ith its one-of-a-kind design, sophisticated manufacture movement and artisanal finish, the Lange 1 epitomises the essence of A. Lange & Söhne. To commemorate the anniversary, the manufacture introduces two new model versions of the Lange 1, each limited to 300 watches: one in platinum featuring a black onyx dial, and a pink gold version with a blue dial. The Little Lange 1 is also available in both new colour combinations, each limited to 150 watches.

For thirty years, the Lange 1 has forged its own path. Its characteristic dial with the off-centre dial configuration and the typical Lange outsized date have lost none of their fascination since the watch was launched on 24 October 1994.

“The Lange 1 is a timepiece that unites everything that distinguishes a refined mechanical watch: originality, timeless elegance and horological precision, down to the last detail,” explains Wilhelm Schmid, A. Lange & Söhne CEO. “When it was launched thirty years ago, it broke the existing design rules and defined its very own style. This innovative force is embodied our ambition to never stand still.”

The particular dial design accounts for the balanced appearance of the Lange 1. Graced with Roman numerals and lancet-shaped appliques, the hour and minute circle is located on the left- hand side whilst the outsize date, the power-reserve display and the subsidiary seconds dial are positioned on the right-hand side, along an imaginary vertical axis. The length and size ratios of the various displays are in accordance with the rules of the golden ratio, creating an aesthetic balance that exudes timelessness, even three decades after its debut.

The new model versions of the Lange 1 and the Little Lange 1 radiate festive elegance – as befits the anniversary. The watch in 950 platinum showcases a dial faced with onyx.

This gemstone, which is rarely used in fine watchmaking, captivates with its jet-black shimmering surface: it is the first time that it adorns a Lange 1 model. In the 750 pink-gold version, the warm, reddish lustre of the precious metal is paired with a blue dial in 925 silver. All four limited-edition models exhibit the exceptional lucid design with slender bezels and prominent lugs. The case diameter of the Lange 1 amounts to 38.5 millimetres and to 36.8 millimetres in the Little Lange 1.

The L121.1 manufacture calibre breathes life into the Lange 1 and the Little Lange 1 – the 50th manufacture movement was introduced in 2015. It ensures that the instantaneously advancing outsize date switches at midnight: it is endowed with a going train featuring a balance with eccentric poising weights and a proprietary freely oscillating balance spring.

Beneath the hand-engraved balance cock, it beats at a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour. The reliable twin mainspring barrel assures a power reserve of 72 hours. At a glance through the sapphire-crystal caseback, the artisanal finish of the movement comes to the fore, among which the three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver and decorated with Glashütte ribbing. Eight screwed gold chatons held by blued screws provide colourful contrasting accents.

“Thirty years ago, A. Lange & Söhne succeeded in designing a mechanical work of art with the Lange 1 that established new benchmarks in precision watchmaking,” explains Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development. “Developed out of the passion to do things differently, it has since been a symbol of our manufacture’s self-conception to craft timepieces that combine superb functionality with aesthetic appeal.”

Over the years, this passion resulted in the creation of an entire watch family that emphasises the brand’s ambition to never stand still. Hence, exceptional watches with an array of different complications were designed, including for example the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar with instantaneously switching calendar indications and a peripheral month ring or the Lange 1 Time Zone that simultaneously displays two zone times. And looking to the future, the A. Lange & Söhne engineers and watchmakers will not cease to implement their individual, cutting-edge ideas.