Fr.Xavier (foversta) reviews the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Automatik Terra Braun, a new dial color introduced with the reopening of the Tokyo boutique. He explores how this new shade, ranging from brown to grey depending on light, enhances the Saxonia's appeal and contrasts with the brand's traditionally conservative color palette.
The reopening of the Tokyo boutique gives to Lange & Söhne the opportunity to propose a new dial color for the Saxonia Automatic. This is in my point of view a very good news since I have regretted for several years the lack of color variety in the catalog of the Saxon Manufacture.
The new color is Terra Braun (Earth Brown). From first glance, it doesn't seem to be very original since it can be considered as close to Chocolate Brown. But fortunately, it differs from the latter because of its broad palette. Indeed, according to the light conditions, the dial can become close to grey (but a different grey from the Saxonia boutique edition one). And maybe this wide range of shades explains why this color is available with pink gold case and white gold cases.
When I look at both versions, there is no doubt in my mind. The most interesting version is the one with the neutral metal. It is original because it provides a nice contrast between the case and the dial. And above all, it offers an unique color combination in the Lange collection. However, an important point has to be underlined: taking into account the darker rendering of the the dial, both Saxonia Terra Braun have a perceived size smaller than the Silver Dial version.
The other elements of the Saxonia Automatic remain identical. The 38,5mm case has the right size for this type of watch, not too big, not too small. It is especially well suited to the diameter of the movement L086.1 (30,4mm) as it can be checked thanks to the size and the position of the second hand sub-dial. The thickness of the case (7.8 mm) is limited and the Saxonia Automatic, even if it is not an extra-thin watch, distinguishes itself by its slender style.
The movement L086.1 , which uses an in-house spiral, has a frequency of 3hz and a power reserve of 72 hours. The argument of the increased power reserve is usually put forward by Lange to explain the withdrawal of the Sax-O-Mat caliber and its 3/4 rotor, replaced by a central rotor movement. I do not deny the value and the interest for the customers of this increased power reserve and the quality of the execution of the movement L086.1 makes it very enjoyable to observe. The Lange style and the impeccable finishes are indisputable assets. But we must admit that the movement L086.1 doesn't have the charm of the Sax-O-Mat. I would love to see it back in the context of a simple Lange watch.
Despite this remark that I make regularly, the Saxonia Automatic Terra Braun are nonetheless convincing dress watches with a touch of originality thanks to their dial color. But in a pure Lange context, I would have expected a little more daring approach in the treatment of these two watches. Taking advantage of this new color offer, a more radical choice might have been more appropriate to bring a true added-value to the current collection. But we know the Lange attitude which is very cautious and the Manufacture likes to stay in traditional criteria. I would love to see them sometimes less under control to really surprise us.
Both versions of the Saxonia Automatic Terra Braun are available at the Lange boutique located the Rue de la Paix in Paris.
Pros:
+ the case size and proportions
+ the color combination offered by the white gold version
+ the 3-day power reserve
+ the quality of the finishes
Cons:
- The movement L096.1 doesn't have the charm of the Sax-O-Mat caliber
- The color of the dial is nice but a more daring attitude would have been welcome.
Fr.Xavier
This message has been edited by foversta on 2016-07-17 03:06:36 
