This is the first time that I have found myself writing about the watchmaking of the founder of A. Lange & Söhne. I hope, as far as possible, to convey to you the same passion that characterized his life.
Ferdinand Adolph Lange was born in Dresden on February 18, 1815. His story began in 1845, when he decided to leave his hometown and settle in a small town in the Ore Mountains named Glashütte.
In his being he has always pursued the dream of the Ideal Watchmaking Manufacture, the desire to make the best watches in the world. This desire pushed him to a continuous study, research and experimentation.
He was one of the first users of the metric system in watchmaking, departing from the Parisian linear measure classically used and widespread in that period.
I believe that his watchmaking is as complicated on the inside as it is elegant and simple on the outside, a trait that I find distinctive and magnificent. Being able to give an appearance like this, pass me the term, simple that hides such complex calibers is pure watchmaking art.
From 1815 we make a leap up to 2020, a somewhat controversial and unfortunate year, where the “Homage to F. A. Lange” collection was presented in Shanghai, during Watches & Wonders.
The 175th anniversary
The collection pays homage to the 175th anniversary of the founding of the manufacture by Ferdinand Adolf Lange in Glashutte.
For the occasion, three different models were presented, from left to right we can admire:
- 1815 Thin Honeygold
- 1815 Rattrappante Honeygold
- Tourbograph Perpetual Honeygold
The collection retraces the path of the Maison recalling and innovating the great classics that have made it famous. The common denominator of these timepieces is the honey color of the 18 kt gold that we find in the cases.
The particular shade is created and used by A. Lange & Söhne and was obtained by adding additives and special heat treatments which, in addition to giving it this particular color, increase its strength and hardness.
1815 Thin Honeygold
The 1815 Thin Honygold, reference 239.050, is undoubtedly the most classic of the collection. Clean lines, small aesthetic features and a hand-wound caliber, all elements that together make it a perfect tribute to elegance and style.
The case measures 38 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, and is made of 18 kt gold. The white enameled dial contrasts with the honey color of the house and the hands, leaving the figures in dark gray and the Chemin-de-fer minuterie to conclude the visual impact.
As already mentioned, the movement is a hand-wound mechanical L093.1 made with only 167 components, with a power reserve of 72 hours.
The Lange Thin Honeygold is limited to 175 pieces and the list price is € 33,800.00.
1815 Rattrappante Honeygold
It comes with the typical 41.2 mm honey gold case but unlike its first edition here it is presented with a black silver dial. A shrewdness that gives it a contemporary design with that hint of classic elegance of the previous one. The sapphire crystal caseback opens up the view on the manual caliber L101.2 which guarantees a reserve of 58 hours at full charge.
For those who have just approached the world of watchmaking, the term “Rattrappante” indicates the name of the additional complication of a chronograph that allows you to measure partial times, or of a second event, which began at the same instant as the first. In english is mostly called: Split-seconds chronograph
I really appreciate the contrast between the honey-colored hand and the rattrappante in run-in steel. The engagement mechanism of the two hands originates at 2 o’clock, while as usual the rattrappante control is located at 10 o’clock.
The edition is limited to 100 pieces and it has a purchase cost of 133,300 euros.
Tourbograph Perpetual Honeygold
Without doubts, the Tourbograph Perpetual Honeygold reference 706.050 is the most stunning work of the entire tribute collection.
It is also presented with a 43 mm honey-colored gold case with black rhodium-plated squares, the contrast with the numerals, scales, hands and logo, in the same color as the house, create a magnificent effect. The sapphire crystal caseback offers free view of a movement that to say crazy is an understatement.
Inside its caliber, the tourbillon works in harmony with the chain transmission and the perpetual screw, thus minimizing the gravity factor and the consequent decreasing force of the spring. The perpetual screw, connected to the barrel with the chain, allows the traction force to transmit an almost always identical torque to the movement.
The perpetual calendar, the addition of which was worth a good 200 more components than its predecessor Tourbograph Pour le Mérite, correctly shows all the months up to the year 2100 and, after the right intervention, can also show exactly the following century.
The Tourbograph Perpetual Honeygold was produced in only 50 copies and the purchase price is 500,000 euros.
Author: Andrea Parodi
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