The cases of the A. Lange & Söhne timepieces are crafted from different types of precious metal and, since 2019, also from steel. Yet on the inside, all watches have one common denominator: the frame is made of German silver. The frame includes, for example, the base plate, the three-quarter plate, the balance cock and the escape-wheel cock. It is an assortment of planar and supporting elements that are not directly involved in the transmission of force.

As early as the 1850s, Ferdinand Adolph Lange used German silver in individual pocket watches whose frame parts had, until then, habitually been made of upgraded brass or hardened steel. At that time, the alloy, consisting mainly of copper, zinc and nickel, had only recently been introduced, and featured the properties that Lange needed to confer the desired characteristics on its movements. As is the case with brass, German silver lends itself well for decoration, it is, however, a little harder and, in general, more resistant to tarnishing and corrosion. Thus, it can be used without prior gilding and gradually develops only a very light patina. In addition, German silver exhibits a greater wear resistance and resilience as well as rigidity.

Apart from the favourable material characteristics, it is highly probable that a further reason advocated its deployment: the sale of timepieces into the USA. Importing precious metals, in particular gold, was subject to high protective tariffs, necessitating the quest for alternative options for crafting the refined cases and movements made of gold-plated brass. These suppositions appear to be substantiated, as early Lange pocket watches were sold into the USA without a case. Additionally, the hitherto common gold-plated brass plates were suspected to be made of solid gold, since it was impossible to distinguish between gold-plated metals and solid precious metals. This would have represented too much of a hazard for the continued export. In those days, German silver also provided an alternative to real silver whose availability was steadily diminishing owing to the ongoing depletion of the mines in the Eastern Ore Mountains.

However, its true origins can be traced back to China: as early as the 17^th century, metal goods made of the copper-zinc-nickel alloy “Packfong” were first shipped to Europe. Since importing the merchandise was cumbersome and costly, and, simultaneously, a robust material was needed to meet the constantly growing demand for cutlery, crockery and novel micromechanical parts, the first prerequisite was to “decipher” the components of the alloy – a feat that was finally accomplished in the 18^th century.

The quantum leap towards European, industrial production of German silver was marked by a competition instigated in 1823 by the “Association for the Promotion of Industriousness of Trade”: it targeted the invention of an alternative material that did not contain toxic compounds. The Saxon natural scientist and physician Ernst August Geitner (1783 – 1852), who studied in Leipzig and had been awarded a doctorate, established a small factory producing dyes for the textile industry in the Western Ore Mountains and won the competition. He developed a procedure for producing an alloy – very similar in appearance to silver – that became accepted thanks to its lustre and competitive price. In the first instance, Geitner named the metal mixture “argentan”, derived from the Latin “argentum” for silver. The name “alpacca” was also common, in particular for cutlery. In view of its history of origin, the material is nowadays known as German silver in English or “plata alemana” in Spanish.

The beneficial properties of German silver also strengthen its case today: its solidity is ideally suited for grinding, polishing or engraving surfaces by hand. The enhanced stability makes it predestined for frame parts, especially in movements of exceedingly complicated timepieces with diminutive margins for manoeuvre. The admixture of zinc, and particularly nickel, is responsible for its argentine appearance. The addition of nickel is conducive to the warm, subtle yellow-gold hue that the material assumes gradually, and also to the fact that it is not impaired by unattractive corrosions. Hence, German silver does not require a galvanic coating such as, for instance, gilding: it may remain untreated. And yet, the patina developed over time endows German silver with a distinctive attribute: it ages gracefully. 

During the first assembly of the movement, even an experienced watchmaker has to mount and dismount the three-quarter plate several times, until every toothed wheel of the wheel train has the optimum endshake. Since immaculacy is a prerequisite, the watchmakers wear finger cots when handling the material. In view of the complexity involved in the assembly, and our high quality standards, A. Lange & Söhne watches are assembled twice with the utmost care.

The ensemble of components crafted from German silver and other, also meticulously finished movement parts creates an impressive stage setting. They include steel parts such as arbors, levers or springs, gold-plated toothed wheels as well as solid-gold chatons, red jewels and blued screws. Thanks to the transparent sapphire-crystal caseback, the orchestrated play of colours and aesthetics of the different materials can be admired at any given time.

Tino Bobe, Director Manufacture, explains: “German silver is part of all our manufacture calibres, amounting to more than 70 that have been developed and built since the re-establishment of A. Lange & Söhne. Hence, its consistent usage is typical of the Lange way of crafting watches. It underscores our commitment to never take the easiest path but always the one that leads us to the best result. For the benefit of quality, aesthetics, and functionality of our movements, we are prepared to invest the utmost artisanal effort – with a view to German silver but also far beyond.”

The LANGE 1 – the celebration of watchmaking artistry

Seldom were higher expectations placed in a watch than in the LANGE 1. It was the first A. Lange & Söhne timepiece to premiere in 1994, four years after the re-establishment of the manufacture. With traditional elements of Saxon precision watchmaking such as the three-quarter plate, screwed gold chatons and the screw balance on the one hand, and trailblazing innovations such as the off-centre dial configuration and novel outsize date on the other hand, it became the epitome of Lange watchmaking artistry.

The off-centre dial displays, characteristic of the multiple award-winning model, follow the harmonious rules of the golden ratio: no display overlaps another, thus assuring superb legibility at any given time. A further significant hallmark of the LANGE 1 is the outsize date, a typical A. Lange & Söhne complication, inspired by a historic masterpiece of Saxon watchmaking – the famous Five-Minute Clock in the Dresden Semper Opera.

Since 2015, the manufacture calibre L121.1. has been at the heart of the LANGE 1. The manually wound movement assures that the instantaneously advancing outsize date display switches promptly at midnight. The energy for the switching action is continuously built up over the course of several hours. The LANGE 1 is also equipped with a going train featuring a balance wheel with eccentric poising weights, and beneath the hand-engraved balance cock, a freely oscillating balance spring crafted in-house. The reliable twin mainspring barrel provides a power reserve of 72 hours.

The LANGE 1 is available in 950 platinum or 18-carat gold. The warm-hued model version in pink gold reflects the lustre and festive spirit that lives at the heart of the season.

The 1815 ANNUAL CALENDAR – a stylish companion throughout the year

Surrounded by friends and loved ones, it is our wish to fully enjoy the holiday season with its quiet, contemplative moments, yet at some point, we will undoubtedly find ourselves back in our everyday life with commitments and a busy schedule. The 1815 ANNUAL CALENDAR is the perfect, elegant companion to take us through the year in style. The hands make the displays for the date, day of the week and month easy to read – ensuring that we never lose track of important appointments. An elaborate calendar mechanism automatically recognises which months have 30 and 31 days. The display must be manually adjusted only once a year, at the transition from the last day of February to the first day of March. Accurate to 122.6 years, the moon-phase display tracks the orbit of the golden celestial body across the nocturnal star-studded sky.

Not only does the 1815 ANNUAL CALENDAR leave a lasting impression thanks to its technical intricacy but also because of its lucid arrangement of the displays on the argenté-coloured dial. With the traditional railway-track minute scale, Arabic numerals and the axially symmetric configuration of the three auxiliary dials, it represents a subtle tribute to Ferdinand Adolph Lange, whose birth year is part of the watch family’s name. This also holds true for the manually wound calibre L051.3: its particular highlights can be admired through the transparent sapphire-crystal caseback of the watch in resplendent pink gold. The pursuit of artisanal perfection pertaining to even the smallest details – once Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s driving force – comes to the fore in the elaborately finished, manually crafted movement that is assembled twice; it also confers the distinctive radiance upon the contemporary masterpieces of the Saxon manufacture.

“It is our manufacture’s aspiration to never stand still. But in order to proceed in the right direction, it is sometimes necessary to briefly pause and consider,” explains Lange-CEO Wilhelm Schmid. “During the holiday season, many people take the time to reflect and ask themselves: what are my origins and where am I heading? Both timepieces are an expression of these two concepts: whereas, in a unique way, the 1815 ANNUAL CALENDAR is emblematic of watchmaking traditions in which we are rooted, the LANGE 1 is a symbol of a new beginning that still sets our course today.”

A. Lange & Söhne increases its presence in the French market with an exclusive boutique in Paris – located on Rue de la Paix, one of the most famous shopping streets right in the heart of the French capital. Whether spontaneously or by appointment, clients can receive expert and personalised advice when choosing their desired model amidst a relaxed atmosphere and luxurious ambience. To provide them with a comprehensive overview of the collection, a large number of timepieces are available, including limited editions and boutique-exclusives.

Furthermore, the space, comprised of two floors, is furnished to resemble that of a modern lounge and provides an authentic and holistic brand experience. With great attention to detail, the interior architecture, characterised by its transparency and clarity, respects that passion for perfection and elegance with which watches are manufactured at A. Lange & Söhne. Rooms that connect at right angles reveal fascinating perspectives and provide the optimal setting for showcasing the timepieces and offering advisory consultations.

One of the highlights is the "Experience Library", which offers insights into the history of A. Lange & Söhne through a collection of carefully selected exhibits. Furthermore, an extensive timeline takes visitors through the manufacture's eventful history, which was marked by numerous innovative developments, while the "Wall of Parts", a wall-filling installation with hundreds of hand-finished movement parts, illustrates the brand's quest for technical perfection and the highest level of craftsmanship. The visitor experience is brought to a close in a lounge with its very own bar.

For Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid, the new boutique is a major milestone for the company's overall sales concept: "The boutique on Rue de la Paix allows us to establish direct contact with our French clients and respond to their individual needs. With this new location, we are showing our appreciation for an ever-growing community of collectors in France. It is also especially significant because the historical roots of our manufacture are closely linked to the French capital."

Before Dresden watchmaker Ferdinand Adolph Lange founded his own workshop in Glashütte in 1845, he travelled to France in 1837, which was the hub of precision watchmaking at the time. He spent four years in Paris as head of Joseph Thaddäus Winnerl's workshop, an acclaimed chronometer manufacturer. Along the way, he studied astronomy and physics at the Sorbonne University in Paris - but most importantly, he elaborated his skills as a watchmaker with the famous Parisian master craftsmen.

In 1900, A. Lange & Söhne's Centennial Tourbillon No. 41000 became a sensation at the Paris International Exposition. The exquisitely crafted and technically extremely complex pocket watch with a one-minute tourbillon, a fusée-and-chain transmission, and an UP/DOWN power-reserve indicator inspired Walter Lange and Günter Blümlein to develop the TOURBILLON "Pour le Mérite" after the revitalization of the brand in 1990.

With the launch of the platinum ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER in 2015, A. Lange & Söhne presented a totally new interpretation of the classic complication. Its technically highly sophisticated mechanism sounds the time on demand. Instead of the conventional quarter-hours, it chimes ten-minute intervals: thus, its unique sound format corresponds exactly to the mechanical-digital time as displayed. As soon as the button at 10 o’clock is activated, a low-pitched tone is sounded for each elapsed hour, a double tone (high-pitched/low-pitched) for each elapsed ten-minute period, and a high-pitched tone for each elapsed minute. At the illustrated time of 7:52 hrs, seven low-pitched tones, five double tones, and two high-pitched tones are struck. One hears what one sees. And sees what one hears.

Perfecting the sound

The acoustic time indication of the new ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD is endowed with an individual, expressive sound. Its unique sonority and acoustic characteristics are attributable to the honey-gold alloy of the case that serves as a resonant body. It produces a clear, reverberant sound, paired with a rich and warm timbre.

Anthony de Haas, Director Product Development at A. Lange & Söhne, and a passionate drummer, explains: “Every minute repeater has its own, one-of-a-kind sound. Apart from the gongs and gong hammers, the case material has the greatest impact on the sound. Similar to a musical instrument, different tone colours and sound impressions are created, depending on the material used. That is also the case with our novelty in honey gold. It sounds different to all other materials ‒ truly distinctive.”

“To attain this particular sound quality, all parameters are perfectly matched to one another,” elaborates Tino Bobe, Director Manufacture. “The gongs that are meticulously hand-tuned deliver a pure, resonant sound and harmonise with the sound characteristics of the Lange-exclusive case alloy. Additionally, all components are carefully tuned by one of our master watchmakers. This requires multiple disassembly, reworking, reassembly and finally, testing procedures. Much of the manufacturing time is thus dedicated to perfecting the sound: to complete such a watch calls for acute hearing and extreme dexterity.”

The elaborate polishing of the gongs and blackpolishing of the gong hammers requires the experience and virtuosity of a master watchmaker. These components are subtly integrated in the design of the dial and can be observed in action during the repetition sequence: the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD stages an impressive performance ‒ acoustically as well as visually.

Simple and safe

In keeping with their drive to do things differently, the Lange watchmakers explored new avenues when they developed the operating mechanism of this watch. The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER comes with a unique button mechanism for triggering the repeater. Because the power for the striking mechanism is delivered by the twin mainspring barrel, there is no need for a slide ‒ common in minute repeaters – to tension a separate spring.

To guarantee the flawless interaction of the complex mechanical ensemble, elaborate safety and blocking mechanisms have been integrated into the movement. To assure that the repeater sequence is not prematurely interrupted and the watch inadvertently stops running, the striking mechanism can no longer be activated if the remaining power reserve is less than twelve hours. On the power-reserve indicator, the 12-hour mark is identified with a red dot.

While the repeater is working, the switching action of the numerals discs is delayed. At the same time, the crown cannot be pulled. This precaution prevents any interference with the strikework sampling sequence and ensures that the acoustic indication of time is not impaired. At 12:59 hrs when the longest series of tones is struck, it takes about 20 seconds until the repeater sequence has ended. If a new minute begins while the repeater is striking, the minute and/or hour jump is performed immediately when the tone sequence has ended. Thereafter, the next numeral disc switching cycle takes place with the regular timing when the seconds hand passes the 60-seconds mark.

Manufacture calibre with constant-force escapement

As with all models of the ZEITWERK watch family, the manufacture calibre L043.5 features a constant-force escapement between the barrel and the balance. It acts as a pacemaker for the instantaneous advance of the numerals discs in one-minute intervals. At the same time, it makes an important contribution to rate stability by assuring that the balance – regardless of the state of wind of the watch – is powered with a consistent amount of force across the entire power-reserve duration. Composed of 771 parts, the movement is elaborately finished by hand with extreme care. The balance cock and the escape-wheel cock are intricately engraved by hand.

Elegant appearance

The ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER HONEYGOLD now joins the ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER in platinum with a rhodié-coloured dial, launched in 2015, and the limited 30-watch edition in white gold with a deep-blue dial, presented in 2020. All model versions have a case diameter of 44.2 millimetres. The new model version comes with a dark-brown, hand-stitched leather strap, enhancing its strikingly elegant appearance. The timepiece is limited to 30 watches in 18-carat honey gold and is exclusively available in select A. Lange & Söhne boutiques.

Centred exclusively on its eponymous complication, the LANGE 1 PERPETUAL CALENDAR introduced two years ago, represents the highest standards in precision, design and originality, resulting in a singular appeal. The new model version, housed in a 950-platinum case and measuring 41.9 mm in diameter, is complemented with a black dial, thus enriching the watch family with a particularly refined colour combination. The month ring provides the framework for all the displays. The numerals of the outsize date and the leap year contrast well against the black background. All calendar indications switch instantaneously and therefore produce unambiguous readings at any given time. They can be advanced collectively or separately with correctors. Once set correctly, the mechanism is programmed to accurately display the turn of the month until 2100. 

A perpetual calendar watch the Lange way 

Designing a mechanism for a perpetual calendar that takes into account the different durations of the months in a year as well as the leap years, presents a challenge that the ambitious A. Lange & Söhne developers took on in 2001 with the LANGEMATIK PERPETUAL. Their objectives: seeking innovative technical solutions while assuring optimum legibility. In order to preserve the signature design of the LANGE 1 watch family with its off-centre and non-overlapping displays, Langeʼs watchmakers opted for a completely new approach and developed a peripheral month ring that advances instantaneously at the end of each month. Premiered in 2012 with the launch of the LANGE 1 TOURBILLON PERPETUAL CALENDAR, the innovative mechanism replaces the traditional design where the month display is controlled by a 48-step cam.  

Balanced design and function 

“The commitment to tailor the complex mechanical requirements to the characteristic design of the LANGE 1 presented our developers with constructive challenges, as the large peripheral ring has to be advanced instantaneously by 30 degrees from one month to the next. Throughout the month, energy is collected via a cam in order to provide the required power exactly on time, at midnight on the last day of the month,” explains Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development. “Thanks to this design feature in the LANGE 1 PERPETUAL CALENDAR, the watch familyʼs distinctive face is maintained. The timepiece is therefore also emblematic of our philosophy to continuously break new ground in the realm of precision watchmaking.” 

Precise moon phase 

Adding a day/night indicator to the moon-phase display is also typical of the manufactureʼs continued quest for precision. Constructed across two levels, it consists of a solid-gold celestial disc with graduated blue hues that rotates around its own axis once during 24 hours. Against this backdrop, the white-gold moon performs its synodic orbit in 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 3 seconds ‒ with such precision that the display only needs to be corrected by one day after 122.6 years. First implemented in the LANGE 1 MOON PHASE in 2016, the indication depicts the earth’s companion moving across a bright-blue sky during the day and a dark-blue starry sky at night, thus indicating the diurnal and nocturnal hours respectively.  

The high standards of artisanal perfection upheld by the Saxon manufacture immediately become apparent at a glance through the sapphire-crystal caseback of calibre L021.3 ‒ it is elaborately finished by hand and assembled twice. The technical features of the manufacture movement include a unidirectional winding rotor in 21-carat gold with a centrifugal mass in 950 platinum, a power reserve of 50 hours and a balance with eccentric poising weights that beats at a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour. Lange-typical quality hallmarks such as plates and bridges made of untreated German silver decorated with Glashütte ribbing, five gold chatons held by blued-steel screws as well as the balance cock engraved free-hand, with the whiplash spring mounted above to regulate beat adjustments reflect the manufactureʼs lofty aspirations in every single detail.