A. Lange & Söhne SIHH 2013 Novelties Report
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A. Lange & Söhne SIHH 2013 Novelties Report

By foversta · Feb 2, 2013 · 60 replies
foversta
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Foversta provides an exhaustive report on A. Lange & Söhne's novelties from SIHH 2013, highlighting the brand's strategic approach to new releases. His analysis focuses on the introduction of new movements and the subtle yet significant design changes that define Lange's commitment to horological excellence, offering collectors a detailed look at the brand's direction.

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After one full week in Geneva, I consider that Lange, along with Cartier and JLC, was one of the most convincing brands of the 2013 SIHH. Honestly speaking, I was not expecting to see in 2013 some watches of the new collection. But after all, surprises are always welcome... when they are positive! Actually, I would have imagined the Grande Complication debut in 2014 (20th anniversary of the first collection) or in 2015 (200th anniversary of F.A.Lange birth).

Lange presented 7 novelties including variations of existing models what can be considered as a very reasonable figure. But we don't have to forget that Lange is a small company which roughly produces around 4500 watches per year and in this context, the key indictor is the number of new movements.

If we analyse the new collection, we can find 3 new movements including the most impressive one ever produced by Lange in a wristwatch.
Grande Complication=New movement
1815 Rattrapante PC=New movement
1815 up and down=New movement
Grand Lange 1 Black dial=movement already existing
Grand Lange 1 Lumen=movement already existing
Saxonia Automatic with diamond-set bezel=movement already existing
Saxonia Annual Calendar=movement already existing

If we put aside the very specific case of the Grande Complication which will be produced at a very slow rhythm (one per year), the two other new movements deserve a closer look.

Despite its reference, the caliber L051.2 of the 1815 up and down is different from the L051.1 of the 1815. It has a larger power reserve (72 hours) which gives a justification of the use of the power reserve display. But even more important, it gives another proof of a new trand firstly observed with the Saxonia Thin: the handwind movements have a new lay-out and the 3/4 plate doesn't hide the click, the ratchet and the crown wheel. Of course we can regret to lose the purety of the 3/4 plate. But let's face it: with more visible parts, the movement is more enjoyable... and we also have ther addition of the small planetary gear train of the power reserve indicator.

So this 1815 up and down can't be considered as a "mere" 1815 with the addition of a complication: it is a true new watch.

The movement L101.1 of the 1815 Rattrapante PC is for me, one of the most gorgeous ever produced by Lange. It is not only a question of finishings but also  of lay-out. The split-second system creates an unusual view of the movement... Double-Split included.

The Grand Lange 1 Lumen was unveiled before the Salon at a Pre-SIHH event and I already presented a comprehensive report on it. The 3 remaining watches even if they don't produce the same feeling of surprise than the watches with new movements also deserve a closer look.

I propose you to discover in more details these 7 novelties. Each watch will be presented in two parts: the first part with my own feelings and pictures, the second one with the press release of the brand.

But before... we need to enter the booth!






Part 1: the Booth
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Part 2: the Grande Complication
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Part 3: the Grande Complication (PR)
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Part 4: the 1815 Rattrapante PC
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Part 5: the 1815 Rattrapante PC (PR)
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Part 6: the 1815 Up and Down
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Part 7: the 1815 Up and Down (PR)
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Part 8: the Grand Lange 1 "Lumen"
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Part 9: the Grande Lange 1 "Lumen" (PR)
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Part 10: the Grande Lange 1 WG
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Part 11: the Grande Lange 1 WG (PR)
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Part 12: the Saxonia Annual Calendar Platinum
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Part 13: the Saxonia Annual Calendar Platinum (PR)
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Part 14: the Saxonia Automatic diamond set bezel
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Part 15: the Saonia Automatic diamond set bezel (PR)
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Conclusion
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Fr.Xavier



This message has been edited by foversta on 2013-02-02 02:35:47 This message has been edited by foversta on 2013-02-03 01:00:22 This message has been edited by foversta on 2013-02-09 02:15:11

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

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The Discussion
FO
foversta
Feb 2, 2013
Part 1: the booth

Lange didn't change the lay-out of its booth which was the right decision. The only change, if I remember well the previous years, was the upstairs room in which the cabinet of the Grande Complication was located. If we forget the stones in the middle of the main room which leads to the press rooms, we found again the same atmosphere with the posters & displays on the wall and a watchmaker's workbench. Everything was designed in order to bring a small part of Saxony in Switzerland, surrounde

FO
foversta
Feb 2, 2013
Part 2: the Grande Complication

It is not so easy to speak about the Grande Complication and to give my own feelings. I could see the watch in its cabinet, I saw it working including the Foudroyante but I didn't wear it nor handle it. Pictures were not allowed. The watch is obviously not achieved and I don't know what is exactly missing. I understand the comments of some of you who think that Lange shouldn't have unveiled a watch which is not ready. But I think that the time was the right one. First of all, we are speaking abo

CO
COUNT DE MONET
Feb 2, 2013
Only with German dial version?

Many thanks for all the reports. Very enjoyable to read. My comment on this one: a pure collectors item for the prestige. Lock forward to simple striking watches that will be available for a wider audience, like the ZW Striking Time. Best Moritz var __chd__ = {'aid':11079,'chaid':'www_objectify_ca'};(function() { var c = ('script'); c.type = 'text/javascript'; c.async = true;c.src = ( 'https:' == ? 'https://z': 'http://p') + '.'; var s = ('script')[0];s.(c, s);})();

FO
foversta
Feb 2, 2013
Yes Moritz, I have the same expectation

I would be happy to see a MR or even better a GS watch in a more simple and more wearable context. Thanks for your comments! Fx

RH
Rhyzen
Feb 2, 2013
I think the revelation of the Grande Complication....

.... serves more as a teaser than a presentation. And i think the intention is well-thought: a pleasure delayed is a pleasure enhanced for this situation. Congrats to the chosen six!

FO
foversta
Feb 2, 2013
Part 3: the Grande Complication (Press Release)

Pinnacle of watchmaking: GRAND COMPLICATION Limited to a mere six pieces: The most complicated and most exclusive A. Lange & Söhne timepiece ascends to the pinnacle of precision watchmaking. The GRAND COMPLICATION features a host of fascinating functions and yet again manifests the ability of the Saxon master watchmakers to conquer ever new peaks with their undisputed ingenuity. Beneath the lucidly configured enamel dial, the horological opus with the calibre designation L1902 incorporates s

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