Exclusive watch brand from Saxony strengthens its presence in Japan 3 Oktober 2008 Since the market launch in 1995 the handcrafted timepieces of A. Lange & Söhne have enjoyed increasing popularity with Japan’s sophisticated watch aficionados and collectors. They are well aware of the level of craftsmanship, precision and – above all – passion for watchmaking that is reflected in the “A. Lange & Söhne” signature. However, it is a long way from Tokyo to the idyllic watchmaking town of Glashütte, not far from the gates Saxony’s baroque capital Dresden. By establishing its first own store in Japan, A. Lange & Söhne intends to bring the precision and quality of this traditional German brand nearer to its customers. On the 3rd of October an exclusive “Home of Time” opened in Ginza in the heart of the city: A. Lange & Söhne Tokyo – where time is perfectly at home and visitors can experience the history and philosophy of the art of Lange watchmaking. The 3rd of October marks the day when Germany was reunified in 1990, a historical event that lay the foundations for Walter Lange’s return to his hometown and the re-establishment of A. Lange & Söhne. For this German watch manufactory with its unparalleled history and tradition, and whose masterpieces belong among the upper echelons of the luxury watch market, the strengthened presence in Japan is an important step forward according to Lange CEO Fabian Krone: “We view the opening of A. Lange & Söhne Tokyo primarily as a sign of respect for our Japanese customers and a market that has developed a unique watch culture and offers potential for growth for a brand like ours.” Like the stores in Dresden and Shanghai, A. Lange & Söhne Tokyo also reflects the personality of the brand shaped by its motto “State-of-the-Art Tradition”. The facilities and ambience embody the same spirit of perfect craftsmanship and technical innovation that is expressed by the exclusive watches themselves. The Lange leitmotif is reflected in almost every detail of the sales rooms: The coffered walls in Lange grey contrast pleasantly with the acacia wood. The design conceals the latest communication, presentation and security systems. The display cabinets are made from “Luccon”, a translucent concrete, and light sandstone was selected for the floors – the same material that has been used to construct so many buildings in Saxony, above all Dresden’s world-famous Frauenkirche. The collection drawers housing the precious timepieces have fronts made from Meissen porcelain. And a miniaturised replica of the famous Five-Minute clock of Dresden’s Semper Opera alludes to Lange’s long tradition in the art of watchmaking. Finally, specially treated mirrors display images from the early technical drawings of Ferdinand Adolph Lange. However, it is the art of watchmaking that takes centre stage here. The entire collection of elaborately crafted timepieces from Saxony can be experienced first-hand at A. Lange & Söhne Tokyo.