In the realm of haute horlogerie, where precision and artistry intertwine,
A. Lange & Söhne stands as a beacon of unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation. The German watchmaker, resurrected from the ashes of history, has consistently captivated collectors and connoisseurs with its unwavering commitment to excellence. Among its most celebrated creations is the Lange 1, a timepiece that has defied convention and redefined the very essence of watchmaking since its debut in 1994. Now, as the Lange 1 marks its 30th anniversary, A. Lange & Söhne unveils four limited editions that pay homage to this iconic watch, each a testament to the brand's unwavering pursuit of perfection.
The story of A. Lange & Söhne is one of resilience and rebirth. Founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in the Saxon town of Glashütte, the company quickly established itself as a purveyor of exceptional pocket watches, renowned for their precision and intricate movements. However, the ravages of World War II and the subsequent Soviet occupation brought the company's operations to a standstill, its legacy seemingly lost to the annals of history.
Courtesy of A. Lange & Sohne
But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, A. Lange & Söhne was resurrected in 1990 by Walter Lange, the great-grandson of the founder. With unwavering determination, he set out to restore the company to its former glory, rekindling the spirit of Glashütte watchmaking and reclaiming its rightful place among the world's elite watchmakers.
In 1994, A. Lange & Söhne unveiled the Lange 1, a watch that would forever alter the landscape of horological design. Its asymmetrical dial layout, a departure from traditional norms, was a bold statement that challenged the status quo and established a new paradigm for watchmaking aesthetics. The Lange 1 was not merely a timepiece; it was a work of art, a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
The watch's off-center dial configuration, with its prominent outsize date display, was a stroke of genius, a harmonious blend of form and function. The golden ratio, a mathematical principle found in nature and art, guided the arrangement of the dial elements, creating a sense of visual balance and harmony that has captivated watch enthusiasts for decades.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of this groundbreaking timepiece, A. Lange & Söhne has introduced four limited editions of the Lange 1, each a masterpiece of horological artistry. The watches are available in two case materials – platinum and pink gold – and two dial colors – black onyx and blue.
Courtesy of A. Lange & Sohne
The platinum edition, limited to 300 pieces, features a mesmerizing black onyx dial, its deep, lustrous surface evoking a sense of mystery and sophistication. The pink gold edition, also limited to 300 pieces, showcases a vibrant blue dial, its rich hue contrasting beautifully with the warm tones of the precious metal. Both versions are available in the standard Lange 1 size, measuring 38.5mm in diameter, as well as the smaller Little Lange 1 size, measuring 36.8mm in diameter.
The dials of these anniversary editions are a testament to the brand's meticulous attention to detail. The hour and minute circle, adorned with Roman numerals and lancet-shaped appliques, is positioned on the left-hand side of the dial, while the outsize date, power reserve indicator, and subsidiary seconds dial are arranged along an imaginary vertical axis on the right-hand side. This asymmetrical layout, a hallmark of the Lange 1, creates a dynamic and engaging visual experience.
The cases of these limited editions are equally impressive, their sleek profiles and prominent lugs exuding an air of refined elegance. The platinum case, with its cool, silvery sheen, complements the black onyx dial perfectly, while the pink gold case, with its warm, inviting glow, harmonizes beautifully with the blue dial.
The hands of the Lange 1 30th Anniversary editions are crafted from solid gold, their slender forms tracing the passage of time with graceful precision. The hour and minute hands are rhodium-plated, their gleaming surfaces contrasting beautifully with the dark background of the dial. The seconds hand, also crafted from gold, adds a touch of visual interest with its slender, elongated form.
Courtesy of A. Lange & Sohne
The outsize date display, a signature feature of the Lange 1, is a marvel of micro-engineering. Its two large numerals, displayed through apertures in the dial, provide a clear and legible indication of the date. The numerals are printed in black on white discs, their crisp, contrasting colors ensuring optimal readability.
The power reserve indicator, located at the 3 o'clock position, provides a subtle reminder of the watch's impressive 72-hour power reserve. Its slender hand, crafted from blued steel, sweeps across a graduated scale, indicating the remaining energy stored within the twin mainspring barrels.
The subsidiary seconds dial, positioned at the 5 o'clock position, adds a touch of visual dynamism to the dial. Its small seconds hand, also crafted from blued steel, completes a full rotation every 60 seconds, providing a mesmerizing display of time's ceaseless flow.
The heart of these anniversary editions is the L121.1 manufacture caliber, a hand-wound movement that embodies the pinnacle of Glashütte watchmaking. Introduced in 2015 as the 50th caliber developed in-house by A. Lange & Söhne, the L121.1 is a testament to the brand's unwavering pursuit of precision and reliability.
This meticulously crafted movement comprises 368 individual components, each meticulously finished and assembled by hand. The three-quarter plate, a hallmark of Glashütte watchmaking, is crafted from untreated German silver, its surface adorned with intricate Glashütte ribbing. This traditional decoration not only enhances the movement's visual appeal but also serves a functional purpose, reducing friction and enhancing the longevity of the movement.
The L121.1 caliber features a balance wheel with eccentric poising weights, a proprietary design that ensures optimal accuracy and stability. The balance spring, also developed in-house by A. Lange & Söhne, oscillates freely at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, contributing to the movement's exceptional precision.
Courtesy of A. Lange & Sohne
The movement's power reserve is an impressive 72 hours, thanks to the twin mainspring barrels. This extended power reserve ensures that the watch will continue to keep accurate time even if it is not worn for several days. The L121.1 caliber is not only a marvel of technical ingenuity but also a testament to the artisanal skills of A. Lange & Söhne's watchmakers. The movement's intricate finishing is a sight to behold, with each component meticulously decorated by hand.
The balance cock, a key element of the movement, is hand-engraved with a delicate floral motif, a testament to the engraver's artistry and skill. The gold chatons, secured by blued screws, add a touch of visual flair to the movement, their gleaming surfaces contrasting beautifully with the German silver plate. The L121.1 caliber is a testament to A. Lange & Söhne's unwavering commitment to innovation and technical excellence. It is a movement that embodies the brand's philosophy of combining traditional watchmaking techniques with cutting-edge technology.
The development of the L121.1 caliber was a significant milestone for A. Lange & Söhne, marking the culmination of years of research and development. This exceptional movement has since powered numerous Lange 1 models, including the anniversary editions, ensuring their accuracy and reliability for generations to come.
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 30th Anniversary editions are more than just timepieces; they are symbols of the brand's unwavering dedication to horological excellence. These limited editions encapsulate the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that has defined A. Lange & Söhne for over 175 years.
Courtesy of A. Lange & Sohne
The Lange 1, with its distinctive asymmetrical dial and exceptional movement, has become an icon of modern watchmaking. These anniversary editions, with their unique color combinations and exquisite finishing, further elevate the Lange 1's status as a true horological masterpiece.
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 30th Anniversary editions are destined to become highly sought-after collector's items. Their limited production numbers, coupled with their exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance, make them a must-have for any serious watch enthusiast. The pink gold 30th Anniversary Lange 1 model 191.063 is priced at EUR 49,800 while the other three pieces are priced upon request.