Renowned German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne has once again pushed the boundaries of horological excellence with the introduction of the latest addition to its Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar collection. This new release combines timeless elegance with unparalleled precision, setting a new standard in the world of luxury timepieces.
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar has long been celebrated for its distinctive dial design, where complex information is artfully arranged for both legibility and aesthetics. This masterful watch now makes its mark in 2023 with a platinum case and a mesmerizing black dial, adding a new dimension to its already impressive lineup.
Crafted from 950 platinum, the case maintains the same dimensions as its predecessors, measuring 41.9mm in diameter and 12.1mm in thickness. This substantial case provides the necessary canvas for the intricate perpetual calendar complications and adheres to A. Lange & Söhne’s signature design language.
The solid silver dial, finished in rich black, serves as an ideal backdrop for the array of indications. Of particular note is the blue moonphase disk, complete with an integrated day/night indicator. Stars against a dark blue background signify night, while a light blue sky without stars indicates day. A running seconds hand gracefully orbits the moonphase disk, emphasizing the watch’s attention to detail.
Moving clockwise from the moonphase, the dial presents a retrograde day indicator, starting with Monday at the bottom and culminating with Sunday at the top. A. Lange & Söhne’s iconic oversized date windows, with clear white numerals, provide outstanding legibility against the deep black dial. Further enhancing the dial’s sophistication is the hour and minutes subdial, adorned with Roman numerals at the quarters and featuring rhodium-coated gold hands. Lastly, a small leap year counter graces the 6 o’clock position.
Encircling this intricate calendar dance is a periphery month indicator, a clever innovation that streamlines the presentation of this information. A. Lange & Söhne introduced this 48-step cam month display in 2012, and it continues to captivate watch enthusiasts with its precision and ingenuity.
Powering the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar is the in-house Caliber L021.3 self-winding movement, a testament to A. Lange & Söhne’s commitment to craftsmanship. This beautifully finished movement boasts untreated German silver plates and bridges adorned with Glashütte ribbing, a hand-engraved balance cock, gold chatons secured by blued-steel screws, and a 21k gold rotor. A transparent caseback allows admirers to marvel at the movement’s exquisite details. With 621 movement parts, 63 jewels, and five screwed gold chatons, Caliber L021.3 delivers 50 hours of power reserve, operating at a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour (3 Hz).
Completing the distinguished look of the platinum Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar is a hand-stitched black leather strap, fastened with a platinum prong buckle. While pricing details have not been publicly disclosed, the exclusivity and craftsmanship of this timepiece are expected to place it in the upper echelons of luxury watches.
With the introduction of the platinum Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar for 2023, A. Lange & Söhne continues to redefine what is possible in the world of horology, setting new standards for precision, design, and luxury. For enthusiasts and collectors, this watch represents a fusion of artistry and engineering that is nothing short of extraordinary. For more information, please visit the brand’s official website.
