Elysium
For thirty years, the LANGE 1 has been a paragon of horological mastery, epitomizing the values of originality, timeless elegance, and uncompromising precision. To commemorate this illustrious milestone, A. Lange & Söhne, the renowned Saxon manufacturer, unveils four exclusive limited editions of its iconic model. These masterpieces celebrate the 30th anniversary of LANGE 1 with extraordinary design, innovative craftsmanship, and a refined aesthetic that is truly distinctive in every detail.
A Legacy Forged in Time
When the LANGE 1 was first unveiled on October 24, 1994, it immediately disrupted the conventions of traditional watchmaking. Its off-center dial configuration, prominent outsize date display, and bold yet refined aesthetic marked a daring departure from established norms. Over the years, it has transcended fleeting trends to become an enduring symbol of innovation and elegance in fine watchmaking.
As Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne reflects, “The LANGE 1 is a timepiece that unites everything that distinguishes a refined mechanical watch: originality, timeless elegance, and horological precision, down to the last detail. When launched thirty years ago, it broke the existing design rules and defined its style.”
The Golden Ratio: Aesthetic Perfection
The hallmark of LANGE 1’s timeless appeal lies in its unique dial design, which adheres to the principles of the golden ratio—a mathematical formula synonymous with aesthetic harmony. On the left-hand side, the hour and minute circle is elegantly complemented by Roman numerals and lancet-shaped appliques. On the right, the iconic outsize date, power-reserve display, and subsidiary seconds dial are aligned along an imaginary vertical axis, creating a beautifully balanced composition.
This ingenious design ensures the watch exudes a timeless elegance, captivating connoisseurs of fine watchmaking for generations. The golden ratio informs the placement of the displays and governs the proportions of the case and dial elements, resulting in an unparalleled sense of visual harmony.
Introducing Four Limited-Edition Masterpieces
A. Lange & Söhne presents four limited editions celebrating this milestone. They reinterpret LANGE 1 and LITTLE LANGE 1 in stunning new color combinations and materials. Each model reflects the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and craftsmanship.
1. LANGE 1 in Platinum with Black Onyx Dial
The LANGE 1’s first-ever use of onyx marks a bold innovation in the watch’s history. The rare gemstone’s shimmering jet-black surface beautifully complements a 950 platinum case, exuding a sense of understated luxury and modern sophistication. Limited to 300 pieces, this model exemplifies the marriage of innovation and tradition that defines LANGE 1.
2. LANGE 1 in Pink Gold with Blue Dial
The warm, reddish tones of 750 pink gold are accentuated by a captivating blue dial crafted from 925 silver. This striking combination lends the watch a festive yet refined elegance, making it a fitting tribute to the LANGE 1’s enduring legacy. This version is also limited to 300 pieces, underscoring its exclusivity.
3. LITTLE LANGE 1 in Platinum with Black Onyx Dial
With a slightly smaller case diameter of 36.8 millimeters, the LITTLE LANGE 1 perfectly embodies compact sophistication. Featuring the same onyx dial and platinum case as its larger counterpart, this model is limited to 150 pieces, making it a rare gem for discerning collectors.
4. LITTLE LANGE 1 in Pink Gold with Blue Dial
The pink-gold version of the LITTLE LANGE 1 offers the same elegant design and exquisite craftsmanship as the full-sized model but in a more compact and feminine form. Limited to 150 pieces, it combines timeless design with an intimate elegance.
The Heart of Precision: The L121.1 Manufacture Calibre
At the core of these exceptional timepieces is the L121.1 manufacture caliber, a mechanical movement that epitomizes the pinnacle of horological engineering. Introduced in 2015, this movement powers the instantaneously advancing outsize date, which switches precisely at midnight. Its meticulous construction includes a balance with eccentric poising weights and a proprietary, freely oscillating balance spring, ensuring exceptional accuracy and stability.
The twin mainspring barrel provides an impressive 72-hour power reserve, while the sapphire-crystal case back reveals the intricate artistry of the movement. Key features include:
- The three-quarter plate is made of untreated German silver and adorned with Glashütte ribbing.
- Hand-engraved balance cock, a hallmark of A. Lange & Söhne’s artisanal craftsmanship.
- Screwed gold chatons are held in place by blued screws, offering vibrant visual contrasts.
These details exemplify the brand’s dedication to blending functionality with aesthetic excellence, ensuring that each timepiece is as beautiful as precise.
A Family of Innovation: Never Standing Still
Over the years, the LANGE 1 has evolved into a family of watches that showcase the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation. From the LANGE 1 TOURBILLON PERPETUAL CALENDAR, with its instantaneously switching calendar indications and peripheral month ring, to the LANGE 1 TIME ZONE, which simultaneously displays two time zones, each model reflects the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of possibility.
As Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development, explains, “Thirty years ago, A. Lange & Söhne succeeded in designing a mechanical work of art with the LANGE 1 that established new benchmarks in precision watchmaking. Developed from the passion to do things differently, it has since been a symbol of our manufacturer’s self-conception to craft timepieces that combine superb functionality with aesthetic appeal.”
Looking to the Future
The 30th anniversary of LANGE 1 is not merely a celebration of past achievements but a reaffirmation of —Langee & Söhne’s commitment to innovation. As the manufacturer continues to explore new frontiers in design and technology, it remains steadfast in its mission to create timepieces that inspire awe and admiration.
From its distinctive off-center dial to its impeccable mechanical movement, the LANGE 1 is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of A. Lange & Söhne. With these four limited editions, the brand honors its legacy and sets the stage for future generations of horological excellence.
A Timeless Icon Reimagined
Over three decades, the LANGE 1 has become more than a watch—it symbolizes timeless elegance, mechanical mastery, and innovative design. These four new limited editions reaffirm its status as a cornerstone of fine watchmaking and a beacon of A. Lange & Söhne’s enduring legacy. Whether in platinum with a black onyx dial or pink gold with a blue dial, each piece celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
The Art of Craftsmanship: How A. Lange & Söhne Timepieces Are Meticulously Handcrafted
At A. Lange & Söhne, watchmaking transcends mere function; it is an intricate art form steeped in tradition, precision, and innovation. Every timepiece reflects an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, with each detail meticulously executed to perfection. From the engraving of balance cocks to the twofold assembly of movements, every watch tells a story of unparalleled artistry.
Tradition and Individuality: A Legacy of Excellence
A. Lange & Söhne draws from centuries of watchmaking heritage, incorporating traditional elements into its timepieces. Each watch, from the simplest two-hand model to complex complications, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to preserving and advancing the art of horology. A signature feature of Lange watches is the hand-engraved balance cock, a hallmark of individuality. Each engraver brings their unique style, ensuring no two timepieces are identical. Even hidden components within the movement are polished, beveled, and decorated, epitomizing the brand’s attention to detail.
Walter Lange’s guiding philosophy, “There is something one should expect not only of a watch but also of oneself: never to stand still,” drives the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines A. Lange & Söhne. This spirit is evident in groundbreaking innovations such as the TRIPLE SPLIT, the world’s first mechanical rattrapante chronograph capable of measuring comparative times over several hours.
Mastery of Manufacture Movements
Every A. Lange & Söhne timepiece has a manufacturing movement developed, crafted, and assembled in-house at the company’s Glashütte facility. This commitment to exclusivity ensures unmatched precision and innovation. Each caliber undergoes a rigorous two-step assembly process: the movement is fully assembled, disassembled for inspection, and reassembled to ensure flawless operation.
The three-quarter plate, a signature Lange hallmark, is made of untreated German silver. It provides structural integrity and a platform for decoration. It exemplifies the synthesis of functionality and aesthetics, a cornerstone of the brand’s ethos.
The Pinnacle of Finishing and Decoration
The art of finishing and engraving is paramount at A. Lange & Söhne. Every movement component, whether visible or hidden, is individually decorated using techniques such as Glashütte ribbing, perlage, and black polishing. These finishes create a harmonious visual composition, elevating the watch to a work of art. The engravings are performed by hand, adding a human touch that underscores the individuality of each timepiece.
Pioneering Horological Innovations
Innovation is a defining trait of A. Lange & Söhne. The jumping numerals mechanism in the ZEITWERK collection offers a digital display powered by a mechanical movement, blending tradition with modernity. The constant-force escapement ensures consistent energy delivery to the movement, enhancing accuracy. Other groundbreaking complications, such as the fusée-and-chain transmission and the double and triple rattrapante mechanisms, demonstrate the brand’s ability to push the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking.
A Commitment to Perfection
From the precision of its tourbillon mechanisms to the artistry of its Handwerkskunst editions, A. Lange & Söhne remains dedicated to creating timepieces that embody the pinnacle of horological excellence. Each watch is not just a timekeeper but a masterpiece that celebrates tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship. With every detail handcrafted to perfection, A. Lange & Söhne ensures its timepieces are as timeless as the legacy they represent.
The Heritage of A. Lange & Söhne: A Journey Through Time and Excellence
The story of A. Lange & Söhne is a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection, deeply rooted in Saxony’s cultural and scientific advancements. Its history, interwoven with the patronage of the Saxon Court, laid the foundation for the brand’s rise as one of the world’s most revered watchmakers. This journey, marked by innovation, resilience, and artistry, reflects the enduring legacy of its founder, Ferdinand Adolph Lange, and the generations that followed.
The Saxon Court and Its Influence
Saxony’s rich artistic and scientific heritage played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s watchmaking traditions. Under rulers like Augustus the Strong, Saxony became a hub of innovation, fostering advancements in the arts and sciences. This environment provided fertile ground for the development of horology, paving the way for young talents like Ferdinand Adolph Lange to emerge.
At just 15, Ferdinand began his apprenticeship with Johann Friedrich Gutkaes, a renowned watchmaker whose reputation extended far beyond Saxony. Together, they created the Five-Minute Clock for the Semperoper in Dresden, a masterpiece that exemplified precision and functionality. After honing his craft through extensive travels in France, England, and Switzerland, Ferdinand returned to Saxony with a vision to revolutionize watchmaking.
A Vision of Excellence
In 1845, Ferdinand Adolph Lange established his manufacture in the small town of Glashütte, transforming it into a global center of precision watchmaking. Guided by an unwavering commitment to quality, he introduced innovations that elevated German horology to international acclaim. Lange’s pocket watches, renowned for their craftsmanship and precision, became prized by heads of state and discerning collectors.
Ferdinand’s legacy was carried forward by his sons, Richard Lange and Emil Lange, who played pivotal roles in advancing the brand’s reputation. Richard, a visionary watch designer, contributed to developing 27 patents, many of which continue to influence modern mechanical watchmaking. Emil, a master craftsman and businessman, achieved international recognition with creations like the Century Tourbillon, which earned a gold medal at the 1900 Paris World Exhibition and secured him the Knight’s Cross of the French Legion of Honour.
Trials and Triumphs
The 20th century brought challenges that tested the resilience of A. Lange & Söhne. After World War II, the company was nationalized, and its operations ceased, leaving the brand to become a legend of the past. Yet, the spirit of Lange endured. In 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Walter Lange, the great-grandson of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, seized the opportunity to revive his family’s legacy.
Working alongside visionary Günter Blümlein, Walter reestablished the manufacture in Glashütte, reigniting the brand’s commitment to creating the finest timepieces in the world. The presentation of the first modern collection in 1994 marked the rebirth of A: Lange & Söhne and its triumphant return to the pinnacle of watchmaking.
A Legacy of Masterpieces
From the iconic Five-Minute Clock to the revolutionary LANGE 1, A. Lange & Söhne has consistently pushed the boundaries of horology. Its creations, such as the TRIPLE SPLIT and Handwerkskunst editions, blend innovative engineering with timeless design, embodying the brand’s motto: “Never To stand still.”
Today, A. Lange & Söhne remains a beacon of excellence, honoring its heritage while shaping the future of fine watchmaking. Its journey is a testament to the enduring power of vision, craftsmanship, and the unyielding pursuit of perfection.
The Company: A. Lange & Söhne – Crafting Excellence with Responsibility
For generations, A. Lange & Söhne has been dedicated to creating timepieces that epitomize the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry. Guided by Walter Lange’s philosophy, which once stated, “There’s something that we should expect not only of our watches but also of ourselves: never to stand still,” the brand continuously strives to innovate while maintaining its commitment to precision, elegance, and responsibility.
Sustainability at the Heart of Watchmaking
A Lange watch is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Each timepiece comprises hundreds of components, all carefully finished, decorated, and assembled by hand. This dedication to perfection extends beyond artistry and encompasses a deep commitment to sustainability. The materials used in production adhere to internationally recognized environmental and ethical standards, ensuring that every watch is as responsible as it is exceptional.
The company’s forward-thinking approach is evident in its new manufacturing building, designed to meet stringent environmental standards. By integrating energy-efficient systems, sustainable resource management, and eco-friendly practices, A. Lange & Söhne reinforces its dedication to reducing its ecological footprint.
A Legacy of Responsibility
Sustainability at A. Lange & Söhne goes hand-in-hand with the brand’s enduring values of excellence and precision. By sourcing raw materials responsibly and prioritizing environmentally sound practices, the company ensures that its legacy of creating mechanical masterpieces aligns with the needs of future generations. This holistic approach highlights the brand’s belief that the pursuit of excellence extends beyond watchmaking to include social and environmental stewardship.
Through its actions, A. Lange & Söhne demonstrate that true luxury is about creating timeless watches and making a meaningful contribution to a sustainable and responsible future.
