The technically demanding minute repeater is considered the holy grail of watch complications, one that A Lange & Söhne took the next level with the Zeitwork Minute Repeater, first launched in 2015. For this year, the German watchmaker is presenting this coveted timepiece in a modern and sophisticated combination of white-gold case and deep-blue dial, retaining all the haute horology appeal of the original.

When activated, a minute repeater typically chimes out the time by ringing the hour, quarter-hour and minutes, while here instead of quarter-hours it sounds out 10-minute intervals with double strikes. This mechanism is carefully linked to the jumping numerals display on the dial, ensuring the upmost precision whether reading the time visually or audibly.

A number of special features further ensure this accuracy. Instead of a slide system, the minute repeater is triggered using a unique pusher mechanism. This eliminates the need for a large opening in the case, not only improving acoustic quality but also sealing the watch, giving it a water-resistance of three bar. Meanwhile the numeral discs on the dial are prevented from incrementing until the minute repeater sequence has ended, ensuring that the displayed time and audible time always match. When the power reserve of the watch – which is approximately 36 hours when fully wound – drops below 12 hours, the minute repeater mechanism can no longer be activated, ensuring the watch will not stop unexpectedly before the striking sequence has finished.

A testament to the watch’s complexity, the Zeitwork Minute Repeater requires months to assemble, and showcases the highest levels of finishing right down to the movement. It is equipped with the manufacture calibre L043.5, comprising 771 parts painstakingly put together and finished with details such as the signature Glashütte stripes. This white-gold model is limited to just 30 pieces, available on a complementary blue hand-stitched leather strap.

alange-soehne.com