Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 “25th Anniversary”
Step 7 in the 10-watch series to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Lange's icon.
1994-2019 – A. Lange & Söhne’s most iconic watch is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. For the occasion, the Saxon brand has created a series of 10 limited edition pieces, each based on a specific model in the Lange 1 collection (recap just below). Today, it’s time for the Grand Lange 1, the modernized, slightly bolder version of Glashütte’s icon, dressed in the typical 25th-anniversary attire.
Step 7 in a series of 10
The Saxon brand has been clear from the beginning of this series (first presented at SIHH 2019): there will be a total of 10 watches in this “Lange 1 25th Anniversary” series, as each of the 10 existing models in the Lange 1 collection will receive a commemorative edition.
It all started with the 250-piece edition of the classic Lange 1, introduced at the SIHH this year. Later followed watches limited to 25 pieces, the Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase, the Little Lange 1 (ladies’ watch), the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar (the most complex piece of the collection), the Lange 1 Time Zone (the traveller’s watch) and the Lange 1 Moon Phase (the classic size with moon).
Today, the brand unveils its 25th anniversary of the Grand Lange 1. Still awaiting their anniversary edition are the Lange 1 Daymatic (automatic model), the Little Lange 1 Moon (ladies’ size with moon) and the Lange 1 Tourbillon (the one with regulator visible on the front).
The Grand Lange 1 25th Anniversary
Before we go into the details of this 25th-anniversary model, let’s take a look at the Grand Lange 1. This watch, as indicated by its name, is the big sister of the classic Lange 1, sharing the same iconic display and functions, however with a different movement (sized according to the watch) and a larger case.
While the classic Lange 1 measures 38.5mm in diameter, the Grand Lange 1 is a more contemporary, less dressy take on the concept, with a 41mm diameter. The shape is identical with the typical robust lugs, the curved and polished bezel, the flat and brushed casebands and the signature date-correction pusher at 10 o’clock. There is, however, one benefit linked to this increase of size: thickness.
Indeed, while the classic 38.5mm Lange 1 measures 9.8mm in height – and even 10.7mm in its 25th anniversary version, due to a hinged caseback – the Grand Lange 1 is 1mm thinner, at 8.8mm in height, giving the watch completely different proportions – the diameter/height ratio being transformed. This was possible thanks to the different movement.
More space on a horizontal plan means more space to position the parts. Since the movement of the Grand Lange 1 is larger watchmakers can position the technical elements in different positions. The single spring-barrel still offers 72 hours of power reserve. The movement is entirely crafted in-house (balance spring included) and finished in the usual superlative Lange way – thin ribbings, screwed gold chatons, blued screws, polished bevels, engraved balance cock. The movement is large and perfectly fills the caseback.
Specific to the 25th-anniversary models is the 18k white gold case. It is paired with a dark blue alligator strap with silvered stitchings and a white gold prong buckle. Everything related to the habillage is otherwise identical to a non-limited Grand Lange 1.
The dial relies on the same silver/blue theme as all the other watches in this commemorative series. The solid silver dial is argenté and executed on several levels – with some recessed areas and different textures. This is the second model to be dressed in such a way, with the classic Lange 1. The numerals and tracks are printed in blue and the hands executed in blued steel. The display remains identical too, with off-centred hours and minutes, subsidiary small seconds at 4 o’clock, outsized date at 2 o’clock and power reserve on the right side.
The back of the watch reveals a specifically decorated movement, with the balance cock engraved with a discreet signature of the “25th Anniversary” collection, integrated in its blue-filled motif: a framed ’25’ that echoes the Lange outsize date.
The A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 25th Anniversary (ref. 117.066) will be limited to 25 pieces. Its price will be EUR 43,700. More details at www.alange-soehne.com.
