A. Lange & Söhne Lange 31: 31-Day Power Reserve

Sascha · 2015-10-22T09:34:51Z

Explore the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 31, a technical marvel with a 31-day power reserve and constant force mechanism. Sascha shares photos and insights.

Sascha

WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum

29 replies18669 views50 photos

Sascha shares his in-depth impressions and stunning photography of the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 31, a timepiece he considers one of the brand's most impressive technical achievements. His post highlights the watch's unique 31-day power reserve and the innovative "Nachspannwerk" constant force mechanism, which significantly influenced subsequent Lange models like the Zeitwerk and Terraluna. Sascha's detailed presentation offers a rare look at this exceptional watch, including its special winding key and luxurious packaging.

Hallo allerseits ;-)

here are my thoughts and pictures about the Lange 31, in my opinion one of the most impressive Lange watches ever.

This watch is not for everyone and not for everyday. It´s size and the price are the limiting factors. But it is technically one of the most

interesting watches.

The L034.1 is a real beauty!

Here the Lange pictures

406 pieces and 61 rubies. What a movement!

Impressing is not only the amazing power reserve: 31 days! That means you have to wind the watch only twelve times a year.

Especially the (in German) "Nachspannwerk" is a very important feature not only for this model.

And here ist the "Nachspannwerk" looking at the movement

and a picture taken by Lange

The "Nachspannwerk" improves the precision of the watch and so the Lange 31 was an important step for Lange on the way

to watches like the Zeitwerk and the Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar Terraluna. Both watches are using a "Nachspannwerk" to

keep the power (more exact: the torque) constant.

There is a special key to wind the watch (Lange picture)

Here is the key again

And that´s how to use the key

I have counted 31 rotations of the key to wind up the watch for 31 days.

Lange also provides a very nice travel case for the key.

Also the rest of the package is also nice

Here some more picture of the watch itself

An other very nice feature is the special buckle made for the Lange 31

With this kind of buckle you can easily release one end of the leather band.

So the access for the winding key is much more easy.

Here a comparison of the Lange 31 and the Datograph Flyback 1st Generation

That´s my story about the fabulous Lange 31. You can find more pictures and some more informations

in my blog:

langeaficionado.com

Thank´s for your attention and kind regards,

Sascha

This message has been edited by Sascha on 2015-10-22 09:36:52

Key Points from the Discussion

The Lange 31 was considered the 'Mother of all Langes' at the time of its release, featuring mainsprings so long that each would exceed the height of an average man if stretched out, and two stacked barrels that surprisingly fit into the case.
Despite its size, the Lange 31's technical complexity and constant torque mechanism demonstrate Lange's mastery, akin to a supercar that showcases a brand's highest competence, even if not for everyday wear.
The watch features a double barrel and a 1.85-meter-long spring with enough power to lift a 100-gram weight 3.2 meters high. The special winding key is designed with a polished, rounded tip to prevent scratches on the platinum case.
The winding key for the Lange 31 is a torque spanner (Drehmomentschlüssel) engineered to apply a defined force to the watch, ensuring precise winding and protecting the movement.
The Lange 31's substantial size and the need for a special winding key raise questions about its practicality for daily wear and potential for case scratches, as well as its long-term accuracy over the full 31-day power reserve.
The Lange 31, while a technical marvel, is not for everyone due to its size and weight, making it more of a connoisseur's piece to be admired and worn on special occasions.

The Discussion

swjoseph

Oct 22, 2015

More spectators than collector-owners, and you are one lucky aficionado who can really appreciate Lange's achievement in power management and torque control. Thanks for sharing and I hope to hear your thoughts again later. Joseph

Speedie74 aka Mr. Torquise

Oct 22, 2015

Wow, the watch is impressive! Huge and strong! I will check it personally next time in Vienna! I must admit, that I didn't know, that the watch has special key to wind it up. Like the old wall clocks! Isn't it too dangerous to wind the watch with this key? I mean if you miss the hole, you can easily scratch the caseback, can't you? Has the watch only one Federhaus ( I can't remember now the correct word in English, sorry! ) ? If there is only one Federhaus, then it must be one large spin there,

beejo

Oct 22, 2015

Thanks for the photos Best, Ahmed

Sascha

Oct 22, 2015

the watch has a double barrel (Federhaus) and a spring that is 1,85 m long. There is enough power in the spring to lift a 100 gramm weight in a height of 3,2 m. Winding the watch is easy and fun. Using the special Lange 31 buckle the access with the key is easy. The tip of the key is polished and rounded so there can be no scratches after touching the Platinum surface. Regards! Sascha

crown comfort

Oct 22, 2015

This reminds me of the wrong turn the High-End stereo systems have taken a few years ago, selling esoteric stuff, like little gold bowls for your listening room or arm-thick cables at equally esoteric prices.. I don't get this watch unless someone tells me it is already again 1-April? A very teutonic achievement CC

Ares501 - Mr Green

Oct 22, 2015

Specially thank you for picture of winding key docked inside watch Never seen proportions before...key is big as well I always had feeling from press photos it is much smaller Any WS pictures and weight amount? Cheers D

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