Jrwong23's account of a Singaporean collector group's visit to the A. Lange & Söhne manufacture in Glashütte offers a rare glimpse into the brand's heritage and craftsmanship. Despite camera restrictions inside the manufacture, the post captures the excitement of seeing where Lange watches are born and the privilege of meeting balance cock engravers. This report provides valuable insights into the brand's meticulous processes and showcases exceptional timepieces.
After a night of good sleep at the QF hotel in Dresden, the Fellowship of Singapore Lange collectors started Day 2 with a bang - a visit to the manufacture!
Unfortunately we were not allowed to bring our cell phones and cameras into the manufacture so no inside shots to share. But we still took some great pics around the common areas and most importantly, we had the pleasure of seeing many nice Lange pieces after lunch in the guest room.
Some pics here to share.
After a 45mins Long and winding ride, finally we reached here where our watches were born!
always a pleasure to see a model of the Dato up down
We met the balance cock engravers and had our langes' engravers identified and we got a cert for each watch we brought
The entrance of the manufacture
A road named after FA Lange!
The old Lange manufacture and also home to Lange's family back in the old days
Lovely lavenders that match my watch and shirt well

After a fantastic lunch with Mr Wilhelm Schmid, we were given lots of time to view some killer Lange pieces we normally won't have the chance to see in the boutiques or in the wild.
Grand Lange 1 Moonphase Lumen in PT (LE 200) and Grand Lange 1 in white gold
Killer chronos and grand complications here....
Guess which movements these belong to. Killer movements and finishing!!
Lange Zeitwerk Minute Repeater.... Drool.....
Movement of the minute repeater.
Zeitwerk pink gold on my wrist. Such a warm and charming watch!
New Saxonia Moonphase
Saxonia Dual time
Another killer pair!! Recognise the one on the right ?
1815 chronograph - an under appreciated chrono often viewed as the second fiddle to the Datograph. But it is an extremely fine and charming watch in its own right I feel.
1815 Tourbillon in Platinum - my grail watch if I could ever afford one!!
I took the chance to "steal" Ian's 1815 Moonphase in honey gold. See the difference between honey and pink gold ?
The Lange Datograph Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar - piece 000/100 on Mr Schmid's wrist
The movement shot
After the manufacture visit , our lovely Lange Singapore hosts, Michelle and Joan, brought us to an organic chocolate factory in the country side of Dresden where we had lots of lovely chocs and fun.
A delicious chocolate ice cream and milk.
The owner showing us a raw cocoa fruit and the beans. We tasted the raw beans and it was pretty good.
we then had the chance to make some chocolates ourselves and as a team. Lots of fun. Mine was a tribute to my wife and 3 kids and hence the 4 hearts
A bronze statute of 2 lovers.
A country side wristshot.
After freshening up at the hotel, we headed for dinner at the Bean and Beluga restaurant. Our host for dinner was an old friend, Mr Alexis de Laporte, International Director at Lange. An old friend of Nico and me when he was MD for JLC South East Asia based in Singapore so it was a real pleasure to see him again this time in Dresden! (Nico can share the Vlad stories they had in Singapore but that needs to be a separate post lol)
Rotated to my Lange 1 for dinner.
Some shots of our dishes.
Time flies so quickly. Soon it's time to say good night again.
Hope you enjoyed these pics. Stay tuned for Day 3 which is the final day of our tour. Ianny and I took a pic on Day 3 which I can only share if he approves...
Cheers
Robin
This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2016-07-17 00:36:33
About the A. Lange and Söhne Emil Lange Ref. 1815Moonphase
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moonphase, reference 1815Moonphase, is a notable variant within the 1815 collection, distinguished by its inclusion of a moon phase complication. This reference maintains the classic design principles of the 1815 line, which draws inspiration from the pocket watches of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, emphasizing legibility and traditional watchmaking aesthetics. It represents a more intricate offering compared to time-only 1815 models, appealing to collectors who appreciate additional horological functions without excessive complexity.
This particular iteration of the 1815 Moonphase is presented in a 37.5 mm white gold case, with a thickness of 8.9 mm, providing a balanced and wearable profile. It is powered by the manual-winding caliber L943.2, which offers a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch features a sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and clear visibility of the black dial. Water resistance is rated at 3 ATM, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.
The 1815 Moonphase appeals to collectors seeking a refined dress watch with a classic complication from a respected German manufacture. Its design adheres to the brand's established aesthetic, characterized by clear Arabic numerals and blued hands. While the provided text mentions a "Honey Gold" variant, the specific reference 1815Moonphase is known in white gold, offering a distinct aesthetic within the broader 1815 family. The combination of traditional design and a practical complication makes it a considered choice for a discerning collector.
Specifications
- Caliber
- L943.2
- Case
- White gold
- Diameter
- 37.5 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 3 ATM
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the A. Lange and Söhne Lange 1 Ref. 1815Tourbillon
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon, reference 730.078F, is a distinguished model within the 1815 collection, known for its focus on traditional watchmaking and classical aesthetics. This particular reference stands out for its combination of a tourbillon complication with a black enamel dial, a rare and highly regarded feature that enhances its visual depth and exclusivity. It represents a refined expression of high horology, emphasizing technical sophistication within a restrained design. The hacking seconds mechanism integrated into the tourbillon further underscores its precision engineering.
The watch is presented in a platinum case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 11.3mm in thickness, offering a substantial yet wearable presence. It is equipped with the manual-wind caliber L102.1, which provides a power reserve of 72 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, allowing appreciation of its intricate finishing and the tourbillon in operation. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch offers a water resistance of 30 meters.
This reference appeals to collectors who value traditional German watchmaking and the technical artistry of a tourbillon, especially when paired with a handcrafted enamel dial. The black enamel dial variant is particularly sought after for its depth and luster, which are achieved through a meticulous firing process. It occupies a significant position within the 1815 series as a high-complication piece that maintains the collection's characteristic legibility and classical proportions.
Specifications
- Caliber
- L102.1
- Case
- Platinum
- Diameter
- 39.5mm
- Dial
- Black enamel
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the A. Lange and Söhne Freak Ref. 1815Chronograph
The 1815 Chronograph, reference 414.026, is a distinguished member of the 1815 collection, known for its focus on traditional watchmaking and classical design elements. This particular edition, often referred to as the "Boutique Edition," stands out with its white gold case and a black dial, offering a monochromatic aesthetic that enhances its legibility and understated sophistication. It represents a more contemporary interpretation within the 1815 chronograph lineage while maintaining the collection's core principles of precision and craftsmanship.
The watch features a 39.5 mm white gold case with a thickness of 11.4 mm, housing the manually wound caliber L951.5. This movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back, allowing appreciation of its intricate finishing and traditional German silver components. The front crystal is also sapphire, ensuring durability and clarity. The movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours, indicative of its robust and reliable construction.
This reference appeals to collectors who appreciate a chronograph with a strong classical identity, executed with a high level of artisanal finish. Its white gold and black dial combination offers a versatile appeal, suitable for various occasions while remaining true to the brand's heritage. The 1815 Chronograph series is a cornerstone of the brand's offerings, providing a purist's approach to the chronograph complication.
Specifications
- Caliber
- L951.5
- Case
- White gold
- Diameter
- 39.5 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 30 m
- Crystal
- Sapphire