Responsibility and Commitment
As part of Richemont, we are guided by clearly defined principles of responsible business conduct. Our day-to-day decisions are based on ethical, social, and environmental standards set out in our Code of Conduct.
Certifications and Standards
A. Lange & Söhne is certified in accordance with the Code of Practices (COP) of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). This certification confirms compliance with recognised industry standards for responsible business practices in the jewellery and watch industry.
Our commitment to conflict-free diamonds is upheld by our use of the System of Warranties (SOW) and compliance with the Kimberley Process.
Supply Chain
Our business relationships are built on a shared commitment to ethical, social, and environmental responsibility across the entire value chain.
Transparency
Our policies and statements, including our Code of Conduct and other core standards, as well as our Non-Financial Report, are available online.
Information on materials used
Fineness
In the carat system, the quality – or fineness – of precious metals is expressed in carat (karat is the preferred spelling in the USA). The European system, based on one thousand weight units, is also commonplace. The two systems correlate as follows: 750 gold is equivalent to 18-carat gold, 875 gold is equivalent to 21-carat gold, platinum is equivalent to 950 platinum, (solid) silver is equivalent to 925 silver.
There is a simple technical reason for the absence of pure gold, pure platinum or pure silver in horology: both metals are too “soft” for the production of watch and movement components. Gold and platinum are alloyed with other metals to significantly increase their hardness. The different hues of pink, white and honey gold are also achieved by alloying.
Bearing jewels
The reference to “Rubine” on the plates of Lange movements applies to friction-reducing, wear-resistant functional jewels consisting of synthetically produced ruby for bearings, switching and detent elements and the escapement. Because of the greater homogeneity of the crystalline structure as opposed to natural ruby with otherwise virtually identical physical and chemical properties, the use of synthetic ruby is very commonplace in watchmaking today. The English equivalent of the German term “Rubine” is jewels.
Sapphire-crystal glass
Our antireflective sapphire-crystal glasses and casebacks are made of synthetic sapphire with a Mohs hardness 9.
Explore further
