Lange 1 Time Zone 'Singapore' Sincere Edition 116.031B

Rhyzen shares a personal review of the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone 'Singapore' Sincere Edition, reference 116.031B, a watch he pursued for a decade. His article provides rare insights into this limited-production model, commissioned for Sincere Watch Limited's anniversary in 2006. Rhyzen details the unique characteristics and personal significance of this rose gold, black dial variant.

When I was recently presented with an opportunity to acquire the Lange 1 Time Zone, 'Singapore' Sincere edition, I couldn't let the chance slip by.  I felt compelled to write a short review, in part due to the limited information available about this edition, but mainly because of the joy that I derived from finally having it on my wrist after a decade-long journey.

The Lange 1 Time Zone 'Singapore' Edition, reference 116.031B, was commissioned to commemorate Sincere Watch Limited's anniversary back in 2006.  While only 30 pieces were produced, it is, strictly speaking, not a limited edition as evidenced by the lack of LE engraving on the caseback. The probability of it being reproduced is extremely remote though, considering the update of Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires in place of Caracas and Rio de Janeiro on the city ring for the new Lange Time Zones. 

This edition, with Singapore in place of the usual Hong Kong, is set in rose gold with black dial.  This is similar to the 'Kuala Lumpur' edition, though the latter features an outsize date display in white fonts against black, compared to the conventional black against white in the Singapore edition. While some prefers the rarer KL date display, the Singapore edition sang to me as I am proudly Singaporean. 

Lange has confirmed that similarly, only 30 pieces of the KL edition (ref 116.031C) was ever produced.  Other 'Singapore' Time Zones in existence include:

- Ref 116.032B - Rose gold case with silver dial, 25 pieces produced, circa 2005

- Ref 116.025? - Platinum case with silver dial, 60 pieces produced, circa 2005

The richness of the black dial, made of solid silver with a galvanised, lacquer-like appearance, is wonderfully complemented by the accompanying dark brown strap.  Despite the enormous amount of information presented, the display is evenly distributed and easy on the eyes, with the peripheral ring of 24 cities adding a layer of welcomed complexity to the simplicity of the Lange 1 layout.  My only complaint is the difficulty in photographing the dark dial, and my amateurish pictures hardly does it justice.

The Lange 1 Time Zone is cased with a sizeable diameter of 41.9mm, and sits comfortably on the wrist with a thickness of 11mm.  While not the largest of watches in today's context, it makes my Saxonia Automatik, which at a gentlemanly 37mm, appears almost dainty in comparison.

Weighing at 121gm, it provides a comfortable and reassuring heft, and is secured with Lange's solidly crafted pin-buckle.

Being a member of the Lange 1 series, the Time Zone is blessed with the hallmark features that made Lange 1 an icon: AUF/AB power reserve indicator, subsidiary seconds with stop-seconds, and of course the patented outsize date display, all neatly presented in an asymmetric layout in strict adherence to the golden ratio.

As with every Lange, the Time Zone is lavishly finished to an exceptional degree, with the added pleasure of having two hand-engraved balance cocks adorning the traditional three-quarter plate with four screwed gold chatons.  The L031.1 calibre comprises 417 parts with 54 jewels, with a Nivarox balance spring beating at a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour and a power reserve of 72 hours. Sitting in a sea of untreated German silver which ages like fine wine, the movement is a sight to behold through the sapphire crystal display caseback that Lange arguably popularised.

Despite the presence of a city ring, the Lange 1 Time Zone is not a world-timer in the vein of Patek Philippe's 5130, or Vacheron Constantin's Traditionnelle World Time, which simultaneously display 24 and 37 time zones respectively.  But when viewed in the context of how world-timers are meant to facilitate the reading of home and local time with ease, the Lange performs exceptionally well, perhaps even more so than its illustrious peers.  The dual time zones are innovatively displayed via primary and secondary sub-dials, and complemented with individual day/night indicators.  Time zone selection is a breeze, with assuring solid 'clicks' while operating the pusher at the side of the case. The simultaneous update of both time zone displays via the crown is another thoughtful design for the convenience of discerning travellers.

Enough with words.  Pictures to show the multi-faceted dial in different settings.

For all its technical wonders and artistic merits, the reason why owning the Singapore Time Zone feels exceptional is the long journey it took to be on my wrist.  I was still an undergraduate grappling with tuition fees when the Time Zone was launched a decade back, and while I was deeply enamoured, the closest I could get to it was from the pages of a glossy watch magazine.  Having such an exquisite work of art on my wrist was a distant dream.

But every day since, I took a step closer to making that dream a reality. And to finally be able to strap on the Singapore Time Zone 10 years since the birth of that dream brings much joy to this dreamer.  It is of even greater significance because 2015 is the year where I celebrate the 10th anniversary of having met the love of my life, the arrival of our child, and the 50th year of independence for Singapore, which proudly sits on the dial and which I am even prouder to call my home. 

I dare to dream again, that the Singapore Time Zone will adorn the wrist of my child for decades to come.  

Thank you for sharing this dream.