
A Lange & Sohne recently introduced a new model, the Lange Zeitwerk. It features a jumping numerals mechanism that displays hours and minutes in a larger format - for excellent legibility. Inside is a manufacture calibre L043.1 that utilizes a constant-force escapement and a patented barrel.
Jumping Numerals

"The manufacture calibre L043.1 features a jumping numerals mechanism for hours and minutes. Designed according to the Lange principle, it consists of two minute discs and a large hour ring. Precisely once a minute, a constant-force escapement generates the necessary switching impulse. Viewed through the caseback, the movement presents a host of further forwarding-looking inventions."
Patented Barrel

"The patented mainspring barrel delivers a large amount of energy, especially when all three discs need to be simultaneously advanced at each full hour. As the mainspring relaxes, the barrel rotates in the minimized friction bearing. Conversely, the mainspring barrel bearing with the higher friction rating is involved while the watch is being wound. Thus, a slightly greater effort is required when winding the watch, but in return, more of the energy stored in the mainspring remains available for powering the movement. Additionally, the size of the mainspring can be reduced without any concessions in terms of energy yield."
Constant-Force Escapement

"A constant-force escapement is positioned between the barrel wheel and the balance. This patent-pending mechanism has two crucial functions. On the one hand, it generates the switching steps for the instantaneous jumps of the hour and minute displays, using the strike-train principle with warning followed by drop-and-release as often found in striking clocks. Never before has such a mechanism been integrated in a wristwatch. On the other hand, the constant-force escapement drives the balance with nearly uniform power during the entire autonomy period and thus enhances the rate stability of the movement."
First Impression
The Zeitwerk's level of complication is quite remarkable. It features a patented mainspring barrel that stores up to 36-hours of power reserve (displayed at 12 o'clock). A "constant-force" escapement converts the mainspring energy equally to power the analog seconds subdial (at 6 o'clock), as well as the mechanical-digital jumping hours (at 9 o'clock) and minutes (at 3 o'clock). The jumping numerals disc design is so precise, that the switching action actually allows an attentive listener to acoustically distiguish between a single minute advance (1416 times a day) and a collective progression at the full hour (24 times day). This allows you to hear the time, kind of like a minute repeater. Amazing.
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