A Zeitwerk, Duomètre, and Carrera GT

[Plastique999]

What timepiece possesses a jumping disc mechanism that jumps over 500,000 times per year?

In 1841, Gutkaes built a "digital" 5 minute clock for Dresden's Semper Opera house. This served as the inspiration for Lange's first jumping mechanical wristwatch. In 2009, this mechanical digital watch won the Golden Hand award.



So why did I pursue such a controversial iconic piece? Simply put, the Zeitwerk is a dichotomy of engineering marvel combined with a classic, bold, elegant design. It questions traditionalists with its digital display and yet pushes the envelope of progressive innovation behind its movement. How can a mechanical movement so precisely store and create enough power to consistently advance a disc 1608 times per day? That precision behind the Calibre L043.1 is a technical achievement worth respecting.


First impression: I've never had palpitations waiting in anticipation to open a delivered package. Upon first glance, the Zeitwerk is simply breathtaking.

Signature aspects of Lange: The Lange case is bold elegance at 41.9 X 12.6 mm. The round polished bezel is rightfully thick against the thicker brushed case side.

The Ab/Auf indicator and small seconds display is traditional Lange, and the oversized numeral fonts are reminiscent of Lange 1's numeric display introduced in 1994.


Unique aspects:
Assymetric crown at 1 o clock allows for more freedom of extension of the wrist.


I'm a huge fan of guilloche dials, as in Vacherons. But this satin black dial appears smooth and silky and works nicely as a complement to the German silver time bridge.

The apertures for the time numerals give the dial a unique symmetric depth, and the whole dial appears in perfect symmetry except the left screw and right jewel of the time bridge....just enough imperfection to achieve perfection.

I've never really appreciated Lange numerals until framed by a window aperture. The apertures give the dial a sense of depth in perspective....white cliffs of Dover come to mind.
The Timeless font exudes an ephemeral history of time.

How does legibility compare to a normal dial?...about half second faster read. The numerical fonts jump out at you displaying perfect time.

Flip the case over to be overwhelmed by the intricate complexity of the movement. One can write a full thesis to try to explain the movement but I will try not to do this. However the Cliff Notes version is: immense main spring

supplies power to minute disc which then transfers to the Remontoire

which stores power to the third wheels then to the balance wheel.

Feel: some may allude to a hockey puck and even though there is a sense of weight, it feels like solid armor, but well balanced. There is a definite awareness when wearing this iconic timepiece.



Why compare the Zeitwerk to the Jaeger LeCoultre Duometre?



Both were debuted in the same era, with a unique horological complication - the Duometre was introduced in 2007 with the unique Dual Wing mechanism, which won the Montres Passion watch of the year. The calibre 380 involves 2 separate gear trains (power supplies) - one for the time and one for the chronograph. This essentially allows the timekeeping accuracy to be independent of the chronograph complication.


The Zeitwerk was introduced in 2009 and the calibre L043.1 is famous for the Remontoire storing power and keeping precision in timekeeping. Both movements are made of German silver nickel.


Both timepieces have a "jump" mechanism. The Zeitwerk has the jumping discs for the hours and minutes. The Duometre Chronograph has a foudroyante which is a "jumping second" hand that jumps every 1/6 second.

The Zeitwerk measures 41.9 x 12.6mm. The Duometre is 42 x 13.6mm.

Where similarities end, uniqueness prevails. The Zeitwerk jump is like a tassel in time, holding your breath for 60 seconds until the astonishing magic occurs.
https://youtu.be/Exj9dzB-qm0
The JLC jump is epitomized by the mesmerizing foudroyante which captures the essence of perpetual motion in time.
https://youtu.be/38YYkx5vJIY
The Zeitwerk boldly smiles simply at you with each digital display. The Duometre emits a grin of complexity with its dual dials and exposed dual wing.

Choosing one angle of time keeping over the other is nearly an impossible feat, as both are everso captivating.


In conclusion, the Zeitwerk reminds me of my Carrera GT as an evolution in history. The CGT engine was originally designed for LeMans racing and is encased in a full carbon fiber chassis and shell. Underneath the intricately woven deck lid runs 605 HP. The sleek curves of the CGT are timeless in aerodynamic space.



The Zeitwerk engine possesses similar enormous power behind its mainspring barrel, coupled with the patented Remontoire. It too is encased in a German designed sleekness with bold timeless curves.



These two works of art carry perplexing mechanics coupled with timeless design elements. In conclusion, the Zeitwerk represents a pinnacle milestone that is evolutionary and legendary.



Sent from my 16M

[KarlS]

Great info. Would never have thought that the Zeitwerk was 41.9 x 12.6. Always thought it looked huge but actually not that bad at all.

[Psmith]

Great photos

[benlee]

Zietwerks is one of the most creative mechanical timepiece ever made IMHO. I don't see any other brands manage to do this. Great pics btw.

[T. Ferguson]

Yeah, the watch is ok but man 'o man, that car!!!

Funny thing about the faster read of the digital display of the time. Perhaps because I came up in the pre-digital era of timepieces and alarm clocks, I read the traditional dial faster. In regard to the time my mind always seems to visualize the hands of a clock, so it takes me a tick longer to read a digital display because my head tends to first convert the digital display to a dial. Same dial if someone tells me the time. I see a dial.

[sechsgang]

This is just all the best stuff in here huh...can't get much better.

[regnant]

Thanks for posting these photos and succinct run down on the jumping mechanism
Zeitwerk is not my fave but a masterpiece by the brand. Its also a model that is least expected from a conservative brand.
I think it's a show off piece to demonstrate the world A Lange Sohne is capable of manufacturing anything they want

[joli160]

You are a man of great taste :thumbs:, two fantastic watches, great pics, thanks

[Coffes4closers]

Really enjoyed reading that.. Thanks! And congrats on your exceptional stable of both vehicles and timepieces

[uscmatt99]

Great write-up, the Duometre is one of my favorite watches, and keeps great company in your review.

[Samui]

Fantastic thread. Thank you. Lange is quuckly becoming on of my favorite brands.

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

Very nice, thank you for sharing. Incredible watches and cars you have there!

[AckAck]

Wonderful!!

[droptopman]

Very impressive post. Learned some new things. Great pics of amazing watches and car.

[K2Luxury]

Nice pictures !!


_________________________
Instagram : @k2luxurywatches

[Colin W]

Interesting stuff & great pics 👍


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Grnvette65]

As mentioned, great read. Interesting comparison of watches and car

[mjclark32]

all over

[DeeTee]

What a post!
Usually when I get a watch, I take a quick TRF pic and I'm done.

You just merged art and auto engineering into a wonderful harmonious glimps of who you are. Kudos my friend to the Zeitwerk and CGT!

[earlmale]

What a great review! Your photos are beautiful, and I admire your taste in both watches and cars.

[braxd]

A must read write up, thanks for sharing.

[One Ping Only]

Beautiful watches, outstanding automobile!

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[texex91]

Very nice Zeit write up. Such a unique piece.

[de66]

Very nice review and great pics!
I found that the mechanics behind the zeitwerk would not be able to captivate me a long as I would like to own such a wonderful piece of engineering.

Are you still mesmerized by it? Not bored yet?

[Plastique999]

Originally Posted by de66

Very nice review and great pics!

I found that the mechanics behind the zeitwerk would not be able to captivate me a long as I would like to own such a wonderful piece of engineering.



Are you still mesmerized by it? Not bored yet?

Thanks! And thanks to all...I've been a. It quiet on TRF because I got sidetracked with my other addiction… Cars again!
I was working on my car collection LOL.

But to answer your question I think we all get used to our time pieces somewhat. The Zeitwerk is actually the piece that I wear to work most often. It is so easy to wear and so simple to tell time - very functional. I am certainly not bored of it, as when you flip it over the movement is mesmerizing as you say.
My latest addition:




Sent from my Zeitwerk

[Notastranger]

Fantastic pictures!

[Plastique999]

Originally Posted by ChrisWalsh

Fantastic pictures!

Thanks! ....thread revival.
I've been a little distracted from watches - back to my car addiction.
I have a Huracan Performante on order...




Sent from my Zeitwerk

[lapince]

Very interesting piece, never saw in real, but if it wears similar to the datograph it's not for pe, hate how that one sits on me, but to be honest I prefer your duometre, love those watches. Awesome cars by the way, love the Porsche

[Mercury2wo]

Beautifully thought out and written post!

[Vaxe]

Great post, but which one do you like more?