Inspired by the precision No. 93 pocket watch of 18th century Saxon watchmaking pioneer Johann Heinrich Seyffert, the Richard Lange Tourbillon Pour le Mérite exemplifies A. Lange & Söhne's quest for 21st century horological perfection. Within, the sophisticated cal. L072.1 converges centuries of innovation. Introduced since 2011, the Richard Lange Tourbillon Pour le Mérite were available in different metals: white gold, pink gold, and two limited edition variants with 15 pieces for Handwerkskunst honey gold and 100 pieces in platinum, like the present example.

At the intersection of the lower subdials, a remarkable feature enables a splendid unobstructed view of the one-minute tourbillon rotating in its full glory. Patented as a pivoting dial with a hidden segment, the Roman numerals VII, IX and X are set on a separate dial segment that will pivot instantaneously into the aperture to complete the hour scale between 6 and 12 o’clock. The motion is generated by an ingenious switching mechanism, which assures that the dial segment is advanced by 90 degrees in increments of six hours. Coupled with a patented stop-seconds mechanism, the tourbillon can be halted simply by pulling the crown, allowing the time displayed by the watch to be set to one-second accuracy.

Numbered 83 of only 100 platinum examples, this Richard Lange Tourbillon Pour le Mérite is preserved in exceptional condition with barely any signs of wear and accompanied by its full set of accessories.