Distinctive. In every detail.
With its one-of-a-kind design, sophisticated manufacture movement and artisanal finish, the LANGE 1 epitomises the essence of the A. Lange & Söhne philosophy. For thirty years, the LANGE 1 has forged its own path. Its characteristic off-centre dial configuration and the typical Lange outsize date have lost none of their fascination since the watch was launched on 24 October 1994.
To commemorate the anniversary, the manufacture introduces a platinum version of the LANGE 1 with a black onyx dial, and a pink gold version with a blue dial, each limited to 300 watches. Featuring a case diameter of 36.8 millimetres ‒ 1.7 millimetres less than its larger sibling’s case ‒ the LITTLE LANGE 1 is also available in both colour combinations, limited to 150 watches each.
The aesthetic finesse of the golden ratio
The particular dial design accounts for the unmistakable appearance of the 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.
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.
The A. Lange & Söhne outsize date
Unlike any other complication, it distinguishes the face of many of our timepieces. The salient outsize date takes the stage in twin apertures ‒ it 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 a restricted space. To achieve this goal, two separate display elements were designed: a units disc with ten numerals and a tens cross with the numerals 0 to 3.
Perfection of form in two new colour combinations
The new model versions of the LANGE 1 radiate festive elegance – as befits the anniversary. The watch in 950 platinum showcases 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 model of the LANGE 1 watch family. In the 750 pink-gold version, the warm, reddish lustre of the precious metal is paired with a blue dial.
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 embellish each movement with numerous 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 a scant 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 genuine original.
Movement L121.1
The manually wound, 368-part L121.1 manufacture calibre is assembled twice and ensures 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. The reliable twin mainspring barrel assures a power reserve of 72 hours.
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