foversta provides a hands-on review of the A. Lange & Söhne Lange One Timezone in Honey Gold, a special edition celebrating the brand's rebirth anniversary. His article delves into the unique properties of Honey Gold and the subtle design changes that distinguish this reference, such as the blue accents on the cities ring. This detailed examination offers collectors valuable insights into a significant anniversary piece.
The 25th of October has a very place in the heart of the Lange lovers. It is the date when the newspapers published in 1994 the unveiling of the first collection of Lange & Söhne after its rebirth. Because, as you know, this collection, made of 4 watches was presented the 24th of October. Actually, Lange has used from this first collection the 25th as the date which is displayed on the official pictures and catalogues. There are several explainations around this choice:
- 25 was used even if the 24th of October was the actual date of the presentation because the pictures would be published the day after,
- 25 and not 24 in order to not be confused with a second timezone display,
- and because 25 is a very nice figure. 2 and 5 are almost perfectly opposite and they draw a lovely symmetric pattern when put together.
Anyway, 24th or 25th of October, the most important is that the Lange team took the decision to unveil this year a watch to celebrate this anniversary: the Lange One Timezone in Honey Gold. Honey Gold was introduced in the Lange world with the collection Homage to Ferdinand Adolph Lange made of 3 different watches: Tourbograph - Lange One Tourbillon and the 1815 Moonphase. This material is now used more often but always for special occasions. I like it a lot because it offers very subtle shades of color. The case seems to always and continuously change. According to the lights context, the position of the wrist, sometimes it looks very close to a Pink Gold case or to a White Gold one. And you can imagine the wide range of possibilities between these two extremities. The other asset of Honey Gold is its hardness, much higher than the other Gold alloys.
The watch, object of the use of this material is the Lange One Timezone. It is a good choice since it takes advantage of the visual rendering of Honey Gold. Moreover, we can find a lot of symbols with this watch. The expansion of the brand since the very beginning in 1994 till now and underlined by a network of 17 boutiques in the world. The craddle of the brand in Saxony as stated in the cities ring, Dresden replacing Berlin as the city of reference for the GMT+1 timezone. The flawless design of the Lange One (even if of course, the Timezone is an evolution of the original model) which was one of the 4 rebirth watches.
When we carefully look at this version of the Lange One Timezone, we notice a few details which make it differ from the catalogue versions. I already spoke about the cities ring. But the color of the dots between the cities names and of the GMT inscription changed from back and red to blue. They may seem to be very minor details. But they reinforce the overall elegance of the watch.
And if we forget these subtilities, this piece is similar to the other Lange One Timezone watches but in the context of non luminescent main hands. We find again the lay-out of the dial which takes advantage of the perfect Lange One design to clearly display both home and local timezones with their relevant night&day indicators. The small second hand is located in the main subdial and the city of reference is indicated thanks to the small triange in the small subdial (Dresden on the pictures).
The case diameter of 41,9mm is the same than the previous Grand Lange One. But due to the presence of the peripheral cities ring, the watch doesn't look too large. The two pushers on the left allow to set the date and the city of reference. Despite its very typical design, the Lange One Timezone is NOT a worldtimer watch because we can't read the time on the 24 timezones without moving the ring. It is a complex (and very legible) dual timezone display watch.
The Lange One Timezone in Honey Gold is without any surprise powered by the caliber L031.1 which features a power reserve of 3 days and a 3hz frequency. It offers the classic architecture of the Lange One movement but the additional second timezone mechanism with its engraved bridge makes it very appealing with an extra feeling of relief. Of course, its finishes meet the Lange standards, I mean, the excellence from the Manufacture.
Once put on the wrist, the Lange One Timezone in Honey Gold starts to impact positively thanks to the case shades of color and its overall consistency. I consider it as the most elegant Lange One Timezone.
This watch seduces me a lot and I'm sure that this limited edition of 100 pieces (only available in the Lange boutiques at a price of 57.000 EUR with taxes in France) will be successful. But you know me... and I can't prevent myself from reminding that I expect more from a Limited Edition of the Manufacture. This watch is more or less a classic Lange One Timezone with a change of case material. The result is beautiful but I would love to see a more impacting change. It could be a different movement decoration, an additional feature but I need to find again the spirit of the Limited Editions of the past. Nothing wrong with this specific watch which remains very desirable. But it is more a message toward the Manufacture. They know me, I'm very demanding like a lot of Lange collectors!
Thanks to the Lange Western Europe team for the organisation of the event today.
Pros:
+ the honey gold case works very well in the context of the Lange One Timezone
+ a complex yet legible dual timezone watch
+ the efficiency of the caliber L031.1 and the pleasure brought on its daily use
+ the overall elegance of the watch
Cons:
- we always expect more from a Lange & Söhne limited edition
