Klub Lange: German Watchmaking History

KIH · 2014-06-09T05:00:58Z

Explore A. Lange & Söhne's rich history through the 'Klub Lange' lecture series, featuring rare vintage pocket watches and early wrist conversions. Discover the brand's heritage.

KIH

WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum

16 replies4703 views30 photos

KIH's report on the "Klub Lange" lecture series offers a rare glimpse into A. Lange & Söhne's historical roots and the passionate community surrounding the brand. This event, held at the Ginza Boutique, delves into the intricate history of German watchmaking, showcasing vintage Lange pocket watches and early wrist conversions. KIH's detailed account highlights the brand's enduring appeal, connecting its foundational commitment to precision with its modern-day reverence.

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"Klub Lange" is the lecture series held at Ginza Boutique every quarter or so - to spread the deep and accurate knowledge and history of German watchmaking and surrounding events.

Last weekend was the third installment and the topic is "why are we so attracted to Lange? - history of watchmaking leading to Germany, Dresden, and Glashutte." The lecturer was the big collector of Lange.

Opening remark by A. Lange & Sohne Japan Brand CEO, Edmond Boussemart.

During the lecture, as the history goes on, the lecturer's collection were circulated.

This is Cal. 25 (25mm) pocket watch.

Incredibly young movement number - so old, yet made so small...

Smallish.

One of the oldest - A. Lange brand, later converted to the wrist watch (explanation was that when the owner needs money, the cases were sold at pretty good price as most were gold or silver, and later someone else found and re-cased it)

Note also that it says "Dresden", not "Glashutte". It is thought that Dresden was still better known than Glashutte.

Pretty young movement number.

Well decorated - almost same as today's Lange.

A bit too big for a wrist watch

Another A. Lange brand in the silver case.

Do you know what this is?

This is the measurement tool - to measure the thickness of the parts fairly accurately. Lange even made these tools by themselves.

Measuring the thickness of my nail.

(This not a museum piece, but a personal collection of the lecturer who is always generous about having people play with his collection)

This is completely Tiffany watch (not double name)....

But the back side is unquestionably Lange.

This is an example of after A. Lange became A. Lange & Sohne and started making less quality (but still good!) watches - this one is DUF level while the top quality movement was called "Quality 1A" with "A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte" engraved on the movement.

This DUF has engraving of "Deutsche Uhrenfabrikation, Glashutte", which means DUF grade - see the difference in chaton with the top quality movements made under Adolph Lange above.

And this is a rare U/D deck watch with A. Lange & Sohne logo on the dial - typically those made under military order did not have logo on the dial.

Pair shot with today's U/D.

Participants' Lange shots!

Which do you like? Original U/D or today's U/D?

Still a beauty.

Nice!

This is so elegant for ladies....

The lecture included how the watchmaking industry evolved in Dresden and how Adolph Lange played such an important role - he even declined the offer from the Prince-Elector of Dresden of Noble Title in order to remain the "craftsman", etc.

The next installment will invite someone interesting as a lecturer.

Very nice event and thank you again, Lange Japan & Lange Ginza Boutique!

Best,

Ken

Key Points from the Discussion

A. Lange & Söhne pocket watches, especially military models, are highly sought after by collectors, with condition being a critical factor for value.
The true value of a watch brand extends beyond its acquisition price, encompassing its rich history, the stories behind its creation, and the unwavering commitment of its founders.
Vintage Lange pieces are significantly rarer in production numbers compared to other major brands, making well-preserved examples extremely desirable for collectors.
The historical context of A. Lange & Söhne, particularly its ties to Dresden before Glashütte became prominent, reveals fascinating intersections with international politics and horological development.
A. Lange & Söhne's dedication to educating its enthusiasts through events like 'Klub Lange' distinguishes it from brands that rely solely on marketing, fostering a deeper appreciation for its heritage.
Early A. Lange & Söhne pocket watches, including those with the ALS logo and specific backside engravings, are considered particularly rare and valuable.

The Discussion

Ares501 - Mr Green

Jun 9, 2014

Mr. Hokugo Thank You for the pictures My best to You and to lecturer I suspect I know who he was ;) Sincerely Damjan

matthewking

Jun 9, 2014

I am a researcher of international politics and a lover of watches. These two interests come together in so many interesting ways when we consider Lange's history. Love it. We now know that Ken's thumb nail measures 1/3rd of a cm. Learn something new every day. Thanks for the report!

jeffrey2

Jun 9, 2014

has some nice Lange & Sohne pocket watches on view for their New York auction this Wednesday. I spent a lot of time admiring the Lange & Sohne pocket watches, including one U/D military pocket watch similar to the one in your posting. But condition of the dial wasn't nearly as nice as your example. Thanks for sharing a bit of the Tokyo Lange enthusiasm with us! Regards, Jeff.

KIH

Jun 9, 2014

You are right. You learn something everyday :-) Ken

KIH

Jun 9, 2014

.. far rarer in terms of the numbers manufactured, when compared with other big names, and good condition ones are even rarer.... When you find one in very good condition, you better get your hands on it before even thinking :-) Good to hear from you! Ken

foversta

Jun 15, 2014

Thanks a lot Ken for the report. Fx

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