Distinctive in every detail – for aficionados of more compact timepieces.
The LITTLE LANGE 1 is unmistakable. Its exceptional combination of individual design, mechanical finesse and artisanal finish make it into a truly timeless watch. Featuring a case diameter of 36.8 millimetres ‒ that is 1.7 millimetres less than the case of the LANGE 1 ‒ it is ideally suited to aficionados of smaller timepieces. The only technical difference between the two is a recessed corrector for adjusting the outsize date.
The sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the beauty of the manufacture movement. It offers impressive testimony of our watchmakers’ perseverance and expertise in their pursuit of perfecting even the tiniest detail by assembling it twice and lavishly decorating every part.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the LANGE 1, we are introducing two new limited versions each of the LANGE 1 and the LITTLE LANGE 1: one in platinum featuring a black onyx dial, and a pink-gold version with a blue dial.
The classic aesthetics of the golden ratio
The extraordinary dial design accounts for the balanced appearance of the LITTLE LANGE 1. Graced with Roman numerals and lancet-shaped appliques, the large hour and minute circle is located on the left-hand side while the outsize date, the power-reserve display and the subsidiary seconds dial are positioned on the right-hand side, along an imaginary vertical axis.
If a line were drawn to connect the endpoints of this axis with the centre of the hour and minute display, an isosceles triangle would be formed. The proportions of the different displays are in accordance with the rules of the golden ratio, creating an aesthetic balance that exudes timelessness, even three decades after its debut.
A large display in a compact space
Unlike any other complication, the outsize date distinguishes the face of many of our timepieces. The challenge was to create the largest possible date display in the smallest possible space. To achieve this goal, two separate display elements were designed.
The ring-shaped units disc with the numerals 0 to 9 advances once a day, but stands still for one day when the display switches from the 31st day of a month to the 1st of the next month. The tens cross with the numerals 1 to 3 and a blank field advances by one interval every ten days. When the “3” appears, the tens cross moves to the blank field only two days later.
Unmistakable design in two new colour combinations
The new limited versions of the LITTLE LANGE 1 are the incarnation of festive style ‒ as befits the anniversary. The watch in 950 platinum boasts 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 matched with a striking blue dial, creating an alluring colourful contrast.
Guilloched dials made of gold
Two further exceptional interpretations of the LITTLE LANGE 1 exhibit an eclectic mix of colours, materials and artistically crafted dials. Thanks to the different combinations, both timepieces impress with their very own personality: in the white-gold version, the grey dial of the delicately guilloched gold dial displays classic elegance.
The pink-gold version with its guilloched dial in a brown hue emphasises the warm glow emanating from the case, hands and appliques. Guillochage is an engraving technique which entails embellishing the dials with a filigreed ornamental pattern.
Traditional elements and finishing
At a glance through the sapphire-crystal caseback, the artisanal finish of the movement comes to the fore, among which the three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver and decorated with Glashütte ribbing. Eight screwed gold chatons held by blued screws provide colourful contrasting accents.
Our finishers enhance each movement with a number of elaborate decoration techniques. When a workpiece is flat-polished, for instance, it is glided across films coated with finely grained diamond powder in figures of eight until it acquires a mirror-like surface. Chamfering is also a feat in its own right: at A. Lange & Söhne, almost all the edges of plates, bridges and levers are chamfered, a process that involves both bevelling and polishing. The bevels are polished entirely by hand.
The balance cock constitutes an artistic highlight. Measuring only four by ten millimetres, it bears the oscillation system of the watch and can also be observed through the sapphire-crystal caseback. And although all our balance cocks are adorned with the same traditional floral pattern, each one is unique. Every engraver has a personal style, and an individual interpretation of the motif, much like a fingerprint. This turns every balance cock into a one-of-a-kind piece.
Movement L121.1
The 50th movement since the re-establishment of the manufacture was launched in 2015: the L121.1 calibre consists of 368 parts and is assembled twice, ensuring that the outsize date switches instantaneously at midnight. It is endowed with a going train featuring a balance with eccentric poising weights and a proprietary freely oscillating balance spring that beats at a frequency of 21,000 semi-oscillations per hour beneath a hand-engraved balance cock. The reliable twin mainspring barrel assures a power reserve of 72 hours.
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