Manufacture
KIH's report on the A. Lange & Söhne Akademie in Glashütte offers a rare glimpse into the brand's immersive experience for collectors. Originally published in "World Wrist Watch" magazine, this expanded forum post provides unique insights into the Akademie's structure and the deep connection it fosters between Lange and its enthusiasts. Readers gain an understanding of why such brand experiences are crucial for cultivating a serious appreciation for haute horology.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to the “Lange Akademie Tour 2012” organized by Japan's Lange Owners' Club (“LOC”) and ALS Japan, held at the Headquarters of A. Lange & Sohne (“ALS”) in Glashütte. To me, ALS was the beginning of this hobby on the serious level, and this visit and the Akademie is just like “a dream come true” and an unforgettable experience.
1? What is the ALS Akademie (Lange Akademie)?
This “Lange
Akademie” started as the training concept for the retail staff worldwide
– with
Ambassador, Coaching and Expert levels, in order to show the customers
that
this sales person is fully qualified to sell and explain Lange
watches. It
would take 2-3 years to accomplish these
three steps.
Japan's LOC requested to
attend such courses (in Japanese) and ALS agreed to provide Japan's LOC
members
who are full of interest and quest for deeper knowledge with the special
Ambassador course similar to the one for the retail staff in
2010. The
first Ambassador course was in 2010, the
second in 2011, for those who could not make it in 2010 and the first
Expert
course was planned this year for the LOC members who had graduated from
the
Ambassador course.
In the meantime, the “Connoisseur’s Akademie”, the training concept for enthusiasts has spread to other markets worldwide and ALS started to give such courses, in the local markets, not necessarily in Glashütte, however in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok etc.
2? The Curriculum this year and what is “customer service”.
The course content for the “Expert Course” is adapted from the course for the global retail staff to better suit the needs of us enthusiasts, so expectations were high. We had the opportunity to visit specialized departments of the manufacture, such as the Hairspring production, pocket-watch case refurbishment and even try the traditional guilloche technique on a machine from 1820.
We were given insights into Quality Control at Lange and the new collection, including technical information on the new perpetual calendar mechanism in the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar. We also had practical workshops assembling an 1815 movement and advanced engraving and finishing techniques.
It was as always highly appreciated that the actual watchmakers and the senior management did take time to teach and discuss with us, and let us see inside these specialized areas of the manufactory (normally, no camera allowed) and participate in the interactive practical workshops. We all thank ALS Headquarters and ALS Japan for it and once again realized the depth of its customer oriented culture.
3? Summary of the Course (See photos below)
(1) Factory Tour (Photos permitted only for the Magazine and PPro)
(2) Lectures
- Hair Spring
-
Quality Control
- 2012 Novelties
(3) Practical Exercise
This was the biggest
fun part for me. Of course, no one can be a great watchmaker
overnight and i was helped by the teacher, but when the movement started
working, the excitement was beyond words.
(4) Final Paper Test
My result was almost
the last among the students.... All the participants had
attended the Ambassador Course which I could not attend for the last two
years due to my day job schedule. Some of the questions were
really unheard of for me - "hoe many in-house movement have been made so
far? (Answer: 43) “How
many traditional finishing techniques exist in ALS? (Answer: 11), “What
is the
most difficult finishing technique? (Answer: Black Polishing), “What is
the
special ingredient in the hair spring? (Answer: Beryllium), etc. Having said that,
thank you Akademie for
letting me pass and giving me the Certificate.
I couldn't be happier.
(5) Certification!
Now, I hope you enjoy the photo report of this
3-full-day Akademie at Glashutte!
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The “Connoisseur’s Akademie” for Lange enthusiasts distinguishes itself from the courses for retail staff in course content and in the titles awarded upon graduation. Our Certificate says “Connoisseur”, instead of “Expert”. Although Japan is no longer the market most brands now focus on, Japanese collectors have a long and vast knowledge and love of what goes on inside the movements. Many collectors buy watches after careful study, know a lot about the history and inside of the watches, and they have been one of the major forces that supported the industry for a long time. This Akademie started by the request of the group of Lange owners and I sincerely hope that ALS continues to provide such courses to the new owners and long time owners alike globally. The input from the knowledgeable, true connoisseur collectors through these seminars must be beneficial for them, too.
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 reference 206.032, introduced in 1999, is a notable example of the brand's commitment to traditional watchmaking principles. This model is part of the 1815 collection, which pays homage to the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange and emphasizes classic design elements such as Arabic numerals and blued hands, drawing inspiration from historical Lange pocket watches. It represents a more understated and purist aesthetic compared to some of the brand's more complex offerings, focusing on fundamental horological excellence.
This particular reference features an 18k rose gold case measuring 36mm in diameter and 7.5mm in thickness. It houses the manually wound L941.1 caliber, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front, protecting a solid silver dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.
The 1815 206.032 appeals to collectors who appreciate classical proportions and a focus on fundamental watchmaking without excessive complications. Its smaller case size reflects a more traditional approach to men's wristwatches, making it a desirable piece for those seeking a discreet yet highly refined timepiece. The combination of rose gold and a silver dial offers a warm and legible presentation, consistent with the collection's historical inspirations.
Hey Ken, Thanks for the presentation! I would have loved to read your original article in Japanese too! Hopefully i can still get a copy when i go Japan sometimes later this year. Oh, and thanks for that one shot! Tschuss Stephen
I will have some extra copies. If you can't find one, let me know. Ken
I really enjoyed to read it, you perfectly explained the context and the objectives behind the academy. And the pics are great too. Thanks a lot for this superb and comprehensive post. Fx
Bluenote really loves his blue hehe. Now i know what he wears such small size jeans. Love his articles on that subject as well.
Thanks for this work and the share Ken! It's a real pleasure to be able to see how it works learn more about the company, its facilities etc .... and congratz to the laureates ;) Cheers, Mark
I refer to both the program and your report... Even the presentation material is done in Japanese...amazing! Wish I went through one of these. Best Sam
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