A. Lange & Söhne: Heirs of a Grand Tradition
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A. Lange & Söhne: Heirs of a Grand Tradition

By Kong · Apr 12, 2013 · 5 replies
Kong
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Kong highlights A. Lange & Söhne's deep connection to Saxon precision watchmaking, showcased through its partnership with the newly reopened Mathematics and Physics Salon in Dresden. This article beautifully illustrates how Lange's contemporary timepieces, such as the 1815 UP/DOWN and GRAND LANGE 1, draw inspiration from historical scientific instruments and clocks, reinforcing the brand's heritage.

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Current A. Lange & Söhne timepieces are featured in the newly opened Mathematics and Physics Salon

After a six-year pause, one of the world's oldest scientific history collections is reopening in new splendour: the Mathematics and Physics Salon in the Dresden Zwinger Palace. The "Cabinet of Knowledge" established by Augustus the Strong in 1728 is one of the most eminent museums dedicated to scientific instruments and timekeeping devices. The astronomers and clockmakers who worked here laid the foundation for precision watchmaking in Saxony in the late 18th century. Today, Lange's master watchmakers are the legitimate heirs of this rich heritage.




The 1815 UP/DOWN, photographed in the Mathematics and Physics Salon
with early18th-centurycurative,burning,and lighting mirrors in the background.

As a long-standing partner of the Dresden State Art Collections, A. Lange & Söhne supported the refurbishment of the museum. After extensive renovation work, it is reopening to the public on 14 April 2013. The fundamentally redesigned concept of the permanent exhibition now includes the history of precision watchmaking in Saxony as well: The timeline unfolds from the early days at the Dresden Zwinger and the establishment of the first horological workshop by Ferdinand A. Lange in Glashütte to present-day Saxon high-end watchmaking with its most prominent representative – A. Lange & Söhne. On the occasion of the reopening, some models from the current A. Lange & Söhne collection enter into a dialogue with historic timekeeping instruments from the inventory of the Mathematics and Physics Salon:

1815 UP/DOWN and Nocturnal by Johann Michael Haager, Braunschweig, 1707
Also referred to as the "Star Clock", the Nocturnal indicates the time at night on the basis of the positions of the stars.







The hole in the middle of the disc is aimed at the North Star, and the pivoting hand is aligned with the guide stars of the Ursa Major constellation. The full hour can now be determined by counting the number of rounded teeth. During the day, the 1815 UP/DOWN indicates the time to the second. Its three-day movement is lavishly finished by hand and endowed with classic UP/DOWN power-reserve indicator.


GRAND LANGE 1 with a model of the five-minute clock in the Semper Opera House in Dresden by Ludwig Teubner, Dresden, 1896





The original clock, high above the opera stage, was crafted by famous Dresden clockmaker Johann Christian Friedrich Gutkaes in 1841 with the help of Ferdinand A. Lange, his most gifted apprentice. The innovative digital time display was a sensation and 150 years later inspired the design of the equally revolutionary Lange outsize date. The black dial of the white-gold GRAND LANGE 1 gives it an impressive presence.


SAXONIA ANNUAL CALENDAR in front of a turret clock by Paulus Schuster, Nuremberg, 1586





The turret clock presented to Christian I, Elector of Saxony, by his wife Sophie as a Christmas gift in 1587 is a truly regal keepsake. No fewer than eight movements were needed to indicate the time, drive an astrolabe, a striking mechanism with alarm function and an annual calendar. A single self-winding manufacture calibre in its platinum case is all the SAXONIA ANNUAL CALENDAR needs to precisely tell the time and provide numerous clearly organised calendar indications for a full year.

Press Release

About the A. Lange and Söhne Ref. 1815UPandDOWN

The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 UP/DOWN, reference 234.026, is a distinguished member of the 1815 collection, known for its classic design and traditional Saxon watchmaking elements. This particular reference integrates a power reserve indicator, a practical complication that enhances the functionality of its manually wound movement while maintaining the collection's characteristic aesthetic purity. The UP/DOWN designation refers to this power reserve display, a feature historically significant in precision timekeeping instruments. It represents a blend of historical horological utility with contemporary finishing standards.

This timepiece features a white gold case, measuring 39.0 mm in diameter and 8.9 mm in thickness, providing a balanced and comfortable presence on the wrist. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on both the front and the display case back, offering a clear view of the meticulously finished L051.2 manual winding caliber. This movement provides a substantial power reserve of 72 hours. The dial is silver, complementing the white gold case, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters.

For collectors, the 1815 UP/DOWN appeals to those who appreciate traditional watchmaking without excessive embellishment. Its design is rooted in the pocket watches of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, emphasizing legibility and classical proportions. The inclusion of the power reserve indicator adds a layer of practical utility that is valued by enthusiasts of manually wound timepieces, offering a clear indication of the remaining running time. This reference is a strong representation of A. Lange & Söhne's commitment to classical horology.

Specifications

Caliber
L051.2
Case
White Gold
Diameter
39.0 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30 m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AM
amanico
Apr 12, 2013
Superb series of pictures.

BL
BluNotte
Apr 12, 2013
Splendid presentations of the past, and the present

Now i shall even more desire a stay or two there! Danke Lange, fur alles! Tschuss Stephen

CO
COUNT DE MONET
Apr 12, 2013
1815 is Lange and Lange is 1815

Love this up and down! Many thanks for some very classy pictures. Best Moritz

AM
amerix
Apr 12, 2013
This is wonderful news

Long live the legacy - but more so the inspiration! amerix

FO
foversta
Apr 13, 2013
The Mathematics and Physics Salon is really beautiful.

I hope to be able to visit it again now after its renovation. These pictures are beautiful! Fx

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