Dear friends of IWS, welcome back to our magazine!
Today we will take you on a discovery of four novelties from a brand celebrated for its ability to create unique timepieces, appreciated as much for their aesthetic elegance as for their technical excellence. We are not in Switzerland, nor in France, but in Germany, more precisely in Saxony, in Glashütte, where one of the most prestigious watchmaking houses was born: A. Lange & Söhne.
The watches we will discuss represent a special edition, recently unveiled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of an iconic model that defined the brand’s signature style and elegance from the very beginning.
So we welcome the two new Lange 1s each made in two different sizes and material combinations.
The century-long history of A. Lange & Söhne
To fully understand the importance of this watch, it is essential to briefly review the company’s history. Founded in 1845, A. Lange & Söhne distinguished itself early on by producing pocket watches of exceptional quality, capable of combining technical precision and craftsmanship. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the maison experienced a period of great splendor, becoming one of the most respected names in the world of watchmaking.
However, the brand’s history took a dramatic turn at the end of World War II. With the division of Germany, the East German government nationalized the watch industry, decreeing the end of Lange & Söhne as an autonomous entity.
Nevertheless, the passion and determination of Walter Lange, the founder’s grandson, led to the rebirth of the brand. In 1990, with the support of the Richemont Group, Lange was able to revive the fashion house. On Oct. 24, 1994, A. Lange & Söhne officially returned to the market, presenting four extraordinary models, including the Lange 1, featured in this article.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1: harmony in asymmetry
The Lange 1 made its debut immediately attracting the attention of watch enthusiasts and experts. This timepiece was distinguished by a revolutionary design that broke with traditional aesthetic canons. Its most iconic element is undoubtedly the off-center arrangement of the hour and minute hands, positioned on the left side of the dial.
The power reserve indicator and small seconds hand find their place on the right side, while the date display system stands out at 2 o’clock. Unlike traditional date displays, which are often inside small, barely visible windows, the Lange 1 introduces the GranDate, a date display three times larger than before, eliminating the need for a magnifying glass and ensuring excellent legibility.
At first glance, the dial might look haphazard, but it is actually the result of careful geometric design. The elements are arranged in precise patterns: the center of the hour and minute sub-dial forms an isosceles triangle with the center of the date and seconds hand. This hidden symmetry lends balance and harmony to the design while ensuring optimal legibility throughout.
The two new versions of the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 for the 30th anniversary
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Lange 1, A. Lange & Söhne has introduced two new versions, each featuring exclusive details.
The first features a platinum case paired with a black onyx dial, a rare and fascinating mineral known for its luster. The second version, on the other hand, is made with a rose gold case and a blue solid silver dial, which gives a refined and elegant contrast.
Both versions are available in two sizes: 38.5 mm for the classic Lange 1 and 36.5 mm for the Little Lange 1, a more compact version that makes the watch perfectly suitable even for thinner wrists, without losing anything in terms of prestige and elegance.
At the heart of these special editions is the caliber L121.1, a hand-wound movement first introduced in 2015 and now further refined. This caliber includes a rapid date strike, which occurs exactly at midnight, and an escapement with eccentric masses, designed to ensure even greater precision.
The sapphire crystal case back offers a unique sight: each component of the movement is finished by hand, respecting the tradition of craftsmanship that has made the house famous. Distinctive features include the 3/4 German silver plate, decorated with the Glashütte motif, and the balance bridge, hand-engraved with exquisite floral motifs. These details not only enhance the aesthetics of the movement, but also testify to the care and meticulousness that mark each Lange creation.
Price and availability
Limited to only 300 pieces worldwide, the two new larger-case versions of the Lange 1 for the 30th anniversary have a list price of EUR 60,000, for the platinum-cased model and EUR 50,300 for the rose gold-cased model. The two Little Lange 1s, on the other hand, both limited to only 150 pieces, will be sold at a list price of EUR 56,500 for the platinum case version and EUR 46,400 for the rose gold case version.
Conclusions
Once again, A. Lange & Söhne proves that it is an absolute benchmark in the high-end watchmaking scene. With the Lange 1, the brand not only celebrates an important anniversary, but reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of perfection, where tradition and innovation meet. The result is a watch that embodies the values of the house: technical excellence, attention to detail, and timeless beauty.
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