A. Lange & Söhne introduces the fourth edition of the Richard Lange Jumping Seconds

Antonio Ljubic
4 hours ago
2 min read

Originally launched in 2016, the Jumping Seconds continues to impress nearly a decade later with its unique complication and elegantly structured dial. This new model is a 100-piece limited edition in 18k white gold, with a dial that collectors will likely call ‘‘salmon.’’ Unlike typical plated salmon dials, this one is crafted from solid 18k pink gold, giving it a depth of color that goes beyond the surface.

Design and Wearability

The Jumping Seconds maintains a wearable 39.9 mm case in 18k white gold, measuring just 10.6 mm thick, a sleek profile considering the complexity housed within. Its case showcases the hallmark Lange features:

A brushed case band and separately attached faceted lugs, presenting a distinctive silhouette.

Visually, the defining characteristic is its overlapping regulator-style dial, which stacks the hour, minute, and seconds indicators in a pyramid layout. Inspired by an 18th-century pocket watch by Glashütte watchmaker Johann Heinrich Seyffert, this design emphasizes the jumping seconds display.

The return-to-zero mechanism also remains a highlight, instantly resetting the seconds hand to zero when the crown is pulled for time setting. While the layout can occasionally make reading the time tricky when the hands overlap, it creates a visually striking and harmonious presentation. Negative space around the dial edges and a subtle triangular power reserve indicator further enhance the aesthetic.

Movement Highlights

The caliber L094.1 movement is a showcase of Lange’s technical expertise. Featuring untreated German silver plates, gold chatons, heat-blued screws, and a hand-engraved balance cock, it also incorporates unique features such as a one-second remontoir and a vertical clutch for the zero-reset function. This dual-train system isolates the jumping seconds from the main power flow, ensuring precise operation.

Flourishes such as the transparent jewel for the escape wheel pivot, revealing the star-and-flirt mechanism and the blued remontoir spring visible through cut-outs in the plate, add visual interest. While the movement layout might appear slightly unconventional compared to other Lange calibers, subtle chamfers on the bridge and refined finishing maintain a sense of elegance.