180.026, Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar 'Terraluna', White Gold

The Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar ‘Terraluna’ is the sole calendar watch within the Richard Lange model range. The family of watches is a modern interpretation of observation watches, honoring its namesake through a focus on qualities at the heart of his work in the 19th century–precision and legibility. The Terraluna’s dial blends both historic and modern design, featuring a regulator layout with the modern brand’s emphasis on geometric component placement and prioritization of information. Its 45.5mm case is immense, though understandable given the technically staggering orbital moon phase complication visible through the open caseback. Exact production numbers of the Terraluna are not published, and though it is not a limited edition reference Terraluna production is low given the complexity of its calibre L096.1. 

Richard Lange was the second born son of Adolf Lange. He studied as a watchmaker from an early age, becoming a partner with his father in 1868 leading to the addition of ‘Söhne’ to the brand’s name. His passion for precision horology not only drove the brand’s increased focus on complication after his father’s passing, but resulted in 27 patents. Most notably was his patented beryllium alloy balance spring, a material with improved elasticity and therefore rate characteristics and accuracy. This mixture was later marketed as ‘Nivarox’ and is still in broad use today. 

The Richard Lange line was launched in 2006, a line aimed at honoring the man and his efforts to improve precision through developing modern interpretations of observation watches. Numerous references have been released, all sharing a common focus on precision and legibility. All feature one of two dial layouts based on historic observation pocket watches. Lange’s own Large Observation Watch from 1935, used for navigation and fuel reserve calculations by the Zeppelin Yard in Friedrichshafen, inspired the series’ central time display watches. Regulator style dials within the range take inspiration from a late 18th century pocket chronometer made by Johann Heinrich Seyffert and used by German scientist Alexander von Humbolt during an expedition to Latin America. He found the independent displays for minutes, seconds, and hours to be immensely useful in performing precise measurements in low light conditions. 

The Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar Terraluna, the sole calendar watch within the range, was released in 2014. Its regulator dial is arranged in typical Lange fashion with geometric component placement and prioritization of relevant information. The triangular shape formed by the hand set is nested within a triangular calendar aperture layout with the oversized date window at 12. A power reserve indicator at 6 subtly boasts of the calibre L096.1’s technical capability through displaying reserve in days rather than hours. The Terraluna was available in either pink or this white gold. It utilises Lange’s standard 3-piece case design in 45.5mm x 16.5mm, large proportions that are excused by the staggering calibre housed within.

The calibre L096.1 is both technically impressive and beautiful, featuring traditional Glashütte finishing. A train remontoir, a small secondary spring that separates the mainspring from the escapement, is re-wound every ten seconds by the mainspring. Its smaller size and relatively constant state of tension provide a constant force to the balance over the Terraluna's 14 days of reserve. A twin barrel design is responsible for this massive power reserve. Most notable through the caseback is its patented orbital moon phase display mounted directly on the movement plate. By using the balance wheel to represent the sun, this unique complication displays both the position of the moon with respect to the sun and Earth along with the phase of the moon. A sky disc with 2016 stars laser etched onto its surface rotates according to the period of the moon's orbit around Earth, displaying the moon's relative location, while a separate hidden disc displays its phase. Local time can be read from the scale around the edge of the movement plate due to the 24 hour period of the rotating Earth at the complication’s center. The multiple discs required to accomplish this unique display have been designed and executed with such precision that when set the watch will take 1058 years before requiring correction of just 1 day. 

There is no way around it, the Terraluna is immense in proportions. However, the technical ambition of its calibre is equally so. The creativity, and precision required to combine a perpetual calendar with this novel moon phase complication is a wondrous feat of engineering well worthy of the Richard Lange name.

This Richard Lange 'Terraluna' presents in excellent overall condition consistent with only having been worn a handful of times. The case, bezel, and caseback feature no marks. The watch was first worn for our photography. The dial and hands are in flawless condition, showing no wear or patina. Its calibre L096.1 is running well within spec and all complications are operating as expected.

The watch comes with its full set.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.