A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar Platinum Watch News
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar Platinum 2023 is the latest addition to the Lange 1 family. Since the inaugural Lange 1 was released in 1994, the Glashütte-based brand has released several models endowed with a variety of complications. In this instance, the German company has produced a gorgeous watch, limited to just 150 pieces, that is housed in the noblest of metals.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 – an icon is born (1994)
In 1990, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Walter Lange returned to Glashütte and revived the family business. A few years later, A. Lange & Söhne released four eye-catching watches, including the Saxonia, the Tourbillon ‘Pour le Mérite’, the Arkade and the Lange 1. While all of these models were favourably received, the Lange 1 proved the star of the show and has since acquired iconic status.
With its large date display, off-centre hour and minute dial, small seconds and arcing power-reserve indicator, the model’s prepossessing looks have gone on to seduce legions of horophiles. The German marque has since capitalised on the success of the Lange 1, releasing a larger version, the Grand Lange 1, as well as several watches endowed with complications.
The ultimate Lange 1 – the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar
The pinnacle of Lange 1 ownership is unequivocally, the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar. Housed in a 41.9 mm case, offered in a choice of noble metals, this model pairs two über-desirable complications, clearly indicated with the chosen product name. The movement, the self-winding Calibre L082.1 comprises 624 components and encompasses a matchless degree of finishing. Indeed, one glance at the Calibre L082.1 is likely to elicit tears of joy, moistening the cheeks of the most pernickety purist. However, such excellence comes at a price.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar (2021)
Back in 2021, A. Lange & Söhne released a new model at Watches and Wonders, the Lange Perpetual Calendar. I recall looking at the watch with a sense of bemusement. Had I not already seen this watch? No, this model was wholly new, despite appearing to be identical to the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar.
Both models measure 41.9 mm in diameter and share the same facial features. Indeed, only their mother can tell them apart. The newer watch eschewed the tourbillon escapement, promising a slightly more affordable route to excellence. Said 2021 novelty paired a grey dial with an 18-carat pink gold case. The model still remains a member of the current collection and still looks as fresh-faced as the day it was born.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar Platinum – new colourway
Now the German temptress is back again, winking at unsuspecting horophiles and seducing them with another instalment of Sachsen-loveliness. With this latest reference, platinum supplants the 18-carat pink gold of the 2021 release and the dial is presented in a bewitching shade of black. This harmonious pairing confers notable contrast with silver-toned dial elements coming to the fore. Moreover, the moon phase display, positioned at 8 o’clock, is presented in a vivid shade of cobalt blue.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar Platinum – Calibre L021.3
While this new version of the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar is presented in a new colourway, the movement, the Calibre L021.3, remains the same. And that’s a good thing. This self-winding movement has the mechanical intellect to recognise the length of each month, advancing the date display as needed. Assuming the watch is kept wound, the date will require no manual intervention until 2100 ( which is not a leap year in the Gregorian calendar, but a ‘common year’).
Moon phase and large date display
The moon phase only needs to be manually adjusted by one day after 122.6 years have elapsed. The large date display employs two discs, one for tens and the other for units, that collaborate to indicate the date in a widescreen format.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar Platinum – closing thoughts
Beyond the model’s impressive functionality, its movement wonderfully showcases the firm’s technical and artisanal talents. Featuring a three-quarter plate, made of untreated German silver, the finishing includes Glashütte ribbing, anglage, perlage, mirror-polishing, circular graining, etc. Additional refinements include thermally blued screws, gold chatons and a hand-engraved balance cock.
While the personnel working at A. Lange & Söhne speak German, they also understand the meaning of Haute Horlogerie, something the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar clearly demonstrates.
Further reading
https://www.alange-soehne.com/
Technical specification
- Model: A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar Platinum
- Reference: 345.036E
- Case: platinum, diameter 41.9 mm, height 12.1 mm, sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition caseback
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, perpetual calendar with instantaneously advancing displays for outsize date, day of week, month and leap year; moon-phase display with integrated day/night indicator
- Movement: Calibre L021.3, self-winding movement, frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz); contains 63 jewels; power reserve 50 hours (when fully wound)
- Price on application
- Limited Edition: 150 pieces