Lederer, a high horology brand pioneered by watchmaker Bernhard Lederer our of Neuchatel, Switzerland has just introduced a new version of their Central Impulse Chronometer. Their already well loved previous variant of this watch was stunning, but came in at a rather large size of 44mm. This time around Lederer has reduced the size to a very wearable and classy 39mm in diameter, and 10.75mm in thickness.
Mechanical Redesign
As explained by the watchmaker himself, it wasn’t as simple as shrinking various parts within the movement to fit the new case dimensions, but rather the watch required a complete engineering overhaul from scratch.
The redesigned movement, received a reduction in thickness of 18%, but it required the implementation of a new triggering system for the constant-force remontoirs, which of course is an in-house creation by Lederer. Not only were adjustments made to ensure the proper functioning and reliability of the movement, aesthetics within the movement was also a very important aspect to preserve as well. Bernhard Lederer managed to reduce the overall size while also retaining the visual proportions of the mechanical parts, making this watch worth its price tag of CHF 136,800 when you flip it over and enjoy it through the exhibition window.
Actually, things get even deeper mechanically with the new custom designed escapement developed by Bernhard. The new escapement mechanism implemented in this watch is essentially a blend between the renowned “Natural Escapement” developed by Louis-Abraham, and “Independent Double Wheel Escapement” created by George Daniels.
Without getting overly technical the new custom design featured here works using two separate gear trains, operating in an alternating manner which provides exceptional visual symmetry. The two seconds hands are connected to two escapement wheels that operate independently from each other but are actually permanently synchronized. After thinking about how a watchmaker was able to achieve this unique mechanical orchestra I was blown away, and you should be as well. There’s plenty more to discover in the area of engineering of this watch, but for the sake of readability we’ll stop it here.
Dial and Case
The size reduction was of course the main goal with this new iteration, but the watch also went through a series of minor shape changes as well. The lines along the side of the case that flow down towards the lugs have also been updated to a more modern sleeker look, and the bezel has also been slimmed down and gradually slopped to emphasize and draw more attention to the dial.
The dial is covered by a domed sapphire crystal, and it has also been redesigned as well which you will see from these images here. The markers around the dial appear to be small double-baton sticks but they’re actually solid pieces with an engraved central line, and the hour and minute hands are skeletonize in a very elegant way. The very outer edge of the dial is also using a minute track for simple time reading at a glance, and if you look a little closer you’ll also notice a really neat figure eight design connecting the two small-seconds indicators.
Final Thoughts
This is a stunning new release from Lederer, with a very intelligent approach to improving an already excellent watch. Not only is seamless and functional engineering implemented within the new movement, but it’s also been done in a way that retains the attractive aesthetic of the watch making it an incredible work of art. This watch is limited to 20 pieces of each variant of either the rose gold with grey dial, or white gold with blue dial.
For more information or to express your interest in the new Central Impulse Chronometer visit the official Lederer watches website here.
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