A. Lange & Söhne Connoisseur's Akademie Session III

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) · 2014-11-27T01:23:46Z

Explore A. Lange & Söhne Connoisseur's Akademie Session III in Singapore. jrwong23 shares insights into the exclusive collector program and event details.

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum

23 replies5261 views35 photos

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) shares an exclusive look into the A. Lange & Söhne Connoisseur's Akademie Session III in Singapore. This report highlights the brand's dedication to horological education and immersive experiences for collectors, offering a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and brand philosophy that define A. Lange & Söhne.

Last night was the final session of a series of 3 Lange Connoisseur's Akademie (CA) sessions for 2014 in Singapore. I shared session II previously here:

alang.watchprosite.com

After participants finished all 3 sessions, we will be certified as a Lange Connoisseur and last night we saw many proud graduates of the course.

It was hard work indeed - from assembling a balance wheel, to baking a Lange 1 cake, to heating blued hands/spotting dial defects, etc.... lots of work before the certification is given!

Most of us graduated last night, except 4 of us.... me included! Not that we did badly but because we missed session I (or II) and have to do "make-up" classes in 2015 before we can graduate. That's how serious Lange is, no matter how big a collector you are! LOL.

So I can only cover the Prequel (Session I) in 2015 after I attend

For now, here's a report on last night's Lange CA session 3 in Singapore.

The venue was at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, at a pretty new and cosy restaurant called Corner House.

When we arrived, it was raining quite heavily and there is a 3min walk from the carpark to the venue. Typical Lange attention to details was evident - they knew it is the rainy season here and have arranged for buggies (100% sheltered and covered with plastic wraps) to fetch us to the restaurant.

Once we arrived at the venue and had our customary photos taken, it's time to put on the watchmaker's coat! Time to work? Apparently, Lange was nicer to us than that

Cocktail party to warm up first. I always love chatting with Lange collectors. A very discreet bunch who knows what they want in a watch.

The bar at the Corner House was pretty nice and cosy!

After a few drinks, we went upstairs for a presentation by the lovely Joanna Lange. Thankfully, seasoned Lange collectors know not to drink too much before a CA session or we will suffer big time later.... (well I learned my lesson in the last CA anyway). The session focused on the Moonphase complication.

Do you know that a full cycle between 2 moonphase is exactly 29 days, 12 hours, 44 mins and 3 (2.8 to be exact) seconds?

That's 29.5305891 days (I always say 29.5 days for short but Lange wants us to be more precise than that!)

Next, Joanna presented the Richard Lange perpetual calendar Terraluna. We have seen this presentation before but something new (at least to me) was shared last night. Can you see that the back of the watch can be used (roughly) as a worldtime?

At a glance, you can estimate the timezone of the various cities on the northern hemisphere (eg Tokyo on the presentation)

After the presentation, we were asked to do some work to earn our CA credits!

There were a few stations, which we all had to try (and succeed!).

The first station I went to was full of lovely dials, including dials of VERY rare Langes.The task was to spot defects as these were defective dials rejected by Lange's QA process. Some were easy like obvious deep scratches. Some were missing a small hour indice. Some were impossible to spot any defect! In general, what I learned was black dials' defects were far easier to spot than MOP or white dials.

Boutique staff Aun didn't give up identifying the dial defects of ALL the dials.... we spotted a few and left her there

Lange boutique staff in Singapore are a very curious bunch! Great attitude for learning and growth.

The next station I tried was my favorite for the night. Blueing of screws and hands! If you look at the diagram below, we were asked to heat it till a "Cornflower Blue" color, at 300 degrees celisus. Quite tough as it is at an "inflexion" stage from a Dark blue to a ligher blue. Overheating will make it too light a blue and it won't be able to resist oxidation as well.

My very own blued hand!

See the difference between the blued and non blued hands?

Some blued screws we did

The last station demanded the most patience

Winding up the main spring into the barrel. We had to wind up the spring with a device and then fit it into the barrel. Need lots of patience and skills but lots of satisfaction after we succeeded.

Joanna and Ashley from Lange boutique showing us a demo

Finally, a well deserved dinner. The food was really great, far above my expectations. But as usual, it was the company of fellow Lange collectors that made my night. We had lots of fun and laughter and stories to share.

My Lange1 was my companion for the night

Excellent food! Highly recommended restaurant

The 20th anniversary Lange 1s were also presented during the dinner.

This time I spent more time with the platinum versions. I only realized the blue date font on the white dial platiumn version last night. Very special detail.

Which do you prefer? Black or White?

See the blue font on the date window

The star of the night, the Lange One Tourbillon Handwerkskunst (LE 20 pieces in platinum) made for the 20th anniversay of the Lange 1 was also presented. I had read Fx's review of the gala dinner and the launch of this watch and was really looking forward to seeing this watch in the metal.

The black enamel dial blew me away. No bubbles under the loupe with a perfect and deep sheen that looks like a thick coat of black shiny liquid. I couldn't capture this look on photos and I encouarge everyone to see this watch in the metal when you get the chance.

Joanna was sitted beside me during the dinner and she explained that out of 15 dials, only 1 will make it to production with 14 rejected. Black enamel is also more difficult in a sense that imperfections tend to be a lot easier to spot on black enamel than white or lighter colored enamel (think dirt on the black cars - same concept).

Lovely black enamel and black polished tourby bridge on the dial

Photo thru a loupe

Finally, I tried the new WG Langematik Perpetual.The Lange One Tourbillon Handwerkskunst stole the show of course but this WG black dial PC watch is also quite a stunner in its own right.

Towards the end of the dinner, Franck, the MD for Lange Asia Pacific, presented the CA graduands with their Lange Connoisseur plaques. 4 of us (including me) couldn't graduate as we have to do 1 more CA session I make up class. I tried to bargain for the plaque... but Lange is dead serious about the quality of their Lange Connoisseurs. :P

Congrats to all graduates last night! Well deserved.

Thank you Lange Singapore team, Joanna, Michelle and Franck for such a wonderful CA session and dinner last night! It was truly one of my favorite watch events for this year.

Cheers

robin

A group wristie as always!

A little souvenir from the chef before we left for the night This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2014-11-27 05:16:21

About the A. Lange and Söhne Emil Lange Ref. 1815

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.

Specifications

Caliber: L941.1

Case: 18k rose gold

Diameter: 36mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Connoisseur's Akademie curriculum is highly engaging, even including unique activities like cake decorating, which allows participants to share their experience with family.
The Terraluna's reverse side, with its world time and sky chart, is a standout feature that could revolutionize world time watches if made more prominent.
The black enamel dial of the Lange 1 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst is a highly coveted and impressive piece that many collectors wish to see in person.
The Lange team's attention to detail extends beyond watches to event logistics, such as providing sheltered buggies during heavy rain, enhancing the overall experience.
The event provides a memorable occasion for Lange enthusiasts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the brand's craftsmanship.

The Discussion

MTF

Nov 27, 2014

Robin, Thanks for the report. I was receiving WhatsApp real-time reports from a watch-buddy at the session yesterday! Alas, I'm one of those 'students' who failed to even turn up for the semester. I was registered as customer in Singapore but left the country before school started. :-) What an interesting curriculum it is....er...except the cake decorating session. I don't eat cake but my watch buddy thought it was one of the better events since the fruits of your labour could be taken home and

rnaden

Nov 27, 2014

Looks like a fun time getting to know the watches in detail. Not often you get to touch and feel the insides of the watches we love. Thanks for sharing.

colton_d

Nov 27, 2014

Robin, Thank you so much for taking the time to both document and prepare this excellent report! Looks like a good time for all, and hopefully you're feeling like a seasoned veteran! Very nice to again see the anniversary pieces, and it looks like your fellow attendees had some lovely pieces as well. Looking forward to 'graduation day' once you complete the session in 2015 ;) Best, Colton

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Nov 27, 2014

I chatted with your watch buddy last night (my fellow CA classmate)! :) So coincidental when I approached him last night he was sending you text messages. Small world! Come back and visit us sometimes MTF! Miss you here Cheers robin

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Nov 27, 2014

Let me know when you visit Singapore next. Would love to meet you again and share our passion for watches! Cheers robin

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Nov 27, 2014

To graduation! The 4 of us felt rather left out last night :) Glad you like the report. You have contributed many great reports here as well Colton and I also want to thank you for sharing your reports here cheers robin

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the A. Lange & Söhne forum with 23 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

A. Lange & Söhne Connoisseur's Akademie Session III

About the A. Lange and Söhne Emil Lange Ref. 1815

Specifications

About the A. Lange and Söhne Lange 1 Ref. 1815GrandComplication

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum