A. Lange & Sohne, the great German watch manufacturer located in Glashutte, is a model of watch-making quality. Since its revival in 1990, the brand has rolled out more than 70 in-house calibers, all of which are a testament to both painstaking craftsmanship and ingenious engineering. But why should you prefer the mirror quality A. Lange & Sohne? A perfect combination of the traditional German watchmaking art, innovative technical solutions, and an uncompromising attitude towards hand-finishing.
1. In-House Manufacture: Precision from the Ground Up
All A. Lange & Sohne watches run on a movement that was designed, manufactured, refined, and assembled on site in their plant in Glashutte. Such vertical integration guarantees an unprecedented level of quality control and enables Lange to infuse every movement with its unique design and technical solutions. The commitment of the brand to producing in-house can be seen in the development of more than 70 calibers since 1990, including time-only and very complex movements.
2. The Three-Quarter Plate: A Tribute to Tradition
Another characteristic of the A. Lange Sohne watches have the three-quarter plate, which is a design element introduced initially by founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange in 1864. This thick German silver plate replaces several bridges, providing better stability and rigidity in the movement. The large surface provides artisans at Lange with an opportunity to showcase their finishing techniques, making it a distinctive feature of their calibers.
3. Hand-Finishing: The Art of Decoration
The practice of hand-finishing is also apparent in each movement that Lange creates. Chamfering (anglage), perlage, Glashutte ribbing, and black polishing are carefully apply to every part. The iconic hand-engraved balance cock, which is one of its distinctive features, reflects the commitment of the brand to the integration of both technical and artistic elements. To maintain the pristine condition of your timepiece, investing in high-quality A. Lange & Söhne watch protection films is essential for safeguarding against scratches and daily wear.
4. Technical Innovations: Pushing the Boundaries
This is an option introduced in 1997 that stops the balance wheel when the crown is pulled and allows the seconds hand to be synchronized.
- Zero-Reset Mechanism: Introduced in 1997, this mechanism aims to achieve perfect synchronization of the seconds hand. Once you pull the crown, the balance wheel stops.
- Split-Seconds Chronographs: The Double Split and Triple Split chronographs of Lange are wonders of engineering, and enable many elapsed times to measure at once with accuracy.
- Lange 31: Boasting a 31-day power reserve, the Lange 31 utilizes a unique remontoire system, ensuring consistent torque delivery over an extended period.
- Minute Repeater Perpetual: This minute repeater is a perpetual calendar featuring a minute repeater. It boasts 640 parts and 54 jewels, all housed within a compact 40.5mm platinum case.
5. Distinctive Design Language
The movements of A. Lange and Sohne are technical as well as visual. The untreated German silver, the three-quarter plate, and the hand-engraved balance cock make up a unified aesthetic that is immediately identifiable. The design of the brand focuses on being clear and functional so that every movement is no less beautiful than it is accurate.
6. Limited Production: Exclusivity and Craftsmanship
The quality, rather than quality Lange Sohne has its own small production method. Each timepiece is treated with care, which is why the production number is low every year. Such exclusivity means that all watches with the Lange name are rare and desirable masterworks. To maintain your luxury watches, consider getting watch protection services from professionals.
The Blog’s Conclusion
Mirror quality A. Lange & Sohne are the best examples of the highest level of watchmaking, where the old and the new blend. Lange has established a standard in the horological industry through their in-house production, their commitment to hand-finishing, technological advancement, and unique design language. When we own a timepiece by A. Lange and Soehn, we are not only telling time, we are owning a piece of mechanical art which embodies centuries of work and an uncompromising quest for perfection.
