A. Lange & Söhne: The Unseen Finishing Debate on Watch Hands
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A. Lange & Söhne: The Unseen Finishing Debate on Watch Hands

By TheWindingStem · May 15, 2020 · 18 replies
TheWindingStem
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TheWindingStem's thought-provoking post delves into the nuanced expectations collectors hold for A. Lange & Söhne, particularly concerning the finishing of unseen components like the underside of watch hands. This discussion highlights how a brand's stated commitment to uncompromising quality shapes collector perception and trust, even in minute details. The insights shared by TheWindingStem and the community explore the delicate balance between a brand's reputation and the practicalities of watchmaking.

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I posted this on my Instagram and I’m posting it here for added discussions.

There has been lots of chatter regarding the underside of watch hands: specifically Lange. 

Lange has an impeccable reputation for finishing every part of their watches, even those we cannot see, to the highest standards - I like to think of this as a promise they give to those aspiring to join the Lange family. 

I believe this promise is what defines Lange and tells collectors what the brand stands for and the vvalue they add - while mechanical prowess is important and they certainly excel in that regards but there is something human about finishing. A beautifully finished watch is a piece of art that represents the finest aspects of our humanity.

Upon learning that the underside of the hands are not finished, i have to admit that I felt somewhat “betrayed” - not that finishing them matters that much,  but it does make a person wonder whether everything we can see is, in fact, finished. 

Lange of today is a relatively young brand, they don’t have the brand equity that Patek and Rolex offer or the continuous uninterrupted history that Vacheron boasts- not even the massive repertoire of movements and technical innovations that makes JLC the legends they are today. So when other brands don’t finish the underside of their hands, no one cares because their strengths are elsewhere.

 Uncompromising commitment to quality is what people think of when they think of Lange and any thing that may tarnish that - no matter how small- will leave a stain that will be hard to wash away. Even the very notion of doubt can spread like a nasty decay and compromise their image.





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The Discussion
SH
shafran
May 15, 2020

I wonder if anyone finishes the underside

SC
sc16
May 15, 2020

Based in the various posts about this subject. Initial feedback was sandblasted on the under side of hands, yet pics posted yesterday seemed not to be finished (incl yours). Awaiting confirmation. Kind regards, Sc16

TH
TheWindingStem
May 15, 2020

I was also told that "no one does it either" which doesn't mean much to me anyways lol

LA
Lankysudanese
May 15, 2020

I remember reading somewhere that grand seiko finishes both sides of their hands.

TH
TheWindingStem
May 15, 2020

in terms of Indies I know Romain Gauthier, Rexhep and Kari do finish both side- same with Moser surprisingly.

BE
Bek2
May 15, 2020

I could not agree more. I love everything about Lange and was disappointed to read the other day about the underside of the hands. Not because I’ll ever know the difference but because of what it stands for and what Lange says they pride themselves on. I would be very interested to hear their response if anyone has a relationship with senior management at Lange because this little exposed shortcut feels much bigger for a brand that holds themselves out (and as I have always viewed them) as above

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