Celebrating a Modern Classic, A. Lange & Söhne Unveils Two Limited Editions of the Lange 1 and Little Lange 1

With its distinctive design and masterfully crafted in-house movement, the Lange 1 embodies the essence of A. Lange & Söhne. In celebration of its milestone anniversary, the manufacture is introducing two special editions of this iconic timepiece. One is made of platinum with a black onyx dial, and the other in rose gold with a blue dial, each limited to 300 pieces. Both versions are also available as the Little Lange 1, with a limited run of 150 pieces each.

The Lange 1, launched on October 24, 1994, marked a significant milestone not only for A. Lange & Söhne, but also for the entire landscape of fine watchmaking. It played a key role in the re-establishment of this traditional haute-horlogerie brand and in the renaissance of Glashütte as a center for high-end watchmaking, as it gave new impetus to this watchmaking town that had once produced some of the finest precision pocket watches before the socialist government of the former GDR put an end to it by centralizing the industry in a combine focused on mass production.

When Walter Lange reintroduced his family’s brand after the reunification of Germany, the Lange 1 symbolized a new beginning. Presented alongside three other entirely new developed luxury watches including genuine top-notch movements, its unconventional design, featuring an off-center dial and a large date display, inspired by the famous 5-Minute Clock of the Dresden Semperoper, set it apart from traditional watch aesthetics. This bold approach captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike, emphasizing that German watchmaking could blend innovation with meticulous craftsmanship.

From the start, the Lange 1's technical mastery showcased the brand’s commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques, from the exquisite hand-finishing of movements to the use of high-quality materials. Its introduction helped revive interest in Glashütte’s rich watchmaking heritage, which goes back to 1845 when Ferdinand Adolph Lange had laid the corner stone for watchmaking in this remote town.

Since then, the Lange 1 has remained a quintessential piece in the world of horology, a testament to the enduring legacy of German craftsmanship and innovation. Its introduction 30 years ago was not just a product launch; it was a cultural reset for Glashütte, reinvigorating a proud tradition that continues to flourish.

The aesthetic finesse of the golden ratio

The particular dial design accounts for the balanced appearance of the Lange 1. Graced with Roman numerals and lancet-shaped appliques, the hour and minute circle is located on the left-hand side whilst the outsize date, the power-reserve display and the subsidiary seconds dial are positioned on the right-hand side, along an imaginary vertical axis. The length and size ratios of the various displays are in accordance with the rules of the golden ratio, creating an aesthetic balance that exudes a timelessness that is still fascinates discerned collectors three decades after its debut.

As befits the anniversary, the new model versions radiate festive elegance that lends the familiar design a stunning impression. The iterations in 950 platinum is graced with an onyx dial. This gemstone, which is rarely used in fine watchmaking, captivates with its jet-black shimmering surface: it is the first time that it adorns a Lange 1 model. In the 750 pink-gold version, the warm, reddish lustre of the precious metal is paired with a blue dial in 925 silver. All four limited-edition models exhibit the exceptional lucid design with slender bezels and prominent lugs. The Lange 1 measures 38.5mm in diameter and the Little Lange 1 is 36.8mm wide.

Inside both iterations, the L121.1 manufacture caliber sets the pace. Introduced in 2015 as the 50th Lange caliber, it ensures that the instantaneously advancing outsize date switches precisely at midnight: it is endowed with a going train featuring a balance with eccentric poising weights and a proprietary freely oscillating balance spring. Beneath the hand-engraved balance cock, it beats at a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour. The reliable twin mainspring barrel assures a power reserve of 72 hours. At a glance through the sapphire-crystal case back, the stunning artisanal finish of the movement comes to life, with the famous three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver and decorated with Glashütte ribbing being the highlight. Eight screwed gold chatons held by blued screws provide colorful contrasting accents in this masterpiece.

Pricing is available by request.

To learn more, visit A. Lange & Söhne, here.