The "Pour le Mérite": A Symbol of A. Lange & Söhne's Achievements

"This watch is one of the symbols that represent A. Lange & Söhne."

These words are spoken by Arnd Einhorn, the PR Director of A. Lange & Söhne, while holding the "Richard Lange Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite"". Einhorn, who originally worked in journalism, has been a key figure supporting the brand since its revival.

A. Lange & Söhne has consistently produced timepieces that combine "mechanisms reflecting the skill of watchmakers" with "art that leverages Saxon traditions." Einhorn states that this watch is indeed one that embodies the company's corporate culture.
"Pour le Mérite," the name bestowed upon the watch, is an order of merit from the Kingdom of Prussia awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in science and the arts. It was established by King Frederick William IV of Prussia, upon the recommendation of Alexander von Humboldt. A. Lange & Söhne deliberately chose this prestigious order's name to honor its own achievements. Including the "Richard Lange Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite"," there are a total of four models bearing this name, all equipped with the company's signature "chain-and-fusée" mechanism. The chain-and-fusée is a device that maintains constant torque and accuracy. In 1994, the new A. Lange & Söhne succeeded in fitting this mechanism, previously used in large marine chronometers for improved accuracy, into a small wristwatch for the first time.

"The first "Pour le Mérite," released in 1994, was part of the lineup commemorating the company's revival. A watch featuring both a chain-and-fusée and a tourbillon generated sensational buzz and remains highly sought after at auctions. In 2005, the split-seconds "Tourbograph" was introduced, followed by a model incorporating it into our iconic Richard Lange in 2009."

A Tourbillon with a Stop-Seconds Mechanism for High Precision

And in 2011, the fourth iteration, the "Richard Lange Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite"," was unveiled. Einhorn particularly favors this latest model, along with the previous three, as a "watch that embodies A. Lange & Söhne."

"This is an exceptionally complex watch, featuring not only a chain-and-fusée but also a tourbillon and a stop-seconds mechanism. The tourbillon, a mechanism for maintaining high precision, has been passed down for over 200 years. However, its drawback was the inability to set the time to the second. The stop-seconds mechanism, which allows the tourbillon to be halted for precise time setting, is a patent of A. Lange & Söhne. Pursuing high precision while simultaneously striving for accurate time display – isn't this precisely the "improvement of accuracy" that we have championed, now given form?"

The "Richard Lange Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite"" follows the regulator-style layout, with independent displays for hours, minutes, and seconds. Due to the tourbillon's small window, located in the seconds display at the bottom left, overlapping with the time indication, the watch is equipped with a rotating time display dial. This dial appears from VIII to X at 6 o'clock and disappears again at 12 o'clock.

"This autumn, we also introduced the limited edition "Handwerkskunst," crafted from our patented honey-colored gold. The name, meaning "craftsmanship" in German, emphasizes the exquisite finishing. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this watch is a testament to our artisanal skill, featuring honey-colored gold—twice as hard as yellow gold—along with the tremblage technique for a delicate texture, and a three-dimensional relief on the fourth wheel's bridge."

While continuing to expand globally, we want to create watches that do not forget the identity we have cultivated over many years.—This is Einhorn's aspiration.
"We aim to create watches that convey the "hands" of watchmakers passed down through generations, and to actively develop innovative technologies that only we can achieve. We plan to unveil new creations in 2012 that will meet expectations. We hope you will look forward to them."

A. Lange & Söhne
Tel. 03-3288-6639