4 new A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Limited Editions for its 30th-Anniversary

Precisely 30 years in the past, on 24 October 1994, on the Dresden Royal Palace, Günter Blümlein, Walter Lange and Hartmut Knothe unveiled the inaugural assortment of the rejuvenated A. Lange & Söhne brand, consisting of the Saxonia, the Arkade, the Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite” and, in fact, the Lange 1. A watch that has been instrumental within the resurrection of the model, of German watchmaking and of the entire idea of high-end horology, the emblematic Lange 1 is celebrating at present its Thirtieth anniversary. And to pay tribute to its longevity, listed here are 4 new restricted editions; in platinum with a black onyx dial or in pink gold with a blue dial, out there both a basic Lange 1 or as a Little Lange 1. 

The Lange 1 is a watch of such significance for the model and for the luxurious watch business as a complete that it ought to deserve a complete article about its historical past, which would definitely really feel related at present on its Thirtieth anniversary. Effectively, you must really feel fortunate, since we have done that already in this in-depth article retracing your complete lineage of the Lange 1 as a watch (the basic 38.5mm) but additionally as a set, with all potential variants, and likewise together with one among our in-depth films. So, in case you have an hour of your time to spare (you received’t remorse it…), pour your self a espresso, sit comfortably and luxuriate in this in-depth story.

Now, for these already acquainted with the historical past of the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 assortment, or if you wish to know what the model has cooked for the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Lange 1, let’s go straight to the purpose. 4 new restricted editions, two completely different sizes, two completely different and unprecedented mixtures of colors and supplies. Traditional 38.5mm Lange 1 or smaller 36.8mm Little Lange 1, platinum case with a strong black onyx dial, or 18k rose gold case with a strong silver dial in blue. And each sharing the identical in-house calibre. So, the celebration of 30 years of existence is finished by new colors and supplies, with restricted version fashions.

Taking a look at these new fashions, we are able to see the basic structure of each the Lange 1 and the Little Lange 1, as out there in a number of variations within the present assortment. On one aspect, we’ve the Lange 1 with its 38.5mm diameter, a below-10 thickness and all of the signature traits of this watch since its introduction in 1994 – in fact, these new restricted editions are primarily based on the updated Lange 1 released in 2015. Alternatively, we’ve the Little Lange 1, a downsized version first seen in 1998, revised in 2018 in the identical vein and with the identical motion because the basic Lange 1. This version measures 36.8mm in diameter, shares a lot of the visible and technical attributes with the aforementioned mannequin and retains the identical nice thinness – once more under 10mm.

One of many hallmarks of the Lange 1 (and the Little Lange 1) was its completely balanced asymmetry, with a dial designed in keeping with the golden ratio, with an off-centred hours-minutes sub-dial at 9 o’clock, a sub-seconds at 4 o’clock, an influence reserve indicator at 3 o’clock and the all-important outsize date impressed by the five-minute digital show clock discovered above the stage of the Dresden Opera Home. Effectively, all of that has been revered in these new restricted editions, with the Little Lange 1 being only a barely downsized version maintaining the entire show intact.

Now to make these Thirtieth anniversary Lange 1 restricted editions particular, A. Lange & Söhne has created two unprecedented color/materials mixtures. The primary pair is housed in a noble 950 platinum case with a sublime, shiny strong silver dial coated with black onyx – a jet-black shimmering gemstone that someway jogs my memory of the black enamel Lange 1 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 20th anniversary. These black onyx fashions are worn on a shiny black alligator leather-based strap. The opposite pair introduces a brand new mixture of 18k rose gold for the case and darkish blue for the dial – two parts beforehand out there individually however by no means merged. These are worn on a blue alligator leather-based strap. In all variations, the straps are closed by prong buckles matching the case’s materials.

Contained in the 38.5mm case of the Lange 1 or the 36.8mm case of the Little Lange 1 is similar motion, the L121.1 manufacture calibre, which was first introduced in 2015 on the event of the facelift of the Lange 1. Regardless of maintaining the show intact, this motion was fully new, with the basic 3/4 plate rotated 180 levels, a brand new in-house steadiness wheel (working at 3Hz), a twin mainspring barrel for regular supply of torque (72h energy reserve), a brand new date mechanism with instantaneously leaping discs, a stop-seconds and a zero-reset mechanism for the seconds hand when the ability reserve drops to zero. The sapphire again reveals basic high-end ornament the Lange approach, with untreated German silver plates with Glashütte ribbing, 8 screwed gold chatons held by blued screws, polished bevels and a hand-engraved steadiness cock.

Concerning availability, the bigger Lange 1 fashions, both platinum/onyx or rose gold/blue, are restricted runs of 300 items. The smaller Little Lange 1 fashions are every restricted to 150 items. Costs are, as all the time with A. Lange & Söhne, upon request. On a private observe, and with out denying the fantastic thing about these restricted editions, I might have anticipated one thing a bit extra spectacular from ALS to have fun the Thirtieth anniversary of the Lange 1… A brand new complication, a revised motion or case, a brand new Handwerkskunst mannequin. One thing that might have made historical past within the model’s lineage. Now, it feels slightly underwhelming.

For extra particulars, please seek the advice of www.alange-soehne.com.