Simply Abu Dhabi XIII

9 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I window on the right-hand side of the 15 of the minute circle. All displays of the calendar switch forward instantaneously to assure unambiguous readings at all times. To keep the power for the switching process as low as possible, the required energy is gradually built up via a cam and then released abruptly at midnight. The ambitious precision goals come to the fore not only in the configuration of the moon-phase display mechanism, which consists of three solid white-gold discs, but also in its design. To achieve a vivid and aesthetically sophisticated image of the orbiting moon-phase display, they chose a special coating process. On the celestial disc, for example, interference effects absorb all of the non-blue colour spectra of the incident light. The result is a deep-blue surface studded with more than a thousand high-contrast, sharply contoured stars. Constant force for two weeks With two rugged mainsprings, the twin barrel delivers a power reserve of 14 days. When a spring barrel stores so much energy, special technical precautions must be taken to keep the rate of the watch stable during the entire power- reserve period, so an elaborate constant-force escapement is deployed. In ten-second intervals, it releases an identical portion of the available energy to the balance, thus assuring that the torque remains constant. The result is an unvarying amplitude and high rate accuracy from the first day to the last. At the 6-o’clock position, a power-reserve indicator in the form of a circumferential ring tells the owner when the time has come to replenish the movement with fresh energy via the winding crown. The pursuit of supreme precision Since 2003, Lange has been one of the few masters of balance spring technology, which assures the utmost precision. In addition to the balance spring, the remontoir spring of the constant-force escapement is also made in-house for the new L096.1 manufacture calibre of the Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar “Terraluna”. The indexless oscillator beats with a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour. Further Lange-style quality hallmarks include the hand- engraved balance cock and a lavishly hand- decorated movement. They are impressive manifestations of the manufactory’s quest for precision down to the very smallest detail.