Introducing: The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 30th Anniversary Watches
It’s hard to believe that 30 years have passed since the first Lange 1 was introduced. Yet, here we are, and to celebrate this special occasion, A. Lange & Söhne has crafted four new limited-edition versions of the brand’s most famous watch. As we’ll see, Lange is bringing a pair of dial and case materials to two models.
The memory of the original A. Lange & Söhne catalog sitting by my dad’s easy chair is as clear as day. In 1994, Wempe in New York City sent a booklet made of embossed heavy-stock paper. Even then, as a teenager, I knew it was something special. A brand I had never heard of was going all in with fancy marketing materials. Then, there were the watches. I still remember the Lange 1 on the cover with its strange (to me) display and large date. Little did I know that the watch would become a modern classic.
The Lange 1 30th Anniversary models
Thankfully, little has changed with the Lange 1 since 1994. Limited editions have come and gone, and various versions include different complications. Three sizes and a variety of case materials are also on offer. Yet, the watches still boast the same essential dial layout 30 years later.
The golden ratio dictates the dial proportions. This includes a larger display for the hours and minutes on the left, a sub-seconds register on the lower right, and a dual-pane date window on the upper right. A simple power reserve indicator is on the right side of the dial, and one push-button corrector is on the left side of the case. For a watch with a lot of activity on the dial, the Lange 1 is surprisingly crisp and legible.
Four limited-edition models
We are treated to four new references to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Lange 1. Two models use platinum cases and feature onyx dials. The other references have blue dials fitted into 18K pink gold cases. A. Lange & Söhne selected the original Lange 1 and the smaller Little Lange 1 as the basis for each case/dial pairing.
The Lange 1 is a well-sized watch with a 38.5mm by 47mm case. And while the Little Lange 1 is smaller, it’s not miniature with its 36.8mm by 43.9mm dimensions. Both models contain sapphire crystals on the front and back.
The Lange 1 has a robust yet elegant case design. It has a substantial presence but is still only approximately 10mm thick.
Dials with delightful details
Ask collectors of high-end modern watches which brand is currently at the top, and Lange often gets the nod. The company produces fabulous watches and hasn’t succumbed to the latest fashion trends. If the multi-display look doesn’t interest you, that’s fine, but the craftsmanship behind these watches is lovely to behold in person. The impressive dials have beautiful characteristics, such as 18K gold applied indices and hands. The glossy surface of the onyx is intoxicating, and I love the combination with white gold details. Pleasingly, the color-matched date wheel also makes it look especially stealthy.
The azurage on the blue sub-dials looks precise, and the hue is deep and rich. Then, the dual-pane date window is framed with pink gold and houses wheels with an old-world font. Best of all, the dial layouts have pleasing proportions in both size variations.
Caliber L121.1 powers the Lange 1
Both Lange 1 case sizes use the manufacture L121.1 hand-winding movement. It is primarily crafted from German silver and shows the traditional Glashütte three-quarter plate. This 43-jewel movement contains 368 parts, ticks at 21,600vph, and offers 72 hours of power reserve. Watchmakers adjust the L121.1 five times for accuracy.
Lange adds striping to the plates and anglage to the edges. A hand-engraved balance cock is a beautiful detail to behold. For good measure, the movement uses gold chatons on eight of the jewels.
Availability and pricing
A. Lange & Söhne will make 300 numbered pieces of each standard-size Lange 1 model, while just 150 of each Little Lange 1 will be available. The Lange 1 in pink gold is priced at €49,800, and the others are officially listed as “price on request.” These watches are a fitting release to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the best modern watch designs. I’d happily take either of the onyx models. Which is your favorite of the four new pieces, and why?
For more information on the new Lange 1 30th Anniversary models, visit the official A. Lange & Söhne website.
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