2013-05-14

A. Lange & Söhne @ Grand Complication

A. Lange & Söhne Grand Complication features a host of fascinating functions and yet again manifests the ability of the Saxon master watchmakers to conquer ever new peaks with their undisputed ingenuity. Beneath the lucidly configured enamel dial, the horological opus with the calibre designation L1902 incorporates scores of lavishly finished parts, bringing to life the most elaborate complications which the art of haute horlogerie has to offer: Chiming mechanism with grand and small strike, minute repeater, split-seconds chronograph with minute counter and jumping seconds as well as a perpetual calendar with moonphase display. The development of the Grand Complication is an adventurous expedition into the cosmos of complexity. The result is a watch that is extraordinary in every respect, reflecting the brilliance of the Lange dynasty's forebears and the virtuosity of today's watchmakers. Two carefully hand wrought gongs produce the seductive tones of the minute repeater and of the hour and quarter hour strikes. The Grand Compliation is endowed with a chiming mechanism that automatically indicates the time in the grand strike (grande sonnerie) or small strike (petite sonnerie) modes. Every fifteen minutes, when set to grande sonnerie, it first indicates the full hour on the low pitched gong and then the quarter-hours with a double strike on both gongs. It is no coincidence that the grande sonnerie is considered to be one of the most challenging of all complications in watchmaking. It imposes extreme requirements on the perfect interaction of intricate mechanisms crafted from materials of the highest quality by exceptionally talented and experienced watchmakers. "Free, with no shake" that is the mantra which governs the interplay between moving parts to such a degree of accuracy that they deliver a precise strike and sound with unmatched purity.

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