2016 Watch Recommended : Review Richard Lange Pour le Mérite Watch


Let’s get to know the Richard Lange Pour le Mérite Watch.

The most basic model in the collection simply called the Richard Lange “Pour le Mérite,” displays just the time: hours, minutes, and small seconds. Yet, incredibly, the movement consists of 915 parts. For a time only watch, this is likely a record. Not that companies are striving to use more parts. The primary goal here is, of course, rate accuracy, and the 636 component fusee-and-chain is part of that equation.

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And while I wish Lange would provide the average rate and amplitude numbers, based on past talks with their technical department, it is safe to say that the results for this timepiece – are exceptional.

In 2009, Lange originally introduced the Richard Lange “Pour le Mérite” in a platinum case (50 pieces) or pink gold case (200 pieces), both with a white enamel dial. Later this year, a third version, in a white gold case with a black semi-gloss dial, limited edition to 218 pieces, will be available for sale.

Everything is identical to the original model, except that now there is a black solid silver dial with white transferred Roman numerals, and small Arabic numeral in red marking 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. The lance-shaped hands are now in rhodium-plated white gold as well. And the case, which measures the exact same at 40.5 mm x 10.5 mm, is available in white gold for the first time.

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Otherwise, the movement (caliber L044.1) – which measures 31.6 mm x 6.0 mm, and features 915 parts, 33 jewels, 2 screwed gold chatons, a 36-hour power reserve, and that beats at 3Hz (21,600 kph) – is also exactly the same.

The Richard Lange “Pour le Mérite” is complemented by a hand-stitched black alligator leather strap with white gold buckle. The retail price is $82,500 (quite a bit less than the price of the original rose gold model).