With the special “Homage to F. A. Lange” anniversary edition, A. Lange & Söhne celebrates the establishment of the first watchmaking company in Glashütte by Ferdinand Adolph Lange 175 years ago. The three limited-edition timepieces with exclusive honey-gold cases, lavish movement decorations and exceptional dials are dedicated to this precision watchmaking pioneer.
“Homage to F. A. Lange” – the anniversary edition in Lange’s exclusive HONEYGOLD
Tradition and innovation
When he opened his pocket watch atelier on 7 December 1845, Ferdinand Adolph Lange laid the cornerstone for precision watchmaking in Saxony. He combined scientific insights and craftsmanship with new production methods, always in pursuit of the ambition to “craft the world’s finest watches”. From modest beginnings with 15 apprentices, the business evolved to become a watch manufacture that was successful far beyond the borders of Germany. With pioneering designs and manufacturing methods, he steadily developed the German watchmaking industry.
A. Lange & Söhne is celebrating the 175th anniversary with the special “Homage to F. A. Lange” edition. It consists of three limited-edition models: the 1815 THIN HONEYGOLD, the 1815 RATTRAPANTE HONEYGOLD and the TOURBOGRAPH PERPETUAL HONEYGOLD.
“Homage to F. A. Lange” – Wilhelm Schmid on the 175th anniversary edition
A homage to F. A. Lange
These exclusive timepieces are members of the 1815 watch family, named after the birth year of F. A. Lange and represent the classic heritage of A. Lange & Söhne. With elaborate movement decorations, exceptional dials and the eponymous honey gold developed by Lange, they are dedicated to this pioneer of precision watchmaking. In unique ways, they meld traditional elements of historic pocket watches with innovative aspects, thus building a bridge between the origins of Lange’s horological artistry and today’s timekeeping instruments. His commitment to the evolution of precision watchmaking is embodied in the three anniversary models with a very contemporary approach.
“Homage to F. A. Lange” – Presentation of the anniversary edition by Anthony de Haas
1815 THIN HONEYGOLD “Homage to F. A. Lange”
The two-hand watch in a limited edition of 175 pieces features a honey-gold case with a height of merely 6.3 millimetres. The brilliant-white two-part enamel dial stands out prominently in this exclusive setting. The dark-grey-printed Arabic numerals and the classic railway track minute scale contrast crisply against the bright background.
In all of its artisanal facets, the manually assembled 167-part manufacture movement L093.1 pays tribute to the style introduced by Ferdinand Adolph Lange.
Contrary to the Glashütte ribbing commonly used in other Lange models, the German-silver three-quarter plate has a granular surface texture often found in historic Lange pocket watches. Gold chatons secured by three thermally blued screws trace the path of the power transmitted from the mainspring barrel to the escapement. The invisible quality hallmarks include the two-fold assembly of the movement, which guarantees technical and visual perfection.
1815 RATTRAPANTE HONEYGOLD “Homage to F. A. Lange”
The newly developed 1815 RATTRAPANTE HONEYGOLD “Homage to F. A. Lange” comes in a 100-watch limited edition and is available exclusively in A. Lange & Söhne boutiques. It is the sixth rattrapante chronograph of our manufacture and puts the focus on the eponymous complication that allows lap-time measurements.
Its case has a diameter of 41.2 millimetres and is made of honey gold. The rare case material developed especially for A. Lange & Söhne is characterised by remarkable hardness paired with a warm sheen.
For the first time, it has now been combined with a black dial in solid silver that highlights its modern, captivating look.
The complex chronograph/rattrapante mechanism is located on the movement side of the new L101.2 manually wound calibre. Time measurements and lap-time measurements are handled precisely in the classic manner with two column wheels. They are visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback, and the switching processes can be observed in detail.
TOURBOGRAPH PERPETUAL HONEYGOLD “Homage to F. A. Lange”
The TOURBOGRAPH PERPETUAL HONEYGOLD “Homage to F. A. Lange” is arguably the best proof of our determination to constantly evolve precision watchmaking. The most complicated timepiece of the new anniversary edition is limited to 50 watches.
Two of its five complications – the tourbillon and the fusée-and-chain transmission – have one sole purpose: to enhance rate accuracy. The orchestration of its additional complications – chronograph, rattrapante and perpetual calendar – is a formidable horological challenge.
Their perfect interaction can be observed with a glance through the sapphire-crystal caseback of the L133.1 manufacture calibre.
As regards the design of the dial, A. Lange & Söhne pursued a totally new approach: it consists of black-rhodiumed honey gold with raised numerals and scales that stand out from the dark background in relief. The dial is crafted in the Lange manufacture’s ateliers.
Interested to meet in person?
Book a private appointment in one of our A. Lange & Söhne boutiques
Explore further
Exclusive insights into the world of fine watchmaking
Experience A. Lange & Söhne’s fascinating heritage, unique stories and exquisite timepieces by subscribing to our newsletter.
How can we be of service?
Whether you are in search of a specific model, have questions out of interest or need a service request for your timepiece – we are delighted to help you. We are at your service by phone, email or in one of our boutiques.
