The Best of Both Worlds

The Concours of Elegance took place from the 4^th to the 6^th of September 2026 in the calming grounds of Hampton Court Palace near London. Once again this year, the event showcased exquisite classics across automotive history. At this classic-car pageant, A. Lange & Söhne presented a selection of outstanding timepieces – including two new models that reflect the special connection between classic cars and timekeeping.

The Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace is one of the most prestigious events in the international classic car community, and A. Lange & Söhne has proudly been a Presenting Partner since 2018. Displayed in the magnificent palace gardens, around 60 stunning classic cars again delighted scores of motoring enthusiasts from around the world.

Appreciation of motorised cultural assets

Once again, the festivities culminated with the presentation of the ‘Best of Show’ award on Sunday, which Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid presented to the owner of a Mercedes-Benz SSK Roadster from 1928. Mr Schmid also honoured the winner of the ‘Thirty Under 30’ category for his 1972 Lamborghini Espada. With these awards, the German manufacture celebrates the commitment to preserving masterpieces of automotive engineering for future generations. Like the mechanical timepieces from A. Lange & Söhne, they are a testament to outstanding engineering and a passion for perfecting every detail to the highest standards of craftsmanship and precision.

Exquisite classics with a new twist

The special atmosphere at the Concours of Elegance provided a fitting setting for the presentation of a selection of timepieces from A. Lange & Söhne, offering visitors an exclusive glimpse into the brand’s world. Highlights included new model versions of the TRIPLE SPLIT and the 1815 UP/DOWN, both of which were unveiled for the first time during the Concours weekend.

With its ability to measure intermediate times and comparative times over a period of up to twelve hours, the TRIPLE SPLIT – first introduced in 2018 – is still in a league of its own to this day. The mechanical excellence of the split-seconds chronograph, boasting a flyback function and technically elegant design, is particularly striking in this platinum edition, limited to 100 pieces and featuring a silver-coloured dial.

With its design inspired by historic Lange pocket watches and featuring a meticulously crafted manufacture calibre, the 1815 UP/DOWN embodies the manufacture’s commitment to ‘never stand still’. Echoing the style of a fuel gauge, its power-reserve indicator shows the remaining spring force inside the movement. Two special editions, each limited to 300 pieces and crafted in 750 pink and white gold, now complete the watch series.

Watchmaking artistry on a grand scale and on a small scale

In the A. Lange & Söhne exhibition area, a model of the DATOGRAPH, standing a good three metres tall, caused quite a stir. Since the DATOGRAPH made its debut in 1999, A. Lange & Söhne has introduced 13 groundbreaking models featuring a stopwatch function. Each one is fitted with a bespoke manufacture calibre and reflects the manufacture’s exceptional expertise in the development and production of chronographs.

Whilst the giant watch showcased Lange’s watchmaking artistry from afar, a glimpse into the work of a finisher revealed the dedication and precision with which these distinctive details are crafted within the tiniest of spaces. Visitors were able to watch the finisher at work as she engraved a balance cock. The intricate floral motifs on this tiny component make every Lange watch a unique work of art.

‘No car is meant to just sit in the garage. The Concours of Elegance is a place where these automotive masterpieces can not only be admired, but also experienced,’ says Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid. ‘The same is true of our watches: their special allure only becomes apparent when you hold them in your hands and hear their gentle ticking. The Concours brings these two worlds – classic cars and our mechanical timepieces – together in a unique way. What they have in common: tradition, craftsmanship and timeless design.’