About hours and seconds
In 2010, the German watch manufacturer A. Lange & Sohne paid tribute to its founder, Ferdinand Adolf Lange, one of the founders of watchmaking in the form in which it is known today. This legendary brand has achieved worldwide recognition thanks to its classic models and a clear, unchanging philosophy: first-class craftsmen and high quality are the guarantee that every year only a few exclusive and therefore much-desired watch models appear in the walls of the manufactory.
The Lange 31 model is unique in its kind: it is a watch with a power reserve for a whole month, which distinguishes this chronometer from the entire line and emphasizes once again that A. Lange & Sohne masters remained true to their philosophy and successfully applied the latest technological developments.
Challenging accepted standards
Audi was founded in 1909 by one of the pioneers of automotive technology, August Horch, who decided to call his brainchild by his own name, though translated into Latin. “Audi” in Latin means the same as “Horch” in German - “Listen”.
The motto of the brand was the expression: “Vorsprung Durch Technik” (“Advance through technology”). Today, this phrase, known since 1971, is considered the first advertising slogan in the world. And now, however, just like always, Audi is famous for its new technological solutions, challenging generally accepted standards. In each new model of this brand, we see all the experience and success gained over more than 100 years. At first glance, there is very little similar between a watch and a car. However, those and others, quite possibly, embody the highest achievements in technology, as well as the style and lifestyle of their owner. They are in great demand, because many people strive to become happy owners of sophisticated in technological execution, and at the same time elegant things. Nowadays, the market has a huge selection of models and watches, and cars.
However, there are those few who want to stand out from the crowd who need only exceptional, ideal and stylish things, and for them there is nothing more attractive than a unique item from the limited collection of a certain brand known for its advanced technologies.
The new A. Lange & Sohne Lange 31 chronometer with a unique 31-day power reserve and the Audi R8 with a new, unrivaled 10-cylinder engine in technology, meet these requirements. Made in Germany, Lange 31 and Audi R8, incorporating the latest technological solutions, boast both perfect execution, accurate work, and a bright expressive design.
Real power
The Lange 31 chronometer, in the literal sense of the word, has turned the whole watch world upside down. Mechanical watches, which are dispensed with for a whole calendar month, were created by Lange craftsmen back in 2007. To support this unprecedented supply of energy, the Lange 31 watch has two rolled-up coil springs located one above the other, each with a length of 1.85 meters (!).
As for the car, the newly developed V10 engine with FSI direct gasoline injection and a dry sump lubrication system is breathtaking.
The 5.2-liter naturally aspirated engine delivers 530 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm and a maximum output of 525 hp. at 8000 rpm. The dynamics are also impressive: the car accelerates to 100 km / h in 3.9 seconds, and its maximum speed is 316 km / h.
Energy under control
In the Lange 31 watch model, the issue of uniform accuracy was expressed by the inventors of the company in the form of a constant-force regulator, which is located between two spring mechanisms and a clockwise hand. Due to this, the pendulum receives the same amount of energy every ten seconds, despite the condition of the spring plant.
The engine of the Audi R8-5,2 FSI Quattro - is equipped with a mechanical 6-speed gearbox, or “R-tronik”, which allows the driver to shift gears like a real driver - on the steering wheel. Both types of gearboxes are equipped with the “Start Control” function - a special program that provides quick acceleration of the car. The Quattro system provides the transmission of engine torque to all four wheels with a shift to the rear wheels - just perfect for sports cars of this class.
Supported Continuity
Reliable and precise control of the cyclic rotational movement of the clock spring inside the clockwork mechanism in the Lange 31 is provided by a very complex device consisting of a special cam shaped like an equilateral triangle, which moves every 10 seconds along a unique cylindrical lever.
The displacement of the 10-cylinder Audi R8 is 5.204 cu. see. It's just made for quick overclocking. The load limit occurs at 8700 rpm, when each piston moves at a speed of 26.9 m / s. Fuel is injected into the combustion chamber at a pressure of 120 ATM, which ensures high power and maximum efficiency.
Strength
The Lange 31 chronometer is the largest and most famous among the usual, small in size, other models of this line A. Lange & Sohne, its diameter is 46 mm. A power supply with such a supply of energy still requires a certain amount of space. A circular progress indicator occupies almost the entire right half of the durable silver dial. When the hand reaches the last divisions of red, it is time to finally start the watch again. The date on this model from Lange is again larger than the standard size, and is located on the left. As a result, the dial looks very harmonious. And a single glance through the case back under the sapphire crystal is enough to note a characteristic feature of this brand: ultra-precise assembly.
The body of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro is the best compared to other cars of this class. The chassis is constructed from aluminum according to the special design of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and weighs only 210 kg. By the ratio of weight, size and torsional rigidity, the ASF body is considered the best among sports cars, and this is a strict design and the highest level of safety. The 10-cylinder engine is clearly visible through the rear window, and there really is something to see.
Chained by one chain"
Well-controlled energy and high-tech sophistication. Today, and to a much greater extent than ever, energy efficiency is the key to the success of mechanisms so complex to implement. Lange 31 springs are wound with a key, but they are so long that their factory in the usual way is simply impossible.
The key to the factory of this watch is already a mechanical miracle in itself: it has a backstop that provides smooth winding of the springs, and also prevents them from being pulled. The power of the new Audi R8 is, of course, fuel, but the combustion process provides such a unique power car.
Maximum efficiency with minimum consumption is achieved only with an ideal ratio of gasoline and air in a 5.2-liter engine, the injection is carried out using the unique FSI technology developed by Audi, and the compression ratio is 12.5: 1.
And the last one. The craftsmanship with which the Lange 31 chronograph is made and the Audi R8 explains another similarity in price. So, there are more similarities between watches and cars than differences?
