The Lange 31 by A. Lange & Sohne came out last year as the world’s first watch with a 31 day power reserve. The key to the 31 day power reserve is the energy balance. The energy is not only pulled from the battery but also from the movement which includes a winding key stored in a twin mainspring barrel.
This concept of using the movement as a power source has become popular recently including in the Perrelet Diamond Flower Watch which uses the wearers movement as additional power which we discussed about in a previous post. The movement is a way for watchmakers to look a little deeper into the ongoing research in watch power. For example, in the Lange 31 the key winding mechanism is larger than usual for luxury watches, but the size is a technology in itself because fewer revolutions are needed and power can be built up a lot faster than a smaller key winder.
Another innovative and patented feature of the watch includes a outsized date indicator. After the 31st day of each month it automatically switches to the 1st date of the following month and it’s extremely legible; really large for great reading.
This watch deserves a lot more recognition if you ask me, it has been the center of attention for a while, but 31 days of power reserve is an amazing technological feat in watchmaking. Other specifications include a calibre L034.1 movement, power reserve indicator, outsized date, sapphire crystal glass and caseback, crocodile strap, solid silver dial, and constant force escapement for controlled torque delivery.
For a deeper look into the passion and technology into the Lange 31 Watch here is an interview from Horlogerie.com with Fabian Krone, the CEO of A. Lange & Shone.
