The ZEITWERK STRIKING TIME is the worldʼs first mechanical wristwatch with a jumping numerals display and a visible striking mechanism. Every quarter-hour, the right-hand gong hammer strikes a gong to produce a clear, high-pitched tone. At the top of the hour, the left-hand hammer performs its duty and generates a vigorous tone at a lower pitch.
The steel of which the gongs are made is hardened in an elaborate process. To optimise the acoustics of the gongs, the weight of the gong hammers, their impact angle and their impact speed must be accurately matched to the gongs. The striking mechanism can be deactivated by actuating the button in the lower right-hand case flank. This causes the gong hammers to deflect away from the gongs toward the centre of the dial and remain there. The striking function is activated again by re-actuating the button.
2 Models of the ZEITWERK STRIKING TIME
528
78
2
36 hours when fully wound
Frequency: 18000 semi-oscillations per hour
Beat-adjustment system: Screw balance
Diameter: 36 mm; height: 10 mm
