Comments:
There is a nice work behind this watch... The proportions are harmonious.
A Black dial and it is a hit, a killing piece. Such as the Saxonia Thin.
The rest is not for me...
Best, and thanks for this interesting post, specially the comparisons you made about the evolution in thickness.
Nicolas
SIHH 2012: A. Lange & Sohne Novelties World Tour - Tokyo
They arrived at Tokyo Boutique yesterday and are to be on display there until March 4. If you are in the area, please visit the boutique to see, touch, and handle the newest offerings from Lange - like the report from Geneva suggested, the new line-up is the solid one. Seeing in the photo and seeing in person + touching and handling is a quite different experience. You may feel that I am just saying positive things, but you will see when you actually meet them at your AD in the future.
One very sorry news is the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar is just the mock up and it couldn't show us the movement and function.... But the dial was VERY Lange 1 and (aside from the size), I like it as one that carries "Lange DNA" for sure.
Without further talk, let's see the pics.
The Boutique Entrance
1. Datograph U/D
Brothers: one is 39mm, another is 41mm.
Caliber L951.1 and L951.6 - having taken such a long time to complete and debut.
(for those who do not know, Lange's caliber numbering system is that the first two digits means the year they started development of the caliber - in this case, in 95, at the same time as the original Datograph)
Not bad at all in person. A bit of "blankness" or "too much space" around the 1:30 and 10:30 area, but will get used to it, I hope.
As a Chronograph, the size is not so bad - even for me who is strictly "under 40mm" guy.
Another brothers shot. Original Dato is very well balanced AND well concentrated in the right sized dial, while U/D still retains its good balance but more "space" or "room" which you may or may not like. I am, in general, okay with that. If I had not had Dato, I might take the plunge
Very similar to L951.1, but of course with increased (from 36 to 60 hours) power reserve and added power reserve meter function.
Thickness got slightly increased from 12.8mm to 13.1mm. The "rim" around the display back got a bit wider.
Side by side on the wrist. Anybody who love Dato COULD live with this size.
2. Grand Lange 1
As I thought, this is the right design, Lange 1 or Grand Lange 1 - to my eyes anyway.
Lange 1 MP (38.5mm) and the New Grand Lange 1 (40.9mm: used to be 41.9mm). I like it, but maybe a bit too big for my wrist as a dress watch..... YMMV
What is more remarkable, which I found having met in person, is its thickness - 8.8mm. Current Lange 1 & Lange 1 MP has 10.0mm thickness, and the old Grand Lange 1 had 11mm thickness. Deserves special mention here.
You see the thickness difference?
Top is the NEW Grand Lange 1 and the bottom is the original Grand Lange 1 - see the difference in thickness.
3. Now, the Main Event! Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar... (without movement...)
41.9mm
Thickness - 12.2mm
Hmmm. I just wish it were 39.5mm like Daymatik....
The design of the dial is very Lange 1 and I DO appreciate it very much. One of the easiest-to-read Perpetual Calendar watch out there.
4. Saxonia Thin WG
Thickness - 5.9mm
The movement (the same as PG version of last year) has the look of the historical caliber.
Diameter 40mm - barely... but could be smaller....
To my taste and eyes, WG version is much sharper look for suits.
5. Timezone WG with luminous hands
And the brothers. The new one looks nice. But the far left PG Gray dial is soooo sexy.....
Novelties with some of the patricipants.
6. For ladies. I would love the PG case, if I were to buy one for someone
7. Some of the Lange which other participants were wearing.
Classic, but I would never get tired of.
Ah, Annual Calendar.... PG version looks much better for this model....
And the desert of the reception. Lange 1?
That's it. Hope you got a bit deeper dig on the novelties Lange offers this year.
And you all should see this!
www.alange-soehne.com
Like I said, very solid collection from Lange this year. I hope to see the working sample of Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual one day soon.
Best,
Ken
Special thanks to:
Mr. Kesselmann - Brand CEO of A. Lange & Sohne (Japan)
Ms. Sakuma - Manager of Lange Boutique Tokyo This message has been edited by KIH on 2012-02-25 15:45:29
One very sorry news is the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar is just the mock up and it couldn't show us the movement and function.... But the dial was VERY Lange 1 and (aside from the size), I like it as one that carries "Lange DNA" for sure.
Without further talk, let's see the pics.
The Boutique Entrance
1. Datograph U/D
Brothers: one is 39mm, another is 41mm.
Caliber L951.1 and L951.6 - having taken such a long time to complete and debut.
(for those who do not know, Lange's caliber numbering system is that the first two digits means the year they started development of the caliber - in this case, in 95, at the same time as the original Datograph)
Not bad at all in person. A bit of "blankness" or "too much space" around the 1:30 and 10:30 area, but will get used to it, I hope.
As a Chronograph, the size is not so bad - even for me who is strictly "under 40mm" guy.
Another brothers shot. Original Dato is very well balanced AND well concentrated in the right sized dial, while U/D still retains its good balance but more "space" or "room" which you may or may not like. I am, in general, okay with that. If I had not had Dato, I might take the plunge
Very similar to L951.1, but of course with increased (from 36 to 60 hours) power reserve and added power reserve meter function.
Thickness got slightly increased from 12.8mm to 13.1mm. The "rim" around the display back got a bit wider.
Side by side on the wrist. Anybody who love Dato COULD live with this size.
2. Grand Lange 1
As I thought, this is the right design, Lange 1 or Grand Lange 1 - to my eyes anyway.
Lange 1 MP (38.5mm) and the New Grand Lange 1 (40.9mm: used to be 41.9mm). I like it, but maybe a bit too big for my wrist as a dress watch..... YMMV
What is more remarkable, which I found having met in person, is its thickness - 8.8mm. Current Lange 1 & Lange 1 MP has 10.0mm thickness, and the old Grand Lange 1 had 11mm thickness. Deserves special mention here.
You see the thickness difference?
Top is the NEW Grand Lange 1 and the bottom is the original Grand Lange 1 - see the difference in thickness.
3. Now, the Main Event! Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar... (without movement...)
41.9mm
Thickness - 12.2mm
Hmmm. I just wish it were 39.5mm like Daymatik....
The design of the dial is very Lange 1 and I DO appreciate it very much. One of the easiest-to-read Perpetual Calendar watch out there.
4. Saxonia Thin WG
Thickness - 5.9mm
The movement (the same as PG version of last year) has the look of the historical caliber.
Diameter 40mm - barely... but could be smaller....
To my taste and eyes, WG version is much sharper look for suits.
5. Timezone WG with luminous hands
And the brothers. The new one looks nice. But the far left PG Gray dial is soooo sexy.....
Novelties with some of the patricipants.
6. For ladies. I would love the PG case, if I were to buy one for someone
7. Some of the Lange which other participants were wearing.
Classic, but I would never get tired of.
Ah, Annual Calendar.... PG version looks much better for this model....
And the desert of the reception. Lange 1?
That's it. Hope you got a bit deeper dig on the novelties Lange offers this year.
And you all should see this!
www.alange-soehne.com
Like I said, very solid collection from Lange this year. I hope to see the working sample of Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual one day soon.
Best,
Ken
Special thanks to:
Mr. Kesselmann - Brand CEO of A. Lange & Sohne (Japan)
Ms. Sakuma - Manager of Lange Boutique Tokyo This message has been edited by KIH on 2012-02-25 15:45:29
The latest Lange One is the clear winner, among all those you showed, IMO.
There is a nice work behind this watch... The proportions are harmonious.
A Black dial and it is a hit, a killing piece. Such as the Saxonia Thin.
The rest is not for me...
Best, and thanks for this interesting post, specially the comparisons you made about the evolution in thickness.
Nicolas
There may come a Grand Lange 1 "Darth" someday :-)
That might be interesting...
Yeah, the thinner case is very nice, I think.
Ken
Yeah, the thinner case is very nice, I think.
Ken
Thanks a lot Ken for the report !
As you pointed it out, slenderness is the key point of the new Grand Lange 1 thanks to the use of a single barrel.
I was really seduced by this watch even if I regret the absence of a WG version.
Thanks a lot for the report... and thanks also for the pics of the Lange 1 MOP!
Fx
I was really seduced by this watch even if I regret the absence of a WG version.
Thanks a lot for the report... and thanks also for the pics of the Lange 1 MOP!
Fx
Thanks !
I was filmed 3 minutes after my arrival at SIHH... It was a bit difficult but I appreciated the shooting. I did the same in 2011 with Tino about the Saxonia Dual Time.
Fx
Fx
...and, no, there was no L1 MOP..
... you mean L1 MP Tokyo Edition? Now that's my love
Ken
Ken
Yes the Tokyo Edition, a watch I've never had the chance to see it.
Sorry, I wrote MOP instead of MP, I was thinking about something else at the same time...
Fx
This message has been edited by foversta on 2012-02-25 04:35:04
Fx
This message has been edited by foversta on 2012-02-25 04:35:04
Superb reviews and pics Ken!
Thanks for posting. I had a blast viewing/reading this post!
First in the world!
Thank you Ken!
My sentiments exactly after seeing your live photos of the new Datograph, lots of open space right around the 10:30 and 1:30 positions.
Still like the L1 Tokyo Edition the most; my favorite Lange One in the whole world, even eclipsing the L1 Tourbillon!
What are your thoughts of the case of the new Grand Lange 1. I haven't seen it in person nor held it, but something gives me the impression that it's probably lighter in weight; the movement is much larger, the case much thinner, a reduction of weight and gold/platinum content. Did you get such a feeling?
So far, not a fan of the new perpetual calendar tourbillon automatic. Haven't been a fan and even your photographs do not make me love this watch more. Underwhelming and not beautiful enough for me.
I do like the Saxonia Ultra-Thin, but something about this movement just doesn't look richly decorated enough. Maybe bevelled and polished teeth on the steel mainspring winding wheels would help the appearance? I know I'm being overly critical here.
Thank you Ken, and I hope you get that rose gold diamond Saxonia soon! Great post! Much appreciated!
Well...
...Grand Lange 1 - Yes, it felt a bit lighter, but thinner case made it look easier to wear. But on my small wrist, the diameter does matter and may not work well. OTOH, it could look great on the bigger wrists, and the thinner case would even give an elegant, dressy feel.
Saxonia Thin - I, too, feel that something more could be done. But it is what it is..... Dress watch may be meant to be that way.
L1 Tourby Perpetual - The outer ring of the dial (month) is the reason for the bigger dial, I suppose. But I still think it could be smaller..... The design reminds me of Timezone, which I wish were a bit smaller, too..... Since it is really one of the easiest to read perpetual, I wish it had been designed a little smaller without compromising legibility.....
Ken
Saxonia Thin - I, too, feel that something more could be done. But it is what it is..... Dress watch may be meant to be that way.
L1 Tourby Perpetual - The outer ring of the dial (month) is the reason for the bigger dial, I suppose. But I still think it could be smaller..... The design reminds me of Timezone, which I wish were a bit smaller, too..... Since it is really one of the easiest to read perpetual, I wish it had been designed a little smaller without compromising legibility.....
Ken
really appreciated these real life shots
especially from the side and on the wrist. Nothing I want or (in the case of the perpetual, can afford) this year but all done in good taste and without damage to the reputation, I think.
Best
Andreas
You are welcome!
You already have a nice bunch of Lange... With hope for the even better offerings, let us go up little by little
Ken
Ken
saxonia/datograph
i love the saxonia for its simplicity. really elegant.
on the datograph which remains beautiful, you raise a very good point about the extra black space cause by the enlarged size and the change of hour markers. i do think the earlier model is superior on this count. still, it is beautiful.
chris
on the datograph which remains beautiful, you raise a very good point about the extra black space cause by the enlarged size and the change of hour markers. i do think the earlier model is superior on this count. still, it is beautiful.
chris
Yes...
... the new Dato is still beautiful. Everyone agrees. It is just the matter of your taste....
Ken
Ken
Thanks for the nice write up Ken.........
My favorite novelty this year is the new Dato. The more I look at it the more I like it better than the original. I can wait for the New York preview!
Tony
Tony
Hi Tony,
... Let's see which you will like more, 1815 CHR or the new Dato...? Let me know when you see the new Dato!
Ken
Ken
Thanks Ken!
Great report Ken, wish I could have been there. Love most of the new watches though I also don't feel comfortable with watches over 40 mm. Oh well, I realize we are in the minority.
The Lange 1 desserts are really cool! Does anyone else have photos of Lange-inspired food presentations?
The Lange 1 desserts are really cool! Does anyone else have photos of Lange-inspired food presentations?
Agree: Daymatik and Saxonia Annual in PG are nice!
This years collection is o.k. .
The Ueber-watch will hit the nerv of people who can afford it, is a fine watch.
The Grand Lange 1 I do not really get: the old one looked far more distinguished, the movement in the new is too big for the case.
The Saxonia Thin? Too big.
New Timezone looks good.
But I would not see them as new assets to the collection as the Daymatik in P or the Saxonia Annual in PG.
These are two Langes that I would like to own.
Thank you for the great pictures.
Regards
Moritz
The Ueber-watch will hit the nerv of people who can afford it, is a fine watch.
The Grand Lange 1 I do not really get: the old one looked far more distinguished, the movement in the new is too big for the case.
The Saxonia Thin? Too big.
New Timezone looks good.
But I would not see them as new assets to the collection as the Daymatik in P or the Saxonia Annual in PG.
These are two Langes that I would like to own.
Thank you for the great pictures.
Regards
Moritz
Always good to see you covering the events!
It's very good to see so much platinums!
Though i really wished the watches were more creative.
Well, next year as they say.....
Glad you enjoyed the night and i wished i was there too! Gosh i miss those days in Tokyo!
Stephen
Hey, I was kinda expecting...
... you to pop up. We miss you, too! Show up once in a while if you come to Tokyo and have free time.
Hope all is well!
Ken
Yea i wish to do that too!
But as you know when i go Tokyo these days it's always for very tightly packed business!
And when i could visit the shops, i think most of you are working!
But, thanks anyways for bringing the show to me! I would have loved ALL THOSE CHAMPAGNE! And when would you come to here? There wont be much watches unfortunately to see, but there is the friendship!
Cheers
Stephen