A. Lange & Söhne Paris Event with Alexander Kraft
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A. Lange & Söhne Paris Event with Alexander Kraft

By foversta · Mar 4, 2017 · 15 replies
foversta
WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum
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Foversta's report on the A. Lange & Söhne event in Paris offers a unique perspective on how the brand engages with a broader luxury audience. This article highlights Lange's strategic efforts to expand its reach beyond traditional watch collectors by collaborating with other high-end lifestyle brands and showcasing watches with custom straps.

I presented you a few months ago a Lange watch which was featuring a very special strap created by Camille Fournet and Alexander Kraft, the Chairman and CEO of Sotheby's International Realty France. Actually, it was part of a series of 9 (if I remember well) Lange watches which were selected by Alexander Kraft to be subject to strap changes. We know the proverb: new strap, new watch... and it is even more appropriate when we speak about classic watches which come very often with very quiet and traditional black or brown straps.

The  Lange Western Europe  Team organized a few days ago with Alexander Kraft a cocktail party to display these watches and straps (along with some key pieces of the current collection) to a very selected audience: dandys, fashion and style lovers... and in a very prestigious venue: the Cercle de l'Union Interalliée located rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, a few steps from l'Elysée. Actually, we didn't meet our President, François Hollande but I had the big surprise and joy to spend this party with our dear Mo who traveled to Paris from London to attend this event.

The concept of the event was to gather several luxury brands in the same room (well, I must say reception hall) in order to increase the visibility of these brands toward this perfectly targeted audience. In addition to Lange & Söhne and Camille Fournet, the other brands like Cifonelly, Corthay or Viola Milano, chosen by Alexander Kraft, share in common the high quality of the products, the excellence in craftsmanship and the care to details. As you can understand it, from the shoes to the ties without forgetting the jackets and the leather goods, everything was dedicated to dress the elegant men from head to foot.

You may think: but what about Lange? Does this brand need this type of event? And my clear answer is yes. You have to understand than in Paris, a high-end watch brand like Lange, which is not Swiss, needs a strong exposure, to be often put under the spotlights to attract new clients. If not, it is always the same customers base: watches collectors and fans and we are not so many even in a city like Paris. So this approach was very positive in my point of view, even if it is obviously very difficult to measure accurately the impact of such event.

Having said that, it was for me a big pleasure to meet the Lange team during the event and of course, friends and clients of the brand. I propose to share with you several pictures I took during the party.

Let's start with some combos featuring the straps by Camille Fournet and Alexander Kraft. You remember very well this one and its daring color with the 1815 Rattrapante PC:




This one with the Zeitwerk Striking Time:



This one with the 1815 Tourbillon:




And this one with the 1815 up & down:




The classy atmosphere of the cocktail party:



The Camille Fournet exhibition. The craftswoman was creating cards holders:





The ties from Viola Milano:



And the socks from Mazarin:



The Cifonelli exhibition:





It is very impressive to observe the dexterity and skills of the taylor. Alexander Kraft is also a Cifonelli ambassador.



But the highlight of the event was the presence of a watchmaker from the Lange Manufacture. It is always a strong asset when there is one... the watchmakers have a big power of attraction and people are always amazed by their skills... and they start to understand why a mechanical watch, even if it is a simple one, has a little something a watch powered by a battery doesn't have.

His tie was not coming from Viola Milano... but at least it was in the right context!

Do you recognize the movement he was working on? It was the caliber of the Richard Lange Tourbillon PLM.




I was very happy to see this beautiful Langematik on his wrist:



I was wearing my Cabaret while Lucia, from the Lange team, was wearing her Saxonia:



With Lucia (the best moment of the party wink ):



And with Thibaut, Lange Western Europe manager and Alexander Kraft who was proudly wearing a Lange One Moonphase:



I would like to thank a lot the Lange Team and Alexander Kraft for the perfect organization of this great event.

Fx

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

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The Discussion
VI
VintageAlex (aka AlexKontiki)
Mar 4, 2017

Great L&S party report. But the greatest thing is seeing you healthy. All the best always. Alex

VI
VintageAlex (aka AlexKontiki)
Mar 4, 2017

Only time, excersice, good food and the love and patience of your friends and family will give you a better life quality! My father (59 years old now), had a stroke 10 years ago and he\'s still working to recover his basic abilities. Keep working happily my friend, I can see that you are following the good road. Regards Alex

YE
yesjb
Mar 4, 2017

The venue is a lovely place. I was there for a wedding reception a few years ago. A great view of the Eiffel Tower as well. And of course, Stephan from Lange, a very knowledgeable person. Great to see all the watches too. Hope to see you soon. All the best, Joseph

JO
Joepny
Mar 4, 2017

Great report Fx! Am very taken by the first orange leather strap.

MA
Mark in Paris
Mar 4, 2017

Getting such event is indeed a good way to go imho. Great to see you had a nice time! Best, Mark

MI
Mike H
Mar 4, 2017

The event seems to have gathered only nice stuff... obviously for a targeted public only but that's the name of the game with real luxury... I had the pleasure to spend a pleasant time with Thibaut and Lucia the previous day and it is true that this Lange team is top nice and professional at the same time (just=like Sunny btw ). Many thanks for the report FX, Mike

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