A. Lange & Söhne

foversta
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Hands on review of the Lange & Söhne Pink Gold Saxonia Boutique Edition

The presentation this year at Watches & Wonders of the two Saxonia Boutique Edition perfectly illustrates the Lange & Söhne strategy about its collection structure. While the brand during the first years following its revival was distinguished by the diversity of its dials, it proceeded thereafter to a rationalization work that led basically to the current situation: the permanent collection generally focuses on classic dials (let's say silver for the main part of the watches and black for some ) while the alternative dials are available in Boutique or limited editions. The Saxonia Boutique Edition is a concrete evidence of this evolution.

Indeed, the pink gold version is just the clone of a watch that belonged to the permanent collection between 2007 and 2009 . At that time, the manual winding Saxonia were available with three types of dial (silver, gray and black) and the Watches & Wonders Saxonia duo merely reintroduces the gray dial. Fortunately, the white gold case and gray dial combo is new.




Actually, the Saxonia Edition Boutique is a bit surprising watch. Not because of its  execution that didn't have any specific originality but because of its unveiling timing. The year 2015 began with the redesign of the Saxonia line that made  the case of  the manual winding watch decrease from 37 to 35mm. But a few months later, the handwind Saxonia, in the context of the Boutique Edition, finds again its 37mm diameter. I am therefore witnessing a double come-back, the one of the dial and of the case.

I am one of those seduced by the 35mm Saxonia. Its perceived size is larger because of the thin bezel and of its presence on the wrist thanks to the indexes length. Its balance and the consistency of its size with its purpose of being a flawless dress watch  are its main assets. So I felt no need to re-introduce a 37mm version. Yet Lange has done it, perhaps following remarks from different markets and retailers feedbacks. But we don't have to spoil our fun.




The ability to purchase this pink  gold Saxonia with gray dial is excellent news. Certainly less discreet and subtle than its white gold alter-ego, the pink gold Saxonia Boutique Edition is a watch full of charm and warmth. The contrast between the case material and the color of the dial is a feast for the eyes and the gray palette is much broader than I imagined. In some situations, the dial is close to charcoal gray or black whereas when lighting allows it, it may seem very clear. The thin and elegant Alpha hands tell the time in harmony with the applied indexes and the sobriety of the dial is enhanced by the dynamic of the contrast between its dominant color and the case one.




Of course, the  L941.1 movement animates this Boutique Edition as it is the case with the 35mm version or with the earlier ones. This movement, which features a 3 Hz frequency and a 45-hour power reserve powered the first 1815 and in this context, has been for a long time in the catalog of the Manufacture from Saxony. This reliable and neat movement  is characterized by its lovely feeling while winding it.

The Saxonia  Boutique Edition is moreover comfortable to wear because of its measured size. Its diameter / thickness (7,8mm) ratio is balanced and the watch appears to be more slender than the 35mm version without being ultra-thin.





But the more I write this article, the more I realize that I could have written it as well 8 years ago when the reference 215.033 was presented. I'm clearly writing about the same watch and Lange doesn't do any mistake since the new reference is 216.033: an increment that makes sense!

Obviously I would have hoped for this Boutique Edition  more originality than a clone of a model of the past. At least the white gold one offers a new combination. But after all, as its charm and its assets remain intact, so we only have to enjoy this come-back that expand in a positive way  the range of handwind Saxonia available.

Thanks a lot to the staff of the Lange & Söhne boutique in Paris.

Pros:
+ The come-back of the gray dial
+ The touch of warmth brought by the contrast between the  dial and the case
+ The pleasure of the daily use of the L941.1 movement
+ The natural elegance that emerges from this watch

Cons:
- This Saxonia is a clone of a reference that left the catalog in 2009
- I find the idea to create a Boutique Edition from a standard watch is a bit exaggerated even if the logic of promoting the network of brand Boutiques is understandable.

This message has been edited by foversta on 2015-11-08 14:13:02