Bezl meets Martin, a watch expert and collector from Stockholm.
Martin has several years of experience as both a collector and an expert. His extensive knowledge and experience in the industry give him a unique insight into every model he discusses.
We have arranged to meet in a rain-drenched Stockholm to discuss a classic from the watch house A. Lange & Söhne (Lange) – specifically, the Lange 1 model. The model presented in the article is made of the precious metal rose gold, a personal favorite of the collector Martin.
A. Lange & Söhne, a prominent name in the world of luxury watches, is a brand synonymous with tradition and unparalleled quality. The German watch brand is known for its dedication to craftsmanship and a fondness for details, which is reflected in every unique movement they create. Their watches are characterized by a timeless aesthetic combined with complex and technically advanced movements.
Martin, let’s take Bezl’s readers back to 1994, the day A. Lange & Söhne presented their new releases.
– A. Lange & Söhne, founded in 1845, was relaunched in 1994 thanks to Walter Lange. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, Walter Lange realized it was the right time to revive the family business. In 1994, they introduced their first four models: Lange 1, Arkade, Saxonia, and the Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite”.
A. Lange & Söhne focused on creating exclusive and high-quality watches by combining traditional German craftsmanship with modern technology. The company has integrated innovative technologies and design elements, while preserving German precision and craftsmanship traditions. The brand has developed an impressive portfolio of watches and has established itself as one of the most prestigious manufacturers in haute horlogerie.
The rose gold displays a warm and beautiful hue that is particularly striking against the silver dial.
Lange 1 was one of the first models presented at the relaunch of A. Lange & Söhne in 1994, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s history.
The watch presented in this article is the Lange 1. What can you tell us about this model?
– Lange 1 is one of the most iconic and prominent models from A. Lange & Söhne. Introduced as part of the company’s first collection, it has since become known for its unique design. Particularly renowned for its distinctive design with an off-center time display, the dial has an eccentric layout, giving the watch a distinct appearance. This design adheres to the golden ratio, creating a harmonious look despite the asymmetry of the dial.
What has given this model its iconic status among collectors?
– It’s primarily due to the design, the handcrafted decorations of the movement, and the quality that Lange is known for today.
Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin are often mentioned as the ‘”big three”. Does A. Lange & Söhne challenge this trio today?
– In terms of craftsmanship and the finish of the watches’ aesthetics and movements, Lange is undoubtedly a strong competitor. The reason Lange is not typically counted among the “big three” is likely due to their shorter period of establishment and because they are not a Swiss watch manufacturer.
Something that stands out to me about Lange is their low production; they currently manufacture around 5,000 watches per year, compared to about 60,000 by Patek Philippe. Lange’s movements are more decorated and, in my opinion, more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, Lange’s design for dress watches, in my view, offers a uniqueness not found in models like Patek Philippe’s Calatrava or Vacheron Constantin’s Traditionnelle.
In a rain-soaked Stockholm, Bezl meets Martin, a distinguished watch expert with years of experience in the industry and in-depth knowledge of A. Lange & Söhne.
Martin wears his Lange 1, reference 191.032, in elegant rose gold.
The third generation of the classic Lange 1 model.
A. Lange & Söhne is often associated with more dress-style watches, but they have also introduced a sportier option. Can you tell us more about it?
– When it comes to sportier watches, Vacheron Constantin has its Overseas, Patek Philippe has the Nautilus and Aquanaut, and Audemars Piguet has the Royal Oak. In 2019, A. Lange & Söhne introduced a contender to these named Odysseus. This model has not yet achieved the iconic status of its competitors’ watches, but it has the potential to do so as Lange continues to develop the series.
You own a Lange 1, the one we see in the article. What can you tell us about this reference?
– My Lange 1 is model 191.032, a rose gold version with a silver dial. This reference was launched in 2015 and belongs to the third generation of the classic Lange 1 model, with a case size of 38.5 mm. Currently, there are several versions of the Lange 1, including various complications, metals, dials, and sizes.
This generation differs from the previous one with a new movement, a thinner bezel, a matte-polished mid-case, and an updated dial with sharper contrasts. I previously owned the earlier generation with the same metal and dial, ref. 101.032, and I find the new model to be an improvement.
The new dial has more depth and is easier to read. The case has refined proportions, and the updated movement switches the date exactly at midnight, unlike the previous movement. Additionally, the new movement is more aesthetically pleasing with its single-piece three-quarters plate.
The press conference for the launch of A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1, which took place on October 24, 1994, was held in the magnificent Dresden Residenzschloss, a royal palace in Dresden.
Walter Lange, Honorary Chairman of A. Lange & Söhne, played a crucial role in the revival of the family company’s watchmaking tradition after the fall of the Berlin Wall, contributing to its prominent return to the watch industry.
A young Walter Lange at his workbench, early dedicated to the craft of watchmaking.
Do you see A. Lange & Söhne as a brand that is a good investment over time?
– It’s always difficult to know what constitutes a good or bad long-term investment, and the most important thing is to be satisfied with the watch on your wrist. Factors that speak in favor of Lange as an investment include their low production compared to competitors, as well as the continually increasing interest in their watches.
Lange 1, available in a variety of materials including rose gold, white gold, and platinum, also includes some rare examples made in steel.
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 is known for its unique design that deviates from traditional watch designs, with a clear focus on simplicity, elegance, and legibility.
What models would you recommend to someone looking to buy their first A. Lange & Söhne?
– In addition to the Lange 1, I would also recommend the 1815 and Saxonia series. Some models that stand out to me are the 1815 Annual Calendar and the Saxonia Annual Calendar.
Is there any watch from A. Lange & Söhne that you are particularly longing for?
– I love my Lange 1, but if I were to expand my Lange collection, I would also consider the 1815 and Saxonia series.
2024 is an anniversary year for A. Lange & Söhne, marking the 30th anniversary of their brand relaunch.
– It will be interesting to see how they celebrate this. If I were to guess, I think they will release new models of the Lange 1, Arkade, Saxonia, and Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite”, as these were among the first launched in conjunction with the relaunch.
Thank you, Martin, for your time and for sharing your expertise on this model.
Large date display, power reserve indicator; some variants include moon phases, world time, and other advanced features.
A nostalgic look back to 2018: my Lange 1, reference 101.039, in elegant white gold.
Finally
My fascination and admiration for A. Lange & Söhne and their extraordinary craftsmanship have been enduring, despite once owning and later selling a Lange 1 in white gold, reference 101.039. The reason for the sale was the somewhat flat appearance with the white dial background, but this does not diminish my appreciation of the brand’s impressive precision and craftsmanship quality. Their meticulousness is clearly evident in their process of disassembling each watch twice, to ensure the highest quality before it leaves the factory – a testament to their dedication to perfection.
A. Lange & Söhne represents a unique combination of traditional German precision and innovative technology. Their sophisticated and complex movements are artworks that reflect a long tradition of watchmaking skill. Every watch from A. Lange & Söhne honors the finest in German engineering, a tradition founded by Ferdinand A. Lange in 1845 and revived by Walter Lange after the reunification of Germany.
The brand’s signature model, Lange 1, strikes a perfect balance between classic elegance and technical brilliance. Its elegant proportions and timeless design have made it a favorite among watch enthusiasts and collectors, and one of the most distinguished watches in the luxury segment. The Lange 1 is not just a symbol of the art of watchmaking but also an example of how tradition and innovation can be interwoven to create something truly extraordinary ⏱
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🎥 See the trailer featuring A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1.