The LANGE 1 is unmistakable. With its asymmetric, perfectly balanced dial configuration and the typical Lange outsize date, it has forged its own path. The manufacture movement of the LANGE 1 exhibits numerous facets of German watchmaking artistry, including the characteristic three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver, the hand-engraved balance cock, screwed gold chatons and the elaborate finish of almost all individual parts.
Originating from this trailblazing timepiece and our passion to do things differently, an entire watch family was developed over the years, emphasising the manufacture’s ambition to never stand still. On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, we are introducing two new limited model versions each of the LANGE 1 and the LITTLE LANGE 1: one in platinum with an onyx dial, and one in pink gold with a blue dial.
Unmistakable design
The off-centre dial configuration of the LANGE 1 is distinctive, yet its face exudes harmony: the displays are positioned in a geometrically balanced configuration that is based on classical aesthetic design principles, such as the golden ratio and axial arrangement.
In mathematical terms, the golden ratio defines the division of a line so that the whole is to the greater part as that part is to the smaller part. In the LANGE 1, it can be found in two places: the ratio between the diameter of the dial and that of the hour and minute circle is in keeping with this principle as are the proportions of the date aperture.
The displays are laid out in the form of an isosceles triangle. Its imaginary vertical baseline connects the centre of the outsize date display with the hand arbors of the power-reserve indicator and the subsidiary seconds dial. The hand arbor of the hours and minutes marks the tip of the triangle. Thanks to the exceptional dial configuration, no displays overlap and optimum legibility is assured.
Outsize date
The outsize date is one of the most distinguishing complications that features in our timepieces, and especially in LANGE 1 models. The mechanism provides a display that is about three times larger than in watches with comparable dimensions. 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. This assures that the 31st of a month is not followed by the 32nd but instead by the 1st day of the new month. A complex calendar mechanism with 66 individual parts is needed to achieve this result. A clearance of only 0.15 millimetres separates the units disc and the superposed tens cross. This calls for matchless dexterity when assembling the sophisticated mechanism.
Manufacture movements
As with all our timepieces, every model of the LANGE 1 watch family is equipped with a proprietary movement that was manufactured in-house. Since the re-establishment in 1990, more than 70 Lange calibres have been introduced. With only few exceptions, all movement parts are crafted in the manufacture – even the beating heart of every mechanical watch: the balance spring.
The numerous small parts of a Lange movement are meticulously decorated by hand. Even components that lie concealed deep within the movement are adorned with perlage, circular graining or solarisation, edges are chamfered and polished. The balance cock constitutes a special highlight: in a free-hand process, it is manually engraved with a traditional floral motif, making it one-of-a-kind.
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Other Lange families
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