The “Homage to F. A. Lange” Anniversary Edition
A tradition that never stands still
In 2020, A. Lange & Söhne has two reasons to celebrate: the 175th anniversary of Saxony’s precision watchmaking industry and the 30th anniversary of a courageous new beginning. With the introduction of a pocket watch production on 7 December 1845, Ferdinand Adolph Lange laid the cornerstone for Glashütte to rise to prominence as a watchmaking hub. From the humble beginnings as a teaching workshop with 15 apprentices, he not only developed a watch manufactory which was successful far beyond the borders of Germany – he also initiated watch production based on the division of labor which was modern for its day by encouraging his employees to establish their own companies.
He united science and craftsmanship with modern production methods, the goal being to craft the world’s finest watches in his homeland of Saxony. He introduced the metric system to watchmaking and created novel measuring instruments and tools. And he developed countless ingenious mechanisms and watchmaking solutions, many of which he registered for patents – such as the three-quarter plate, which has been a calling card of A. Lange & Söhne timepieces since the brand relaunch in 1990.
Inspired by long-standing tradition, the watchmakers of A. Lange & Söhne today strive to advance precision watchmaking with innovative ideas and excellent craftsmanship. Their driving motivation of never standing still is exemplified by the new anniversary edition with the epithet “Homage to F. A. Lange”. The three limited models with cases made of exclusive honey gold, special movement decorations and special dials are dedicated to watchmaking pioneer Ferdinand Adolph Lange. They represent a unique connection between traditional watchmaking elements and innovative craftsmanship in processing techniques, thus building a bridge from the origins of Lange watchmaking to the present.
In the founder’s tradition: the 2020 anniversary edition “Homage to F. A. Lange”
The 1815 watch family, which bears the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, is inspired by tradition and therefore primarily stands for the classic side of A. Lange & Söhne. The family’s design transports the spirit of the pocket watches of yesteryear to the mechanical wristwatches of today – distinguished restraint and the demand for precision represent the values of Ferdinand Adolph Lange. The unifying element of the three new limited editions is the innovative case material, honey gold, which symbolizes the scientific side of the manufactory and stands for the stated goal of using metallurgic discoveries for watchmaking. Additionally, all three models stand out thanks to their special movement decorations, which include grained plates made of German silver and black-rhodium engravings on the balance cock. What is more, each of the three watches features a special dial.
Exceptional craftsmanship of noble stature.
Limited to 175 pieces, the new 1815 THIN HONEYGOLD is the thinnest model of our 1815 Family. With lavish movement decorations and numerous traditional elements, it embodies the style started by Ferdinand Adolph Lange. The bridges and plates are granularly textured; the engravings are black-rhodium and the two-part enamel dial stands out in brilliant white.
The art of watchmaking and unmistakable design.
The complex mechanism of the rattrapante chronograph ranks among the most elaborate devices in precision watchmaking. During an ongoing time measurement, the new calibre L101.2 of the 1815 RATTRAPANTE HONEYGOLD makes it possible to stop any number of lap times within a minute. The striking contrast between the black dial and the honey-gold case enhances the captivating look of the watch. This exclusive timepiece comes in a 100-watch limited edition.
684 individual parts uniquely combined.
Only rarely have five exceptional complications been combined in such a compact space: Tourbillon, Rattrapante, Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar, Fusée-and-Chain Transmission. The mechanical architecture of the TOURBOGRAPH PERPETUAL HONEYGOLD is unique, and so is its dial. It is crafted in the Lange manufactory and consists of solid honey gold, like the case, and is black-rhodium. The raised numerals and scales stand out prominently against the dark background and create an incomparable three-dimensional effect. The special finissage of the calibre L133.1 movement reflects formidable artisanship.