THE FUNCTION OF THE GLASHÜTTE THREE-QUARTER PLATE.

The three-quarter plate is one of the most important traditional elements of A. Lange & Söhne watches. It was introduced by Ferdinand A. Lange in 1864 and since then has established itself
as a characteristic feature of watchmaking in Glashütte.

The three-quarter plate accommodates the bearings of the going train. During assembly, it must be accurately positioned over several arbors at the same time, a task which requires a steady hand, and a great amount of time and care. But in comparison with conventional configu-rations based on multiple bridges, this construction adds considerable stability to a movement. Moreover, a three-quarter plate not only allows a reduction of the axial distance tolerances of the wheels, it also makes movements more resistant to soiling, as evidenced by historic pocket watches.