A. Lange & Söhne GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE

small-luxury-world · 2013-12-05T10:07:48Z

Discover the A. Lange & Söhne GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE: a new release with a prominent, accurate moon-phase display and patented lunar disc coating.

small-luxury-world

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Small-luxury-world introduces the A. Lange & Söhne GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE, emphasizing its prominent moon-phase display and advanced accuracy. This post highlights the technical innovations and aesthetic considerations that went into creating this new iteration, particularly the patented coating process for the lunar disc. It serves as an excellent initial look for collectors interested in Lange's evolving moon phase complications.

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The GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE tracks the lunar cycle

The new GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE gives the moon-phase display, which, by the way, is designed to remain accurate for 122.6 years, distinctive prominence on the dial. A patented coating process for the lunar disc endows this astronomical complication with a remarkably lifelike appearance. The moon is a fascinating celestial body that has been preoccupying astronomers for time immemorial. It is not only responsible for the tides, but also influences the life rhythms of numerous creatures and plants. For these reasons, many watch enthusiasts appreciate a moon-phase display. Since its restart, the manufactory in Saxony has presented twelve models with this complication. But never be-fore has the moon phase been as prominently showcased as in the new GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE. A spacious stage has been re-served for the popular astronomical indica-tion on the dial. It provides vividly realistic proof of how closely the moon-phase display tracks the actual orbit of our planet’s com-panion. This is because the display is con-nected with the hour-wheel continuum. As a result, it is constantly in motion, just like the moon itself. The increments are so small they cannot be detected by the naked eye.

The GRAND LANGE 1 MOONPHASE in pink gold.

Additionally, the moon-phase display indi-cates the time that elapses from new moon to new moon with an accuracy of 99.9978 per cent. The average synodic month lasts 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 3 seconds. For the sake of simplicity, most classic moon-phase displays round this cycle down to 29.5 days. The resulting deviation of 44 minutes and 3 seconds per lunation adds up to one day in merely two and a half years. The much more precisely calculated seven-gear transmission of the GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE reduces the deviation per cycle to less than one minute. Once correctly set, and assuming that the watch runs continuously, the display would only have to be corrected by one day every 122.6 years. Moreover, the dis-play can be adjusted at any time by using the push piece embedded in the case flank be-tween 7 and 8 o’clock, for instance if the watch has not been wound up for a longer peri-od of time.

The effort invested in the coating of the solid-gold lunar disc exemplifies the degree of perfection to which Lange’s product developers are committed. Their goal was to depict the nocturnal sky as magnificently as possible. The result of their intensive research and development work is a patented coating process, which, with its incomparably brilliant colours and crisp texture details, fulfils even the most ambitious aesthetic expectations. Interference effects – the superposition of waves – eliminate all non-blue hues of light falling on the watch. This creates an intense blue tone for the eye of the observer. A laser is used to cut out more than 300 stars of different sizes with extremely sharp contours, producing a miniaturised image of the galaxy.

Combining an off-centre dial, the outsize date and a lavishly finished manufacture calibre, the GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE features all of the iconic hallmarks of A. Lange & Söhne’s most famous timepiece family. The considerable 72-hour power reserve was achieved with only one mainspring barrel. This is why the height of the movement is a scant 4.7 millimetres. The case in yellow gold, pink gold or platinum has a diameter of 41.0 millimetres. Endowed with a classic screw balance, a balance spring developed and manufactured in-house, a three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver, and lav-ishly hand-decorated movement parts, the Lange manufacture calibre L095.3 unites all of the classic features that prompt connoisseurs around the world to associate A. Lange & Söhne timepieces with Saxon watchmaking artistry and superior precision.

*****

(Official Press Release)

Note: Our fellow PuristS Francois-Xavier (FX) and Ken (KIH) are in Glashütte right now. Stay tuned for more ...

This message has been edited by small-luxury-world on 2013-12-05 10:19:44

About the A. Lange and Söhne Lange 1 Ref. 1815GrandComplication

The 1815 Grand Complication represents a pinnacle of traditional horological artistry from A. Lange & Söhne, showcasing a comprehensive array of complex mechanisms within a single timepiece. This reference is a testament to the brand's commitment to high-complication watchmaking, integrating multiple grand complications that are meticulously finished and assembled by hand. It stands as one of the most intricate watches ever produced by the Glashütte manufacture, reflecting a deep respect for classical watchmaking principles.

The watch features a platinum case with a diameter of 50mm and a substantial thickness of 20.3mm, housing the manually wound L1902 caliber. This movement provides a power reserve of 30 hours. The dial is silver, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch offers a water resistance of 30 meters. The intricate movement is visible through a sapphire case back, revealing the complex architecture and traditional finishing techniques.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking the ultimate expression of mechanical complexity and artisanal craftsmanship. It is a significant piece within A. Lange & Söhne's haute horlogerie offerings, demonstrating the brand's capability to execute multiple grand complications harmoniously. The 1815 Grand Complication is a limited production piece, underscoring its exclusivity and desirability among serious collectors of high-complication watches.

Specifications

Caliber: L1902

Case: Platinum

Diameter: 50mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Some collectors prefer the original Lange 1 Moon Phase due to its seconds dial, lume, and overall dial composition, finding the GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE's larger moon phase area to feel somewhat empty in comparison.
The aesthetic of the GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE is perceived by some as more antique-looking than the original Lange 1 Moon Phase, drawing comparisons to dramatic operatic scenes.
The quality of the larger moon phase disc is crucial for its impact, and while A. Lange & Söhne is expected to deliver a fine job, the choice between different moon phase displays remains a matter of personal taste.
The new model is seen as a logical evolution with a great lunar disc, but some collectors feel it lacks the 'power' or excitement of previous complicated pieces like the 'Luna Mundi' set.
The GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE is considered a well-executed, albeit not daring, evolution from the Lange 1 to the Grande Lange 1, with anticipation for side-by-side comparisons.

The Discussion

KIH

Dec 5, 2013

Anthony de Haas is talking....

KIH

Dec 5, 2013

Very bad live pic...

Fx will post perfect pic. Stay tuned...

Mark in Paris

Dec 5, 2013

Thx Ken, it seems to mean the MP disk is much bigger? [nt]

KIH

Dec 5, 2013

You could say that...

Again, bad live pic....

ik2000

Dec 5, 2013

My first thoughts, very positive....

from this pic, it adds a great deal of colour to the dial, from the usual 'conservative' (for want of a better word) style of the L1's.

small-luxury-world

Dec 5, 2013

Indeed ...

Good or bad? Just different? ... What do you think? Oliver

Available on the marketplace

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A Lange & Sohne 1815 Annual Calendar Moonphase 18k Rose Gold - 100% Complete

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Pre-owned - Excellent · US

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About the A. Lange and Söhne Lange 1 Ref. 1815GrandComplication

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Available on the marketplace

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