Calendar displays are among the most popular functions of a mechanical watch because of their significant practical use. Models with different calendar functions are an integral part of our collection.
The calendar versions that our watchmakers have designed to date range from timepieces with simple date displays to complicated mechanisms such as perpetual calendars.
Date
The date display represents the fundamental calendar function. At A. Lange & Söhne, it is mostly implemented as an easily legible outsize date. It is based on an ingenious construction with two mechanical display elements and was first introduced in the LANGE 1 in 1994. The ZEITWERK DATE features another exceptional date display ‒ it is shown on a peripheral ring.
Date and day of the week
Indicating the day of the week represents an advantageous addition to the date. As a retrograde day-of-week display, this useful combination of indications can be found in the LANGE 1 DAYMATIC for example, harmoniously enhancing the outsize date. In the models of the ODYSSEUS watch family, a day-of-week display is arranged opposite the outsize date in its classic double aperture ‒ both of equal size.
Annual calendar
The annual calendar unites three calendar displays: date, day of the week and month. The mechanism is programmed to automatically indicate the months with 30 and 31 days. The display must be manually advanced only once a year, at the transition from February to March.
All calendar indications can be separately switched with individual correctors on the flank of the case. Our models are equipped with an especially helpful additional function: a pusher that collectively advances all calendar indications in increments of one day. Thus, the calendar can be quickly and conveniently adjusted if the watch has not been worn for several days and has stopped running.
Perpetual calendar
In the category of calendar indications, the perpetual calendar is considered to be the pinnacle of achievement. Consisting of hundreds of components, the mechanism ensures the correct display of date, day of the week, month and leap years. It not only takes into account the different durations of the months within a year but also recognises whether February has 28 or 29 days. No correction is needed until 2100: in that year, the Gregorian calendar omits the 29th of February according to the rule that leap years are skipped in secular years.
The A. Lange & Söhne perpetual calendars feature a host of particularities. For the greater part, they are equipped with the typical Lange outsize date that assures superb legibility. Additionally, many models are endowed with a practical rapid-correction function that jointly advances all calendar displays if so required. With their instantaneously switching displays and peripheral month ring, the calendar models of the LANGE 1 watch family boast unique mechanical and design solutions.
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Whether you are interested in a specific watch model, or have questions about the manufacture, or would like to submit a request for service – we are delighted to help you. You can contact us by phone, email or receive personal service at one of our boutiques.
