A. Lange & Söhne
Founded in Glashütte in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange, A. Lange & Söhne is a German luxury watch brand renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and innovative designs. The brand is known for its technical precision, and its watches are often considered some of the most complicated and advanced timepieces in the world.
A. Lange & Söhne has a long history of innovation, having developed several key watchmaking technologies, including the first three-quarter plate, the first stop-second mechanism, and the first double-split chronograph. Today, the brand continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking by combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to create timepieces that are both beautiful and functional.
Each A. Lange & Söhne watch is crafted with unparalleled attention to detail, resulting in timepieces that are not only technically precise but also visually stunning. The brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation has earned it a reputation as one of the most respected and sought-after names in the luxury watch industry.
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About the brand
A. Lange & Söhne
The Founder
A student of royal watchmaker Johann Christian Friedrich Gutkaes (inventor of the famous “Five Minute” clock at Dresden’s Semperoper), F.A. Lange helped to establish a blueprint for watchmaking that would go on to impact the surrounding region of Saxony for over 100 years.
Beginning his business with just 15 employees, F.A. was later joined by sons Emil and Richard, who helped develop Lange’s business and mechanical innovations. The company played a significant role in the German watch industry throughout the 20th century - including during the era’s major military conflicts.
Following almost four decades of state ownership - brought about by the end of WWII - the company was effectively resurrected by Walter Lange (F.A.’s great-grandson) and legendary industry exec. Günter Blümlein.
History
Established in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange, the House of Lange is arguably the world’s preeminent force of German watchmaking.
A family-owned enterprise for much of the 20th century, the company underwent nationalisation during the period when Saxony was part of the GDR - an East German satellite state with close ties to the Soviet Union.
Following the Soviet collapse, Walter Lange set about reviving his great-grandfather’s business. Today, Lange is synonymous with an extremely meticulous and precise style of fine watchmaking: influenced by principles of mathematics, architecture and the unique heritage of Glashütte.
The brand has a reputation for producing some of the most mechanically sophisticated watches in the world bar none: such as the divinely proportioned Lange 1 or the Zeitwerk - a fully mechanical “jumping” watch fitted with a digital display.
Iconic Models and Watches
Tourbillon Pour Le Mérite, Datograph (First Generation), Odysseus, Lange 1 Ref. 101.028
Frequently Asked Questions
The price range for A. Lange & Söhne watch models varies widely depending on the model, materials, and complications. Generally, A. Lange & Söhne watches are considered to be among the most expensive luxury watches in the world, with prices ranging from around $20,000 to over $2 million for the most complicated models.
For example, the Lange 1 model typically starts at around $30,000, while the Datograph costs around $80,000. The Richard Lange model starts at around $40,000, while the Double Split and Tourbograph models can cost upwards of $300,000. The Grand Complication model is one of the most expensive watches produced by A. Lange & Söhne, with a price tag of over $2 million.
It's worth noting that these prices are just estimates and can vary depending on the specific features and materials of each watch.
A. Lange & Söhne watches are known for their exceptional quality, attention to detail, and technical precision. Some of the key features that set A. Lange & Söhne watches apart from other luxury watch brands include:
- Complications: A. Lange & Söhne watches are often highly complicated, featuring intricate mechanisms such as perpetual calendars, moon-phase indicators, and tourbillons.
- Finishing: The finishing on A. Lange & Söhne watches is of the highest quality, with each component being meticulously hand-finished to ensure that it meets the brand's exacting standards.
- Materials: A. Lange & Söhne uses only the finest materials in its watches, including precious metals such as gold and platinum, and high-tech materials such as titanium and ceramic.
- Design: A. Lange & Söhne watches are renowned for their elegant and timeless designs, which often feature classic elements such as Roman numerals and blued steel hands.
- Innovation: A. Lange & Söhne has a long history of innovation, having been responsible for several key advancements in watchmaking technology, such as the first three-quarter plate and the first double-split chronograph. All of these features combine to make A. Lange & Söhne watches some of the most sought-after and respected timepieces in the world.
A. Lange & Söhne has several popular watch models, each with its own unique features and design. Here are some of the most sought-after A. Lange & Söhne watch models:
- Lange 1: The Lange 1 is one of the brand's most iconic models, featuring an off-center dial, a large date display, and an elegant yet understated design.
- Saxonia: The Saxonia is a classic dress watch model with a minimalist design and clean lines. It is available in both time-only and date models.
- Datograph: The Datograph is a chronograph watch with a flyback function and a beautifully decorated movement visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
- Richard Lange: The Richard Lange is a collection of watches that pays tribute to the brand's founder, Ferdinand Adolph Lange. These watches feature a regulator-style dial and a high-precision movement.
- Zeitwerk: The Zeitwerk is a unique watch that displays the time using mechanical digital numerals, making it an eye-catching and distinctive timepiece.
All of these A. Lange & Söhne watch models are highly regarded by collectors and connoisseurs alike and represent some of the finest examples of German watchmaking.
Yes, there are several other A. Lange & Söhne watch models that are highly sought after by collectors. Here are a few more examples:
- 1815: The 1815 is a classic watch model that pays tribute to the birth year of the brand's founder. It features a simple yet elegant design and is available in several different variations, including chronograph and perpetual calendar models.
- Double Split: The Double Split is a chronograph watch with a unique double rattrapante function, allowing for the measurement of two simultaneous events.
- Lange 31: The Lange 31 is a mechanical watch with a power reserve of 31 days, making it one of the longest power reserves of any mechanical watch.
- Tourbograph: The Tourbograph is a highly complicated watch that features a tourbillon, a chronograph, and a perpetual calendar, all in one timepiece.
- Grand Complication: The Grand Complication is the ultimate A. Lange & Söhne watch, featuring a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, a split-seconds chronograph, and a moon-phase display, all in one incredibly complex timepiece.
All of these A. Lange & Söhne watch models are highly regarded for their exceptional quality, technical precision, and attention to detail, making them some of the most desirable watches among collectors and connoisseurs.
Yes, there are some A. Lange & Söhne watch models that are priced below $20,000. However, it's important to note that even these entry-level models are still considered high-end luxury watches and are priced accordingly.
For example, the Saxonia Thin model, which is a simple time-only watch with a minimalist design, starts at around $16,000. The Saxonia Automatic, which features a date display and a slightly larger case, starts at around $20,000. Both of these models are relatively simple compared to some of the brand's more complicated watches, but they still feature exceptional quality and attention to detail.
It's also worth noting that the prices of A. Lange & Söhne watches can vary depending on the region and the availability of the watch. In some cases, prices may be higher or lower than the estimates provided, so it's always best to check with an authorized dealer or retailer for the most accurate pricing information.
The more complicated A. Lange & Söhne watches feature a range of advanced technical features and complications that set them apart from simpler timepieces. Some of the key features of the more complicated A. Lange & Söhne watches include:
- Perpetual calendar: A perpetual calendar is a complication that displays the date, day of the week, month, and year, and automatically adjusts for leap years.
- Minute repeater: A minute repeater is a complication that chimes the time on demand, using a series of small hammers and gongs. Chronograph: A chronograph is a complication that allows the wearer to measure time intervals, typically using a stopwatch function.
- Tourbillon: A tourbillon is a complication that compensates for errors in timekeeping caused by gravity, by placing the regulating organ of the watch (the balance wheel and hairspring) in a rotating cage.
- Double split: A double split is a chronograph with two separate split-seconds hands, allowing the wearer to time two separate events simultaneously.
- Moon-phase indicator: A moon-phase indicator displays the phases of the moon, typically using a rotating disc that shows the moon as it appears in the sky.
These complications are often combined in various ways to create watches that are extremely complex and technically advanced. The more complicated A. Lange & Söhne watches require a great deal of skill and expertise to design and manufacture, and are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs for their exceptional quality and technical precision.
The price range for the more complicated A. Lange & Söhne watches varies widely depending on the model and the level of complexity. Generally, these watches are considered to be among the most expensive luxury watches in the world, with prices ranging from around $50,000 to over $2 million for the most complicated models.
For example, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, which features a chronograph, a perpetual calendar, and a tourbillon, can cost upwards of $250,000. The Zeitwerk Minute Repeater, which combines a mechanical digital display with a minute repeater, starts at around $500,000. The Grand Complication, which features a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, a split-seconds chronograph, and a moon-phase display, is one of the most expensive watches produced by A. Lange & Söhne, with a price tag of over $2 million.
It's worth noting that these prices are just estimates and can vary depending on the specific features and materials of each watch. Additionally, some of the more complicated A. Lange & Söhne watches are produced in limited editions, which can increase their value and exclusivity.
A. Lange & Söhne watches command high prices due to their exceptional craftsmanship, intricate mechanical movements, and limited production. Each timepiece is meticulously hand-finished and assembled, often using exclusive materials. The brand's reputation for precision and exclusivity, coupled with its deep horological heritage, contributes to its value. For collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate fine watchmaking and the prestige associated with owning A. Lange & Söhne, these watches are often considered worth the investment.
A. Lange & Söhne watches have limited production and high demand. The brand typically maintains a waitlist for its most sought-after models. Annually, A. Lange & Söhne produces a relatively small number of watches, estimated to be around 5,000 pieces, emphasizing quality over quantity. The exact time taken to manufacture a Lange watch varies depending on the complexity of the model, but it can range from several months to over a year, as each timepiece undergoes meticulous handcrafting and stringent quality control processes. This limited production and extensive craftsmanship contribute to their exclusivity and allure.
Both brands showcase the heritage of Glashütte watchmaking but cater to different audiences, with A. Lange & Söhne positioned in the ultra-high-end segment and Glashütte Original appealing to a broader range of luxury watch enthusiasts.
A. Lange & Söhne predominantly produces watches in precious metals such as gold and platinum, which aligns with their positioning as a high-end luxury watchmaker. However, they have occasionally made watches in stainless steel such as their ODYSSEUS series. Due to their scarcity, A. Lange & Söhne's stainless steel watches are highly sought after by collectors and command premium prices.
A. Lange & Söhne was founded by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in 1845 in Glashütte, Germany. Since 2000, the company is owned by the Richemont Group, a Switzerland-based luxury goods holding company with a portfolio of prestigious brands.
The slogan of A. Lange & Söhne is "Never Stand Still," encapsulating the brand's ethos of continual innovation and commitment to excellence in watchmaking. It comes from chairman Walter Lange who said, “There is something that you demand not only of your watch, but also of yourself: never stand still.”
