Style -- 15 hours ago
Words: Charlie Thomas
The word legend is overused, but in the horological world, Ferdinand Adolph Lange certainly falls into this category. This year marks the 200th anniversary since the man himself was born, a significant milestone which the Saxony brand haven’t taken lightly. In celebration of the godfather of German watchmaking, the brand have come up with this, the A. Lange & Sohne 1815 ‘200th Anniversary F. A. Lange’ – a gem worthy of its master.
An innovator in every sense of the word, Ferdinand Adolph Lange paved the way for the German watchmaking industry. Born in 1815, he set up camp in Glashutte when he was just 30 years old, rivalling the already established and respected Swiss market. With an unusual level of skill for his age, F. A. Lange went on to pioneer a number of innovations including the chronograph and quarter repeater. He also trained a number of other watchmakers, the likes of who would venture off and start their own companies. In short, Ferdinand Adolph Lange knew his onions.
The celebratory watch in question is a special edition version of the existing 1815 line and it’s classic in every sense of the word. It references early Lange pocket watches in its large diameter face, mini-seconds sub-dial and outer minute track. The elegant 40mm case is crafted from platinum and features a black solid-silver, tri-level dial and striking, sword-shaped hands.
Beating the heart of the watch is the immaculately finished L051.1 manufacture calibre. It’s reminiscent of the movements pioneered by Lange, featuring his signature striped three-quarter plate, hand-engraved balance cock and blued steel screws. A. Lange & Sohne are renowned for their finishing, and in the ‘200th Anniversary’ the movment can be admired through the see-through sapphire crystal caseback. Fittingly, the watch will be limited to 200 pieces. Time to act fast then, gentlemen.
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