Lange released four new limited editions to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Lange 1.
Press release information with commentary in italics.
New Lange 1s to celebrate 30 years
The Lange 1 Ref. 191.062, 191.063 and Little Lange 1 Ref. 181.062 181.063 is Price on Application. Each Lange 1 is limited to 300 pieces, and each Little Lange 1 is limited to 150 pieces. Totalling 900 pieces for this release over 4 models.
Commentary
Thirty years is quite a long time. When the Lange 1 was released at the revival of the maison way back in 1994, it created quite a stir. I was already an enthusiastic collector then. The asymmetrical layout of the dial took a bit of getting used to. But after the acclimatisation period, it looked natural and harmonious. The design was the brainchild of both Günter Blümlein and Reinhard Meis. I discussed this in my Vertical Collection: A. Lange & Söhne article. The Lange 1 and subsequently Little Lange 1 received the adoration of collectors worldwide.
The original Lange 1 had the in-house caliber L901 which featured a double barrel mainspring and a power reserve of 96 hours. The movement remained until it was revised in 2014 as the L121 in a new Lange 1 which was released in SIHH 2015. The new movement features a shorter power reserve of 72 hours, but retained the double mainspring concept. A completely new wheel train is installed including a in-house manufactured balance wheel with eccentric timing weights.
This new release is based on the same model as the one in 2015. Same movements, viz the L121.1 for all four novelties.
The real novelty is the black onyx dial in the platinum watches in this release. This is the first we have seen Lange using a stone dial. The dial is an overlay of black onyx over the regular solid silver dial.
The companion Lange 1 in pink gold and blue dial use a blue dial we first saw in the yellow gold/blue dial series.
Release information: Lange 1 30th Anniversary releases
With its one-of-a-kind design, sophisticated manufacture movement and artisanal finish, the LANGE 1 epitomises the essence of A. Lange & Söhne. 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.
For thirty years, the LANGE 1 has forged its own path. Its characteristic dial with the off-centre dial configuration and the typical Lange outsize date have lost none of their fascination since the watch was launched on 24 October 1994.
“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,. When it was launched thirty years ago, it broke the existing design rules and defined its very own style. This innovative force is embodied our ambition to never stand still.”
Wilhelm Schmid, A. Lange & Söhne CEO
”The aesthetic finesse of the golden ratio
The particular dial design accounts for the balanced appearance of the LANGE 1. Graced with Roman numerals and lancet-shaped appliques, the hour and minute circle is located on the left-hand side whilst the outsize date, the power-reserve display and the subsidiary seconds dial are positioned on the right-hand side, along an imaginary vertical axis. The length and size ratios of the various displays are in accordance with the rules of the golden ratio, creating an aesthetic balance that exudes timelessness, even three decades after its debut.
Perfection of form in two new colour combinations
The new model versions of the LANGE 1 and the LITTLE LANGE 1 radiate festive elegance – as befits the anniversary. The watch in 950 platinum showcases a dial faced with onyx. This gemstone, which is rarely used in fine watchmaking, captivates with its jet-black shimmering surface: it is the first time that it adorns a LANGE 1 model. In the 750 pink-gold version, the warm, reddish lustre of the precious metal is paired with a blue dial in 925 silver. All four limited-edition models exhibit the exceptional lucid design with slender bezels and prominent lugs. The case diameter of the LANGE 1 amounts to 38.5 millimetres and to 36.8 millimetres in the LITTLE LANGE 1.
The L121.1 manufacture calibre
The L121.1 manufacture calibre breathes life into the LANGE 1 and the LITTLE LANGE 1 – the 50th manufacture movement was introduced 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.
Lange 1 Specifications
LANGE 1
Movement Lange manufacture calibre L121.1, manually wound, crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards, decorated and assembled by hand; precision-adjusted in five positions; twin mainspring barrel; plates and bridges made of untreated German silver; balance cock engraved by hand
No. of movement parts 368
No. of jewels 43
No. of screwed gold chatons 8
Escapement Lever escapement
Oscillation system Shock-resistant balance with eccentric poising weights; superior-quality balance spring manufactured in-house, frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour, precision beat adjustment system with lateral setscrew and whiplash spring Power reserve 72 hours when fully wound
Functions Time indicated in hours, minutes and subsidiary seconds dial with stop seconds; UP/DOWN power-reserve indicator; outsize date
Operating elements Crown for winding the watch and setting the time; one button for rapid correction of the outsize date Movement dimensions Diameter: 30.6 millimetres; height: 5.7 millimetres
Crystal and transparent caseback Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9)
References 191.062 191.063
Case 950 platinum 750 pink gold
Case dimensions Diameter: 38.5 millimetres; height: 10.0 millimetres height: 9.8 millimetres
Dial 925 silver, faced with black onyx 925 silver, blue
Hands 750 gold, rhodiumed 750 gold
Strap Hand-stitched alligator leather, black glossy finish Hand-stitched alligator leather, blue
Buckle Prong buckle in 950 platinum Prong buckle in 750 pink gold
Limited edition 300 watches, edition number engraving 300 watches, edition number engraving
Little Lange 1 Specifications
LITTLE LANGE 1
Movement Lange manufacture calibre L121.1, manually wound, crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards, decorated and assembled by hand; precision-adjusted in five positions; twin mainspring barrel; plates and bridges made of untreated German silver; balance cock engraved by hand
No. of movement parts 368
No. of jewels 43
No. of screwed gold chatons 8
Escapement Lever escapement
Oscillation system Shock-resistant balance with eccentric poising weights; superior-quality balance spring manufactured in-house, frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour, precision beat adjustment system with lateral setscrew and whiplash spring
Power reserve 72 hours when fully wound
Functions Time indicated in hours, minutes and subsidiary seconds dial with stop seconds; UP/DOWN power-reserve indicator; outsize date
Operating elements Crown for winding the watch and setting the time; corrector for the outsize date
Movement dimensions Diameter: 30.6 millimetres; height: 5.7 millimetres
Crystal and transparent caseback Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9)
References 181.062 181.063
Case 950 platinum 750 pink gold
Case dimensions Diameter: 36.8 millimetres; height: 9.98 millimetres height: 9.5 millimetres
Dial 925 silver, faced with black onyx 925 silver, blue
Hands 750 gold, rhodiumed 750 gold
Strap Hand-stitched alligator leather, black glossy finish Hand-stitched alligator leather, blue
Buckle Prong buckle in 950 platinum Prong buckle in 750 pink gold
Limited edition 150 watches, edition number engraving 150 watches, edition number engraving
