Since it was first launched 30 years ago – on October 24, 1994 – the Lange 1 has helped to redefine luxury watchmaking. Is it the dial that’s full of character, thanks to its off-center configuration, or perhaps the classic Lange outsize date that has helped turn this piece into a classic? In reality, it’s likely an amalgamation of the two, combined with almost 180 years of quality and horological pedigree. In celebration of this 30th anniversary, A. Lange & Söhne has released four new pieces, two new iterations of the Lange 1 and two in the smaller Little Lange 1 format.
These anniversary pieces are set to be exceptionally limited, with only 300 available of each of the two new Lange 1s and only 150 of each of the two new Little Lange 1s. The new Lange 1 comes in either platinum with a black onyx dial or pink gold with a blue dial, with the Little Lange 1s following suit in a smaller format.
“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,” said CEO Wilhelm Schmid. “When it was launched thirty years ago, it broke the existing design rules and defined its very own style. This innovative force is embodied [by] our ambition to never stand still.”
The dial of the LANGE 1 is a true sight to behold. To the left the hours and minutes circle features a mixture of Roman numerals and lancet-shaped appliques, this is balanced to the right by the outsize date, power-reserve display and seconds dial all sit perfectly in line. The result is a watch face that presents itself with a real sense of balance. This balance is partly down to the fact that the size and ratios of the displays sit in accordance with the golden ratio, a further aspect that has helped the design of this piece to remain timeless.
Truly in accordance with the anniversary, the two new designs of the Lange 1 certainly convey a celebratory feel. On one model, 950 platinum pairs alongside a black onyx dial, which appears for the first time on a Lange 1. The other model utilizes a warming 750 pink-gold which contrasts with the deep blue dial in 925 silver. The Lange 1 is a refined and elegant piece, with a case diameter of 38.5mm, whereas the smaller Little Lange 1 has a slightly smaller 36.8mm case diameter.
At the heart of both the new Lange 1s and Little Lange 1s lies the L121.1 manufacture caliber movement – first introduced in 2015. Refined to the Nth degree, it is this movement that allows the instantaneously advancing outsize date to switch at exactly midnight. The reliable twin mainspring barrel provides the Lange 1 with an impressive power reserve of 72 hours.
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Those looking to get a glimpse of this impressive movement can do so via the sapphire-crystal case back, here the craftsmanship of the piece comes to the forefront with untreated German Silver adorned with Glashütte ribbing.
“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,” explains Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development. “Developed out of 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.”
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