A high-spirited return to Newport, starring mechanical masterpieces

From October 3rd to 6th, 2024, the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week brought together numerous automobile and watch enthusiasts in the seaside city of Newport, Rhode Island. Their proud owners presented more than 180 of the world's rarest and most valuable classic cars against the panoramic ocean views of The Breakers, complemented by displays of A. Lange & Söhne's exquisite timepieces.

In its fifth year, the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week stands as an autumn rite of passage for admirers of craftsmanship, the global Concours circuit, and the local Newport community. This year, guests were treated to a full itinerary of social gatherings, cultural experiences, and opportunities to deepen their understanding and appreciation for automotive excellence and fine craftsmanship. Vintage cars thrilled guests in locations throughout the city, museums offered exclusive tours, renowned experts in entrepreneurial, mechanical engineering, and artistic fields, such as Donald Osborne, Victoria Bruno, John Paul DeJoria, Gary Emory, Jay Leno, and Lyn St. James, shared insights and insider knowledge at special events, and attendees enjoyed a myriad of ways to connect with other connoisseurs and share impressions about some of the world’s great conversation pieces. 

The highlight of the competition was the ceremonial presentation of the "Best of Show" award, where Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne, presented a certificate with a hand-engraved balance cock made of gold-plated German silver to Jim Utaski of New Jersey, USA, the owner of a 1959 Maserati 3500 GT Bertone Coupe. The German watch manufacture also honored the winners of the "European Glamour" and "Thirty Under 30" categories. The event represented the U.S. market premieres of two new A. Lange & Söhne timepieces: the DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST which boasts sophisticated dial and movement decorations and is limited to 25 pieces and the unique DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition”, that will be auctioned in November and all proceeds will go to the UK-based youth charity The Prince’s Trust.

"As a supporter of prestigious international classic car events for more than a decade, we’re honored to present a major U.S. Concours d’Elegance competition, in one of our most important markets, for a second consecutive year," emphasizes Schmid. “This special week has enabled us to share our passion for mechanical masterpieces with a group of remarkable collectors who, like us, are devoted to the highest standards. Together we’ve started a journey to further explore the values common amongst skilled craftspeople who consistently deliver restrained elegance with timeless appeal.”

A. Lange & Söhne and classic cars – a special relationship

A. Lange & Söhne timepieces embody inventiveness, unparalleled style, and the relentless pursuit of perfection – qualities that also define exquisite automobiles. For this reason, the Saxon manufacture has been supporting international classic car events for the past twelve years. During this time, A. Lange & Söhne has helped usher in a new era of classic car experiences that elevate the connection between timekeeping and motoring heritage and celebrates mechanical creations that have stood the test of time. The manufacture’s partnerships have also contributed to notable accomplishments in the preservation of heritage, craftsmanship, sportsmanship and philanthropy within the classic car community.

A. Lange & Sӧhne’s current portfolio of concours sponsorship includes four prestigious competitions: Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este (Italy), Concours of Elegance Germany, Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace (UK) and the Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance (USA). Collectively, this global portfolio advances the preservation and appreciation of vintage cars worldwide, demonstrating A. Lange & Sӧhne’s dedication to fine craftsmanship, timeless elegance and mechanical artistry.