2012: my Lange year
foversta
2 weeks before the 2013 SIHH, I would like to do a wrap-up of the Lange year I experienced in 2012. Actually I have to confess something: I was a bad boy during the last months because I didn't buy a Lange watch in 2012! But on the other hand, I had the chance to attend several events in relation with the saxonian manufacture and at the end, these meetings are maybe the most important because while attending them we can share our passion with other fans and when we are with Lange staff, we can express our wishes, our regrets. Clearly, the ability to have a close communication with the brand is a big asset with Lange and I know that we all appreciate this.
2012 started with the SIHH. We already knew at that time that we would discover the new Datograph Up and Down which was unveiled several weeks before.
But the star of the fair was the Lange 1 PC Tourbillon which was even decorating the booth:
This message has been edited by foversta on 2013-01-05 12:21:28
2012 started with the SIHH. We already knew at that time that we would discover the new Datograph Up and Down which was unveiled several weeks before.
But the star of the fair was the Lange 1 PC Tourbillon which was even decorating the booth:
After several months, when I look back on this collection, my fav watch is without any doubt the new Grand Lange 1. Thanks to its new caliber which uses a single barrel, its thickness is much lower than with the previous Grand Lange 1 while keeping the same power reserve. The new caliber allows to preserve the same dial balance of the classic Lange 1 for our deepest pleasure. Well, things are never so easy. The previous Grand Lange 1 also had its own charm due to its specific dial lay-out!
At the end of the SIHH, I was not amazed by the 2012 collection but I considered it very clever due to the strategic moves it brought to the catalogue: a new Datograph - a balanced Grand Lange 1 - a nice version of the Lange 1 Timezone and a watch with some impressive technical features: the Lange 1 PC Tourbillon. But I was also disappointed by the WG Saxonia Thin: even it is a nice watch (it was not possible to fail with as little risks!), I would have been happy to see a more daring attitude with the dial! Silver + WG is going too far in the understatement for my taste.
Anyway, it took me only a few weeks to see the new collection during a Lange dinner organized in Paris! A good way to discuss about these novelties with fans and clients of the brand!
Anyway, it took me only a few weeks to see the new collection during a Lange dinner organized in Paris! A good way to discuss about these novelties with fans and clients of the brand!
Obvously we appreciated a lot the explanations brought by the Lange team:
The guests also brought their watches:
During the dinner I could handle the new version of the Timezone... a kind of Timezone "Night Owl"!
But also some classics of the collection!
The dinner had a very warm and friendly atmosphere and it was one of my fav souvenirs of the year!
in June, I went to Brussels to attend the Salon de Greef. Lange was one of the main exhibitors and the visitors could see and handle a wide range of the catalogue.
in June, I went to Brussels to attend the Salon de Greef. Lange was one of the main exhibitors and the visitors could see and handle a wide range of the catalogue.
Even the Lange 1 PC Tourbillon was visible... but please don't repeat it! This one didn't have a movement inside!
I took the opportunity to wear the Daymatic which remains a watch rarely seen on our wrists:
Thanks to such events, we can shoot some side by side pictures to compare watches like this 3 hands timepieces gathering:
I spent a wonderful week-end there because Brussels is of my fav cities. What a change only at 1h20 by train from Paris!
At the end of the month of July I was in Rome and I always do a break at this period. A break means that I don't even think about watches. But when I realised that at one of the most famous boutiques, Haussman, there were several platinum Lange watches, I couldn't resist!
I was perfectly welcomed by the staff and I could shoot this superb and rare Grand Arkade:
... without forgetting the pleasure to see again the Sax-o-Mat movement:
When I manage to combine my passion for watches with the superb context of Rome, I think that I'm in heaven!
In September, I could attend a lunch organised by Lange Western Europe with journalists.
During the lunch, we got another overview of the 2012 collection. The question was: did I change my mind? And the answer was no. The new Grand Lange 1 was/is still on top of my list of this collection!
During the last quarter, I was disappointed to learn that Lange wouldn't be present at the Salon Belles Montres and at Salon QP. Hopefully, the salon "Les Montres" organised by the AD located on the left bank of Paris didn't face this trouble and I was happy to meet the team again!
I could wear this Saxonia Dualtime:
And this new version of the 1815 chronograph!
Of course, the ladies have the right to display their wristshots!
But without any doubt, the best event of the year was the 3 days stay in Dresden to attend the pre-SIHH presentation of the Grand Lange 1 Lumen.
I could appreciate the hospitality of the Lange team and of the German people in a city which gathers a lot of beautiful monuments. Dresden has a very special charm especially during the Xmas period!
My 1815 Chronograph was back home!
I could discover the Grand Lange 1 Lumen which proposes to combine the elegancy of the dial lay-out with a more contemporary design:
But again, the most important for me was to be able to discuss with the other guests and the Lange staff! I do believe that our talks were passionate and rich! Of course, I always have my wish list in my head and I never miss an opportunity to express it in front of the Lange team!
Each time I meet Anthony de Haas, I try to learn more about the future projects... but Anthony knows how to keep the secrets and I fail every time! But its technical presentations are very appreciated: even the most complicated features seem easy to understand.
Anthony and Tino Bobe will bring us a lot of comments and details about the 2013 collection in a few weeks. I can't wait to listen to them because I'm sure that they will have a lot to say!
I would like to thank a lot the Lange team for this great year! I hope that 2013 will be as intense and active!
Fx
I spent a wonderful week-end there because Brussels is of my fav cities. What a change only at 1h20 by train from Paris!
At the end of the month of July I was in Rome and I always do a break at this period. A break means that I don't even think about watches. But when I realised that at one of the most famous boutiques, Haussman, there were several platinum Lange watches, I couldn't resist!
I was perfectly welcomed by the staff and I could shoot this superb and rare Grand Arkade:
... without forgetting the pleasure to see again the Sax-o-Mat movement:
When I manage to combine my passion for watches with the superb context of Rome, I think that I'm in heaven!
In September, I could attend a lunch organised by Lange Western Europe with journalists.
During the lunch, we got another overview of the 2012 collection. The question was: did I change my mind? And the answer was no. The new Grand Lange 1 was/is still on top of my list of this collection!
During the last quarter, I was disappointed to learn that Lange wouldn't be present at the Salon Belles Montres and at Salon QP. Hopefully, the salon "Les Montres" organised by the AD located on the left bank of Paris didn't face this trouble and I was happy to meet the team again!
I could wear this Saxonia Dualtime:
And this new version of the 1815 chronograph!
Of course, the ladies have the right to display their wristshots!
But without any doubt, the best event of the year was the 3 days stay in Dresden to attend the pre-SIHH presentation of the Grand Lange 1 Lumen.
I could appreciate the hospitality of the Lange team and of the German people in a city which gathers a lot of beautiful monuments. Dresden has a very special charm especially during the Xmas period!
My 1815 Chronograph was back home!
I could discover the Grand Lange 1 Lumen which proposes to combine the elegancy of the dial lay-out with a more contemporary design:
But again, the most important for me was to be able to discuss with the other guests and the Lange staff! I do believe that our talks were passionate and rich! Of course, I always have my wish list in my head and I never miss an opportunity to express it in front of the Lange team!
Each time I meet Anthony de Haas, I try to learn more about the future projects... but Anthony knows how to keep the secrets and I fail every time! But its technical presentations are very appreciated: even the most complicated features seem easy to understand.
Anthony and Tino Bobe will bring us a lot of comments and details about the 2013 collection in a few weeks. I can't wait to listen to them because I'm sure that they will have a lot to say!
I would like to thank a lot the Lange team for this great year! I hope that 2013 will be as intense and active!
Fx
Comments:
colton_d January 5th, 2013-13:34
Excellent Report! Thank you for this enjoyable report on Lange in 2012. Amazing how fast another year can pass! I do agree with your assessments of the 2012 collection, hoping for some daring dial/metal combinations to be released in a couple weeks. Maybe a RG/Slate ZW? Al...
foversta January 5th, 2013-15:29
Thanks a lot Colton for your nice words! You are absolutely right: time is flying and I was feeling the same while writting this wrap-up. Better not to think about this, phew! At the same time... i can't wait to discover the 2013 novelties! Sometimes, we want to slow down the flow of time... som...
yesjb January 5th, 2013-13:53
Thanks for the great report and photos Will of course sneak away from Vacheron to visit the Lange area (shhhh...mon amour secrète) at SIHH and see what's new. ;-) Best, Joseph
foversta January 5th, 2013-15:26
And Joseph... don't forget... Have a beer at the Lange booth! ;) Fx
Mike H January 5th, 2013-15:11
Many thanks FX for this great report... ... and you know what ? I just made the opposite: because I am not in a position to keep all and acquire new beautiful watches at the same time, 2012 was the year for me to let some beauties go from my other favourite brand, in order to finance my latest ...
foversta January 5th, 2013-15:25
Thanks a lot Mike and congrats for this superb catch! Do you know what? This 1815 chronograph really deserves its own thread. So don't hesitate to start one when you will add more pics! I'm very happy for you, this watch was perfect on your wrist when you tried mine! Fx
KIH January 5th, 2013-16:50
Nice catch, Mike! Congrats! Very sought after piece - IMHO :-) Ken
Mark in Paris January 6th, 2013-03:43
Beautiful wristshot in the snow... I must say I found funny to see someone else has exactly the same thoughts about the Dato in Pt: it's a great piece but totally uncomfortable on my small wrist too (weight+shape). The new Dato, in spite of its rise in size, doesn't seem to solve the probl...
small-luxury-world January 6th, 2013-10:24
"but fits so much better on my wrist" Mike, great catch and I agree with you regarding the fit - same for me. Oliver ...
cc January 6th, 2013-16:01
Congratualtions on the great acquisition. My experience was the same as yours. I owned a Pt Dato, but found it uncomfortable, let it go, and picked up the same watch that you have. I've never looked back.
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foversta
The Grand Lange 1 "Lumen" event: comprehensive report
foversta
Ken and I we were very happy to participate to the Pre-SIHH event organized by Lange to unveil the Grand Lange 1 "Lumen". During these 3 days, in Dresden or in Glashütte, we could appreciate the warm welcome from Saxony and from the whole Lange team, visit the Manufacture, enjoy the beauties of the monuments of the capital and obviously discover the newest watch. "25": this figure was the common thread during the whole stay. 25 as the symbol of the big date display.
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