A hands-on look at the new anniversary A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1, launched on October 24, 2024. Details, live pictures, and prices are below.
Thirty years ago, on 24 October 1994, A. Lange & Söhne launched the first collection after the re-establishment of the manufacture. One of the four models presented was the Lange 1. Since that time the model became an icon and one of the most important watches in the modern history of watchmaking. On 24 October 2024, I was lucky enough to be in Berlin with A. Lange & Söhne to celebrate the anniversary of the Lange 1 and see the special watch dedicated to this date.
To commemorate the anniversary, the manufacture introduces two new model versions of the Lange 1, each limited to 300 watches: one in platinum featuring a black onyx dial, and a pink-gold version with a blue dial. The Little Lange 1 is also available in both new colour combinations, each limited to 150 watches. The limitation is quite big for such kind of brand, but while talking to the brand’s representative during the presentation, he mentioned that it was made on purpose, that more people could have possibility to enjoy it. As you could image, the watch was sold out very quickly, especially the standard size Lange 1, the anniversary Little Lange 1 was easier to buy in the first days of the launch.
The highlight of the introduced anniversary watches, in my opinion, is the version with a 950 platinum case and a dial crafted from onyx. This gemstone features a jet-black, shimmering surface, marking its first appearance on a Lange 1 model.
For the 750 pink-gold version, the warm, reddish lustre of the precious metal beautifully complements the blue dial, crafted from 925 silver. The case diameter of the Lange 1 is 38.5 mm, while the Little Lange 1 measures slightly smaller at 36.8 mm.
The L121.1 manufacture calibre
Inside both the anniversary LANGE 1 and LITTLE LANGE 1 beats the manufacture calibre L121.1 – the 50th in-house movement introduced by the brand in 2015. It ensures that the instantaneously advancing outsize date switches 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 twin mainspring barrel assures a power reserve of 72 hours. The finish of the movement, as always with the brand, is of an exceptionally high standard.
The 38.5mm models are priced at €60,000 for the platinum version and €50,300 for the gold version. Meanwhile, the 36.8mm models are priced at €56,500 in platinum and €46,400 in gold.
Berlin
In Berlin, A. Lange & Söhne welcomed us with an excellent program that included a movement assembly workshop led by top watchmakers from the manufacture. While we didn’t assemble any Lange calibers, we worked on a simpler movement. Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun, and after the workshop, we had the opportunity to admire some exquisite Lange calibers, as seen in the pictures below.
Hard at work assembling the movement.
A few of the Lange calibers we had the opportunity to examine and admire for their incredible architecture and finishing.
The view from the hotel.
For more details about A. Lange & Söhne watches, visit their website at www.alange-soehne.com.
