A. Lange & Söhne’s ultra-precise regulator is back.

In a world of smartphones and other digital time-telling devices, you might wonder why the accuracy of a mechanical wristwatch is so important. Similarly, you could even ask why we need a moonphase complication (isn’t there an app for that?) or a tourbillon, for that matter.

The quick answer is: we don’t. But rather than focusing on necessity, the key here is appreciating the technical marvels of a truly exceptional timepiece. And there are plenty of things to appreciate in this one.

Richard Lange Jumping Seconds in pink gold

Named in honour of Ferdinand A. Lange’s eldest son, Richard, the Richard Lange collection was launched in 2006 as a nod to the scientific observation watches once relied on as precision instruments by scientists. Since they didn’t have the benefit of smart technology that we now do, the scientists had to rely on the accuracy of their timepieces, making these watches incredibly important.

When it comes to accuracy, the Richard Lange Jumping Seconds is not one to fool around. Think of it as a drill sergeant—never late, always sharp and keeps you on schedule. But while exacting, it’s also incredibly easy to read (perhaps unlike the drill sergeant you have in mind), thanks to its regulator dial.

Launched in platinum last year (above), the watch now comes in a blushing pink gold case limited to 100 pieces. Just like its predecessor, it has a constant force escapement that both ensures continuous torque throughout a full wind and drives the jumping mechanism, which moves the seconds hand exactly 60 times each minute. No more, no less. (And hence, the mounting of the seconds hand on the constant force mechanism itself. Genius!) The watch also features a zero-reset mechanism which means that when the crown is pulled out, the seconds hand flies to the zero position so the time can be adjusted to the second for utmost accuracy.

And so you’re never caught off guard without power, a small indication between the hour and minute sub-dials will turn red 10 hours before you need to wind your watch again, giving you plenty of advance notice.

Like all A. Lange & Söhne timepieces, the movement (in this case, the manufacture Calibre L094.1) is beautifully decorated, hand-assembled and finished with Glashütte ribbing, gleaming chatons, blued screws and a hand-engraved balance cock—all open to fanboy fawning via the sapphire caseback.

Here at CROWN, we’re partial to regulator dials for their classic appeal and legibility. For a dial that features intersecting sub-dials, the Richard Lange Jumping Seconds manages to display the time in an elegant yet functional manner. While less versatile than a platinum version, the pink gold case lends an air of gentility, which is surely what one would hope to project when wearing an A. Lange & Söhne timepiece.

Case	39.9mm, pink gold
Dial	Solid silver, argenté
Movement	Manual-winding Lange manufacture Calibre L094.1
Strap	Hand-stitched reddish brown alligator leather
Functions	Hours, minutes and jumping seconds with stop seconds and zero-reset function, end-of-power indication
Limited   Edition	100 pieces
Price	S$112,300

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