The chronograph is one of the most popular complications today. It is even more than a complication and has become a watch category in itself. It is stylish, practical and boasts a serious amount of technical complexity. For watch connoisseurs, there aren’t many experiences that are as rewarding as pressing the pushers of a stopwatch […]
The 1815 Tourbillon by A. Lange & Söhne is one of those watches that, at first, keeps its cards well hidden. Except for the tourbillon visible at 6 o’clock, it remains extremely discreet. However, when it was introduced four years ago, it appeared to be a watch packed with clever mechanisms. More than meets the eye, they say. This precision timekeeping instrument, which features several patented devices, is now offered in a new limited edition with a new dial that once again discreetly sets the tone. Meet the new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon with Enamel Dial.
In 1999, German watch manufacturer A. Lange & Söhne introduced the genre-defining Datograph, an in-house mechanical chronograph that many still regard as THE best in class. So, how does one improve on the ultimate purist chronograph? Well, if you’re A. Lange & Söhne, you make it even more complicated, which is exactly what it did in 2006 with the introduction of the Datograph Perpetual (this one). To this day, debate still rages among collectors as to which is the more desirable. There seems to be one point that just about everyone can agree on, however; the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual is one seriously incredible timepiece. To show you exactly why, we’re going in-depth with the white gold/grey dial version introduced in 2015.
While the Daytona Ultimatum auction and the rest of the GWA7 – Geneva Watch Auction 7 by Phillips Watches – brought several impressive results (including a CHF 5M hammer price for the Unicorn white gold Daytona), another properly interesting result should be credited to A. Lange & Söhne, with the unique 1815 ‘Homage To Walter Lange’ in steel with black enamel dial hammered for CHF 852,500 (inc. buyer’s premium). And yes, it’s a new record for a Lange at auction, and yes proceeds will be given to a charity.
We only cover watch auctions occasionally, and, as editor-in-chief, I’m well aware of this void in our coverage of the world of watches. So, while we’re looking for someone to cover auctions and vintage timepieces for MONOCHROME (yes, we’re hiring), I’m taking a look at the upcoming 97th Dr Crott Auction. Flipping through the pages of the Dr Crott auction catalogue always put a huge smile on my face; so many horological goodies, so many beautiful, rare, impressive and desirable pieces. Today I’m sharing ten highlights of the upcoming auction, and tomorrow some more…
Anyone truly familiar with German watch brand A. Lange & Sohne can be considered an insider. Established in 1845 in the Saxony region of Germany, this Dresden brand was expropriated after World War II and nearly experienced extinction. However, after the Wall came down and Germany was reunified, Walter Lange, great-grandson of founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange had the vision to start the brand new in the early 1990’s.
While usually rather conservative in the design, A. Lange & Söhne can sometimes go a little bit more creative when it comes to limited editions or boutique exclusive watches – think, for instance, about the 1815 Chrono Boutique Edition or the Terra-Brown Saxonia. Today, the brand is unveiling a new version of the Saxonia Annual Calendar, a watch usually very discreet, which for the occasion gains in style with a new dial and a surprising strap. Meet the new A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Annual Calendar U.S. Boutique Edition.
When it comes to limited editions by A. Lange & Söhne, you know it’s going to be rare, you know it is not a common trick used by the brand and you know it will end up being highly collectable. If, in addition to that, the watch looks as beautiful as the one we have today, what not to love… 10 years ago, the Saxon brand opened its Ginza-based boutique, in the heart of the world’s largest city: Tokyo. To celebrate this, here is the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Daymatic Tokyo Boutique Birthday Edition.
When it comes to limited editions by A. Lange & Söhne, you know it’s going to be rare, you know it is not a common trick used by the brand and you know it will end up being highly collectable. If, in addition to that, the watch looks as beautiful as the one we have today, what not to love… 10 years ago, the Saxon brand opened its Ginza-based boutique, in the heart of the world’s largest city: Tokyo. To celebrate this, here is the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Daymatic Tokyo Boutique Birthday Edition.
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph is far from being a new watch. Indeed, even if it was updated in 2015 with a new dial that actually goes back to (almost) the original design of this watch, it is a well-known and well-established member of the collection. New animations were introduced at the SIHH 2018 and the 1815 Chronograph is now available in pink gold. A good enough reason to take a look back at this superb chronograph – and its stunning movement.