the hours while the minutes are arranged on two separate discs. To advance the discs, the movement requires a distinctly higher amount of energy than is the case with a classic time indication.
By watchmaking standards, the numeral discs are not only heavy – they must also be accelerated instantaneously and braked again. This calls for much greater forces than the uniform rotation of a considerably lighter pair of hands. The greatest amount of energy is needed at the top of the hour when the movement advances all three discs at the same time.
Powerful jump – soft landing
A powerful mainspring barrel provides the tremendous force needed for the jump. In the blink of an eye, the numeral discs are accelerated and braked immediately. A fly governor absorbs the surplus energy, preventing a “hard landing” of the numeral discs by producing a cushioning effect. This assures the long-term functional integrity of the mechanism. In the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER, part of the force delivered by the mainspring barrel is used for the striking function.
The mechanical control centre
The patented constant-force escapement constitutes the technical central component of all ZEITWERK models. Located between mainspring barrel and balance wheel, it controls the instantaneous switching action of the numeral discs once a minute.
Precisely every 60 seconds, the constant-force escapement generates a switching impulse for the jump, exactly 1,440 times a day. At the same time, it assures high rate accuracy across the entire power-reserve duration: from the fully wound state of the watch to the unwound state.
The unique design and sophisticated mechanisms of the ZEITWERK watch family combine superb functionality and reliability. Because they are built on the solid foundation of traditional German watchmaking artistry.
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