Walter Lange's aspiration to “never stand still” not only defines the way watches are made at A. Lange & Söhne, but it also brings the Saxon manufacture to special places like Hampton Court Palace. "Our partnership with the Concours of Elegance offers the perfect setting for us to present our watches in a prestigious environment," says Lange-CEO Wilhelm Schmid, "because just like the historic automobiles, our timepieces impress with their technical complexity, groundbreaking designs and mechanical elegance." Visitors can see this for themselves at the event. They are invited to look over the shoulder of an engraver and a watchmaker at work on site and in this way gain an insight into their high level of craftsmanship and excellence.

Time for a better future 

The partnership with the automobile competition began five years ago and reached a special climax last year: in November 2022, A. Lange & Söhne had a unique watch, the 1815 CHRONOGRAPH "Hampton Court Edition", auctioned by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo for the benefit of the Prince's Trust. The unique piece achieved the highest-ever auction result for a Lange wristwatch: the full proceeds of over one million Swiss Francs went directly to the UK youth charity, which supports young people aged 11 to 30 to develop essential life skills, prepare for work and access employment opportunities. Over a million young people have benefitted from the Trust's programmes to date. 

In anticipation of this year's Concours of Elegance, Wilhelm Schmid visited The Prince's Trust South London Centre to get an idea of the important work it does. "The huge demand for the Trust's programmes shows that many young people need the support to start their careers," says Wilhelm Schmid and is delighted that the manufacture has been able to help more young people receive a promising start to their professional lives through this support. The Lange CEO believes that no effort is too much when it comes to helping young people find their own way. A. Lange & Söhne has been preparing young people for a future in watchmaking for more than 25 years. To date, 251 young talents have completed their training at A. Lange & Söhne, 21 will start their first year of training in August.

As a manufacture synonymous with venturing into uncharted territories in fine watchmaking, A. Lange & Söhne is also going its own way in the presentation of its timepieces. From now until 24 September, the exquisite atrium of Fine Watches at Harrods will host the latest additions to the A. Lange & Söhne collection in an exclusive exhibition reminiscent of the brand’s appearance at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023.

Embraced by the sweeping marble staircase of the gallery-like space, a giant replica of the recently launched ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH literally makes a big impact. The five-metre-tall hallmark of the A. Lange & Söhne stand in Geneva gives connoisseurs and enthusiasts a deep insight into Lange’s world of watch mechanics and consummate craftsmanship. Just like the timepieces on display, the down to the smallest finesses exact reproduction is a reminder of the quest for perfection and the highest quality associated with A. Lange & Söhne. 

The ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH is the latest sequel to the success story of the sporty-elegant watch family introduced four years ago. Encased in stainless steel, the newly developed L156.1 calibre is the first self-winding chronograph movement by A. Lange & Söhne. Thanks to its central minute counter and dynamic reset-to-zero function, this timepiece transports the contemporary and one-of-a-kind design of the watch family to a new technical dimension.

Also on display will be – just like at the Geneva watch exhibition – previous models of the ODYSSEUS watch family as well as novelties like the new ZEITWERK, the second generation of A. Lange & Söhne’s award-winning digital watch with a mechanical heart, and the redesigned GRAND LANGE 1.

“As a watch manufacture always striving for excellence and perfection, we are proud to present our Watches and Wonders masterpieces with Harrods,” says Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid. “This exclusive exhibition marks yet another significant milestone in our long-standing partnership and highlights our joint commitment to the highest watchmaking art.” 

A. Lange & Söhne timepieces are available at Harrods’ Fine Watches department since 2011. The recently redeveloped boutique located on the ground floor of the historic department store invites watch collectors and connoisseurs to a warm and welcoming space that radiates refinement and sophistication. The store is home to an extensive range of the manufacture’s six watch families, including the latest additions and exclusive limited boutique editions.