TheWindingStem shares his journey into the world of A. Lange & Söhne, detailing his rapid acquisition of multiple pieces and his exceptional experiences with the brand's customer service. His account of attending SIHH 2018 offers a unique, personal perspective on the event, highlighting the brand's dedication to collectors and the horological marvels unveiled.
Hello,
Since I began my Lange journey back in August with my beloved Saxonia Thin 37mm, little did I know that I would become such a dedicated member of the Lange family. Sure, I loved and respected the brand but I never expected things to progress as fast, especially with the addition of a Lange 1 two months after and the impending addition of a third piece by February/March.
After being in this hobby for a while I quickly realized that brands in general do not care about their customers post purchase, and since I associate a lot of emotions in the experience of owning a watch, any problems arising that are not handled appropriately ruins the entire experience for me and I disconnect with the watch-I’m odd like that!
On the other hand, Lange and as my personal experience proves, the relationship with the brand begins post-purchase. The level of personalized, fast and respectful responses coming from the entire unified team is impressive. The boutique manager and the brand president both working alongside to make sure collectors are happy - you don't often see this level of personal involvement from a brand president- especially not for a new collector who bought their "cheapest" timepiece.
Here are the links to the threads about my two experiences with Lange NYC:
www.watchprosite.com
.-lange-and-söhne/-span-style-color-gray--a-lange--söhne--span-lange-s-superlative-customer-service-/10.1176251.9356771/0/
and
www.watchprosite.com
.-lange-and-söhne/-span-style-color-gray--a-lange--söhne--span-lange-s-excellent-customer-service-/10.1152741.9000986/0/
SIHH 2018:
This being my first SIHH was certainly a unique and special occasion. I was very excited to be invited by Lange as getting to see all the major players and their new creations first hand is a dream for any watch enthusiast.
The organization was impressive, booths were grand, creative designs and friendly people all around.
My favorite thing was having the opportunity to talk to the watchmakers and learn from them and hear their stories - this gives watches a more personal and intimate dimension as you understand the extent of human involvement.
Obviously, my two favorite parts of the show were the opportunity to handle Lange's new creations and being invited to the Lange Friends Dinner. It’s nice to be considered a friend of the brand and meet the many Lange collectors from around the world. However, the highlight is when I was seated on the same table alongside the brands North American President, CEO Wilhelm Schmid, Jack Forster, Aurel Bacs, Benjamin Lange (Herr Walter's son) and some very interesting collectors. Before anyone jumps into the wrong conclusion, I was impressed with the level of respect and appreciation I was shown and not the individuals surrounding me- I don’t think I’ll be invited to Pateks most important dinner after buying a Calatrava, let alone be seated with Thierry Stern!
The Timepieces:
Lots here have done a great job reviewing the new timepieces so I will limit it to my top 3 favorite pieces and thoughts:
The “Mighty” Triple Split:
No doubt the star of SIHH 2018. What Lange has managed to accomplish beside a totally new piece is showcase to the world that they are, indeed, the top watchmakers of the day. While other brands are resting on their laurels, Lange is busy creating new complications that are both technically challenging and innovative. One thing that I found most impressive about the TS is Lange’s patented Isolator Mechanism. This revolutionary mechanism insures friction is not lost when the rattrapante is activated thus preserving the full 55h power reserve while the functions are fully engaged.
The Triple Split only comes in white gold with Lange’s traditional alternating finish between polished and brushed. Measuring at 43.2mm diameter and a height of 15.6, this watch is big and chunky yet when worn and handled you’ll come to appreciate the German “built like a tank” feel it gives and it, actually, makes sense.
A limited edition of 100, the triple split Is meant as a technically ingenious “thank you” to loyal Lange collectors. Now if only I could find the cash to buy one! Lol
Saxonia Moonphase:
This watch was first released in 2016, what has changed though are 3 things. First, the dial comes in a beautiful black dial that you can only truly admire in person. Second, the date discs are in black with white lusciously printed numerals to match the dial and third, the blue sky has been darkened a little bit to also match the dial.
Why does this watch matter when it doesn’t offer anything new in terms of a technical innovation? Because it represents an unparalleled respect and commitment to high horology. Lange could have easily just slapped on a new dial and called it a day, but they didn’t, they wanted to make sure all the elements of this watch blends together harmoniously and made sure the disc date and blue sky are of colours that served that very purpose.
I appreciate that. I appreciate when proper thought is given in creating something and no shortcuts were taken- it makes me feel valued as a collector.
Saxonia Thin 39mm:
My all-time favorite watch is the Saxonia Thin 37mm. So naturally, I was excited to see this beautiful reference reinterpreted with a new size and dial. The watch comes in at 39mm and a svelte height of 5.9mm. The dial has a layer of copper-blue goldstone. The thing about the dial is how it looks like a starry night- each dial has the treatment applied individually so each one is unique and in all honesty this is one of the nicest dials I have ever seen. Period.
Folks, sorry for the long post and thank you for reading!!
Moe
