A. Lange & Sohne celebrates 30 years of the iconic Lange 1 in Singapore

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An important piece on display is the Lange 1 Luminous in white gold, boasting a black
dial with luminous markers.

The original Lange 1 from the first collection introduced in 1994 was pivotal in re-establishing the brand and is a testament to how the design code of the Lange 1 family has remained steadfast over the last three decades.

PHOTO: A. LANGE & SOHNE

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SINGAPORE – German luxury watchmaker A. Lange & Sohne is bringing a slice of horological history to Singapore with an exhibition, 30 Years Of The Lange 1.

To be held at the Ion Orchard Atrium from Oct 24 to 29, the exhibition promises a fascinating journey into the past, present and future of one of the watch world’s most iconic designs.

Besides standout pieces from the Lange 1 collection, watch enthusiasts can look forward to live demonstrations and hear stories from Singaporean collectors about their Lange timepieces.

The Lange 1 made its debut in 1994 and quickly earned its place in watch history with a distinctive design that breaks convention and meticulous craftsmanship which blends tradition with innovation. More significantly, this model tells a story of rebirth and resilience, embodying A. Lange & Sohne’s remarkable comeback.

Launched as the first major release after Germany’s reunification, which took place from 1989 to 1991, the Lange 1 symbolises the revival of both the brand and Glashutte, a small town in Saxony known as a watchmaking hub. The town was part of East Germany until the reunification.

Glashutte’s legacy was nearly lost after the town was bombed during World War II and subsequently occupied by Soviet forces.

However, everything changed with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Mr Walter Lange, great-grandson of the brand’s founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange, seized the opportunity to reclaim his family’s legacy. Determined to revive German watchmaking, he breathed new life into A. Lange & Sohne, which was established in 1845, restoring Glashutte’s place on the world’s horological stage.

He achieved that with the Lange 1, which has an asymmetrical dial layout defying the usual focus on symmetry found in luxury watches.

One of its most distinctive features is the big date window – inspired by the famous five-minute clock in Dresden Semper Opera House, made by Mr Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s tutor Friedrich Gutkaes in 1841. It conspires with the offset hour and minute sub-dials to create a balanced, if unconventional, and instantly recognisable look.

Looks aside, the model flaunts the calibre L901.0 – the first in-house movement for A. Lange & Sohne in the modern era. Besides the hand-assembled three-quarter plate, blued screws and gold chatons, it also boasts an impressive 72-hour power reserve, thanks to its double barrel. 

The model’s core design has remained steadfast over the years, although it has been given new complications such as moon phases, tourbillons and perpetual calendars. Hand-engraved details in the movement also give every piece a unique, personal touch.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the chance to admire a curated selection of Lange 1 watches, including the original Lange 1 from 1994.

Another big draw is the 25th Anniversary series from 2019, comprising 10 limited-edition models crafted in white gold with elegant blue accents.

Two pieces from the 25th Anniversary series: The Grand Lange 1 Moonphase (left) and Little Lange 1 Moonphase.

PHOTO: A. LANGE & SOHNE

Among them is the Lange 1 25th Anniversary model, which shines with a hand-engraved hinged cuvette, silver dial and blue details. The Grand Lange 1 Moonphase 25th Anniversary brings together practical function and celestial beauty with its moon-phase complication, while the Lange 1 Tourbillon 25th Anniversary adds a touch of sophistication with a tourbillon complication.

A master craftsman from A. Lange & Sohne’s Saxony manufacture will also be on hand to give live engraving demonstrations. Guests will see first-hand the intricate detailing that goes into each timepiece, from the delicate balance cocks to the ornate case backs.

The exhibition also features a series of four videos showcasing creatives, entrepreneurs and design leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. The Singaporeans featured include Mr Larry Peh, founder of branding agency &Larry, and architect Terence Chan, who talk about their inspirations and cherished Lange 1 watches.

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