by MARIE MEYER
  • 3 minute read
  • October 31, 2024
Lange & Söhne’s the Lange 1 celebrates 30 years
Lange 1 edition

Lange & Söhne marks a monumental occasion in luxury watchmaking with the 30th anniversary of the LANGE 1, a design that has become iconic in its commitment to timeless elegance and mechanical mastery.

Since its debut in 1994, the LANGE 1 has set itself apart with its off-centre dial, signature oversized date display, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Now, three decades later, A. Lange & Söhne honours the legacy of the LANGE 1 with four limited-edition models, each a testament to the brand’s dedication to artistry and horological innovation.

A. Lange & Söhne’s journey began in Saxony in 1845, when Ferdinand Adolph Lange founded a small workshop with a vision of excellence. Through a remarkable revival in 1990 led by Lange’s great-grandson, the brand reestablished itself as a world leader in high-end watchmaking, producing masterpieces that are cherished by collectors globally. With more than 73 in-house calibres developed since its rebirth, A. Lange & Söhne combines tradition with innovation, offering timepieces that define the heights of horological achievement.

For the 30th anniversary of the LANGE 1, A. Lange & Söhne introduces two distinctive new designs for both the LANGE 1 and its elegant counterpart, the LITTLE LANGE 1. In this collection, each watch is crafted to strike a perfect balance of form and function, with meticulous attention to detail. 

Lange 1 and Little Lange 1 in Onyx. Image: Supplied.

One pair of these special anniversary models features a case in 950 platinum with a striking black onyx dial — a rare gemstone choice that brings a refined depth to the watch’s aesthetic. “The LANGE 1 was never designed to follow trends; it was designed to set its standards,” A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid shares. 

The second pair is crafted in 750 pink gold, with a radiant blue dial in 925 silver that adds a modern, sophisticated touch. This exclusivity is preserved through limited production: only 300 pieces for each LANGE 1 style and 150 for each LITTLE LANGE 1 version. The case diameters are 38.5mm for the LANGE 1 and a slightly smaller 36.8mm for the LITTLE LANGE 1, each designed with proportions rooted in the golden ratio, creating a timeless visual appeal.

At the heart of each anniversary edition lies the L121.1 calibre, a high-precision movement that showcases A. Lange & Söhne’s engineering excellence. Originally introduced in 2015, this calibre provides an instantly advancing outsize date that precisely switches at midnight. It features a twin mainspring barrel, delivering a robust 72-hour power reserve, and a sapphire-crystal case-back that reveals the calibre’s artisanal details. From Glashütte ribbing on the three-quarter plate to blued screws and gold chatons, the intricate finishing of the L121.1 calibre exemplifies the brand’s dedication to precision and visual harmony.

Lange 1 and Little Lange 1 in Radial Blue. Image: Supplied.

Over the past thirty years, the LANGE 1 has grown beyond a singular model into an entire family of timepieces, each adding new dimensions to the original design. Models like the LANGE 1 TOURBILLON PERPETUAL CALENDAR and the LANGE 1 TIME ZONE feature advanced complications that broaden the scope of the collection, blending function and form in creations that have captured the fascination of watch enthusiasts worldwide. Driven by a commitment to innovation, A. Lange & Söhne continues to push the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking, uniting precision with visual elegance in each design.

As A. Lange & Söhne celebrates thirty years of the LANGE 1, this collection of four limited-edition watches captures the spirit of a brand that is dedicated to craftsmanship, vision, and excellence. These anniversary models in platinum and pink gold are more than commemorative pieces; they are symbols of the brand’s legacy and commitment to producing timepieces that are distinctive in every detail, crafted to be treasured for generations to come.

Visit alange.soehne.com for more information on their timepieces.

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