A. Lange & Söhne: An Enduring Legacy Of Resilience And Innovation
7 min read
In a world dominated by high standards of Swiss watchmaking, A. Lange & Söhne stands as a paragon of German craftsmanship. Touted as wearable works of art, the brand treads the fine line between precision, attention to detail and aesthetic countenance. Founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in the small town of Glashütte, Germany, the brand has weathered the storms of history, emerging as a testament to the enduring appeal of German engineering and horological excellence.
A Storied History
The story of A. Lange & Söhne begins with Ferdinand Adolph Lange, a visionary watchmaker who saw the potential to transform Glashütte into a hub of watchmaking. Trained in Dresden and Switzerland, Lange returned to his homeland with a mission: to create high-quality timepieces that would rival those of Swiss manufacturers. In 1845, he founded his workshop, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most respected names in horology.
Lange’s early success was built on his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to innovation. He introduced the metric system to German watchmaking, allowing for greater precision in the manufacturing process. This focus on precision became a hallmark of the brand, earning it a reputation for excellence. His contributions to the field of watchmaking were priceless and yet when the King of Saxony wished to award him an honor in recognition of his service to the town, Ferdinand Adolph Lange rejected this, humbly yet decisively: “A real man honors himself!” He died, aged 60, on 3 December 1875, shortly before his company’s 30th anniversary.
A Courageous New Start
With all this glory, the company’s journey was not without challenges. The company’s main production building was destroyed in a bombing on the last night of the Second World War in 1945. As Walter Lange, great grandson of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, completed his interrupted studies and the family attempted to make a fresh start, the expropriation in the Soviet-occupied zone took place in 1948 which led to the disappearance of the A. Lange & Söhne brand. It wasn’t until the historic fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany in 1990 that Walter revived the brand. After almost 40 years of hiatus, A. Lange & Söhne was reborn.
“At that stage, we didn’t have much,” recalled Walter Lange. “We didn’t have any watches we could build and sell, we didn’t have any employees, any premises or any machinery. We only had the vision of the best watches in the world that we wanted to build in Glashütte all over again.” And so they did. Lange’s passion for watchmaking coupled with determination to succeed led him to restart his family business and catapult it to the legendary status it enjoys today.
Groundbreaking Innovations
A. Lange & Söhne has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, introducing a series of innovations that have set new standards in the industry. Here are some of the brand’s most notable contributions:
The Lange 1
Introduced in 1994, the Lange 1 is perhaps the most iconic model in the A. Lange & Söhne collection. It features a distinctive asymmetrical dial layout, with an off-center time display, an oversized date window, and a power reserve indicator. The design, while unconventional, is highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Lange 1 has become a symbol of the brand’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
The Tourbillon
In 2008, A. Lange & Söhne unveiled the Lange 1 Tourbillon, a masterpiece that combines the elegance of the Lange 1 with the complexity of a tourbillon. The tourbillon, a rotating cage that houses the escapement and balance wheel, is designed to counteract the effects of gravity, improving the watch’s accuracy. Lange’s implementation of the tourbillon is notable for its precision and the beautiful craftsmanship of the movement.
The Zeitwerk
The Zeitwerk, introduced in 2009, represents a bold departure from traditional watchmaking. It features a digital time display, with jumping hours and minutes displayed on rotating discs. This innovative design offers a unique and highly legible way to read the time, while still maintaining the mechanical complexity and craftsmanship that A. Lange & Söhne is known for.
The Datograph
Launched in 1999, the Datograph is a chronograph that has set new benchmarks in the world of high-end watchmaking. It features a flyback function, a precisely jumping minute counter, and an oversized date display. The movement, visible through the sapphire case back, is a marvel of engineering, with its meticulously finished components and intricate architecture.
The Grand Complication
In 2013, A. Lange & Söhne introduced the Grand Complication, a watch that lives up to its name with a plethora of complications, including a perpetual calendar, a split-seconds chronograph, and a minute repeater. Limited to just six pieces, the Grand Complication showcases the brand’s ability to create highly complex and exquisitely crafted timepieces.
Upgrading Early Models
One of the defining characteristics of A. Lange & Söhne is its commitment to continuous improvement. The brand frequently revisits its early models, reworking and upgrading them with the latest advancements in watchmaking technology and design.
The Lange 1 Update
In 2019, A. Lange & Söhne introduced an updated version of the Lange 1, featuring a newly designed movement. The new caliber L121.1 retains the iconic asymmetrical dial layout but incorporates a more precise jumping outsize date mechanism and an improved power reserve. The updated Lange 1 exemplifies the brand’s dedication to refining its classic models while preserving their timeless appeal.
The Datograph Up/Down
The Datograph Up/Down, released in 2012, is an enhanced version of the original Datograph. It features an extended power reserve of 60 hours and a power reserve indicator. The movement has also been upgraded with a newly designed oscillator for improved accuracy. These enhancements ensure that the Datograph Up/Down remains at the forefront of chronograph technology.
The Saxonia Thin
The Saxonia Thin, part of the Saxonia collection, was reintroduced in 2016 with a slimmer case and an updated movement. The new model maintains the elegant simplicity of the original but offers improved accuracy and a more refined design. The thinner case and enhanced movement demonstrate Lange’s commitment to evolving its designs to meet contemporary standards.
The Zeitwerk Date
In 2019, A. Lange & Söhne unveiled the Zeitwerk Date, an updated version of the original Zeitwerk. This new model features an innovative date display that encircles the dial, providing a clear and legible way to read the date. The movement has also been upgraded with a more efficient constant-force escapement, ensuring consistent energy delivery to the jumping numerals.
A century of innovations
On 29th July 2024, Walter Lange would have completed 100 years of age. Commemorating his indelible mark on the landscape of watchmaking, he received as many as ten personal honours during his lifetime, including international awards such as the Prix Spécial du Jury du Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2014, the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie in 2013 – both in Geneva – and the Caesars Award in Bucharest in 2011. To mark the 175th anniversary of Glashütte watchmaking, the town and A. Lange & Söhne subsequently honoured Walter Lange's life's work. A life-size bronze sculpture created by Hamburg artist Thomas Jastram was unveiled on 18 September 2020 in front of guests from the world of politics, people from the industry and the press – just a few steps away from the monument to his great-grandfather Ferdinand Adolph Lange.
“He Was the Beating Heart of our Manufacture.” With these words, Wilhelm Schmid, Current CEO remembers Walter Lange. “His legacy should also be preserved in the future. Walter Lange represented the old school in the truest sense of the word. He has brought his values, such as watchmaking, his down-to-earth attitude and his humble character to the company and firmly anchored them so that his way of thinking and his actions will continue to have an impact and guide our decisions as a company in the future."
