A Passion for Classics

This year marks the tenth time that A. Lange & Söhne has supported the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. For the first time, this year’s prize for the winner of the main “Best of Show” category is a special model of the 1815 CHRONOGRAPH.

Following a one-year break, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will once again gather together the most exceptional classic cars from around the world, as well as like-minded people who appreciate the car as a design object and cultural treasure. Against the impressive panoramic alpine backdrop of Lake Como, connoisseurs from across the world will assemble from 1 to 3 October to admire the masterpieces on wheels on show in the extensive park grounds of the Villa d’Este. The highlights of the event include the presentation of a winner’s watch, which has been donated by A. Lange & Söhne, to the winner of the “Best of Show” car as selected by the expert panel and public. This special prize, which represents beauty, passion and uniqueness, symbolises the enthusiasm for the automotive work of art and also respect for the owner who has preserved it.

For the first time this year, a unique special model of the 1815 CHRONOGRAPH in white gold with solid pink gold dial and hand-engraved hinged cuvette will be presented as a prize for best car in the competition. In addition to these visible special features, the watch also has several beautiful characteristics that are very rare in watchmaking, such as the double-assembled movement with a total of 306 individual parts, all of which are elaborately finished despite the fact that many of them are hidden from view. By choosing one of the most beautiful column-wheel-driven flyback chronographs as the new trophy, A. Lange & Söhne shows how you can inspire enthusiasm with superb mechanical craftsmanship, while also reminding us of the connection between motorsport and timekeeping that has evolved over the years. Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid will personally present the watch to the winner at the prize-giving ceremony on the last day of the event.

Wilhelm Schmid, who has managed the Saxon watch manufactory since 2011, feels just as at home in haute horlogerie as he does among collectors of classic cars. He knows what links the two worlds: “Cars and watches represent values that are important to us. Particularly when they are designed in such a way that triggers passion. Cars represent freedom and independence. Watches symbolise the preciousness of time. We move and identify with them. And this is why they fascinate us in equal measure, and why creative people exploit mechanics and design to give them shape and make them touching and inspiring works of art. All this is part and parcel of our partnership with the Concorso d’Eleganza, which was established ten years ago.”