A. Lange & Söhne LANGE 1 TOURBILLON HANDWERKSKUNST

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KIH presents a press release for the A. Lange & Söhne LANGE 1 TOURBILLON HANDWERKSKUNST, a limited edition timepiece celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic LANGE 1. This exclusive model, limited to just 20 pieces, showcases exceptional craftsmanship with its black enamelled dial, mirror-polished hour markers, and lavishly decorated calibre L961.3 movement. The discussion explores the balance between exclusivity and broader collector appeal.

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Here it comes!

Press Release

PuristSPro strictly respects and observes the embargo:

Release Time - CET 19:45, Friday, October 24th

LANGE 1 TOURBILLON HANDWERKSKUNST

A. Lange & Söhne is celebrating the 20th birthday of its brand icon with a limited special edition

One-minute tourbillon with stop seconds, black enamelled dial and artisanal finishes, enclosed by a 38.5-millimetre platinum case – these are the salient features of the LANGE 1 TOURBILLON HANDWERKSKUNST. To commemorate the anniversary of a timepiece that became the style-defining ambassador of A. Lange & Söhne, it is being presented in an edition limited to 20 watches.

The LANGE 1 TOURBILLON HANDWERKSKUNST in platinum

On the occasion of the 20th birthday of its brand icon, the LANGE 1, A. Lange & Söhne is introducing a special 20-watch edition of the LANGE 1 TOURBILLON with the epithet “Handwerkskunst”. Its extraordinary hallmarks include exquisite manifestations of craftsmanship in probably unprecedented combinations.

The black enamelled main dial sets the perfect stage for the mirror-polished hour markers as well as the matching hands in rhodiumed gold. The tourbillon cock, finished with the challenging specular polishing technique, is one of the key style elements of this watch. The black solid-silver subsidiary dial for the seconds is slightly recessed into the main dial. The contour of the aperture for the tourbillon has meticulously polished chamfers. The numerals of the Lange outsize date are grey on a black background.

The movement of the LANGE 1 TOURBILLON HANDWERKSKUNST with its lavish decorations

The lavish decorations of the calibre L961.3 manufacture movement deserve the attribute “Handwerkskunst” in every respect. The solarised three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver has generous cutouts that reveal the identically decorated twin mainspring barrel. The tourbillon bridge, crown-wheel and intermediate-wheel cocks are elaborately engraved with a technique that sculpts the motifs out of the material. Seven screwed gold chatons as well as two diamond endstone bearings for the tourbillon constitute the finishing touches. The diamonds are traditional hallmarks that Ferdinand Adolph Lange once introduced to highlight the premium quality of his pocket watches.

In 2008, more than 200 years after the tourbillon was invented, A. Lange & Söhne’s product developers succeeded for the first time in reliably immobilising the balance wheel inside the rotating tourbillon cage. Finally, timepieces with tourbillons could be stopped and set with one-second accuracy. The patented stop-seconds mechanism is also integrated in the LANGE 1 TOURBILLON HANDWERKSKUNST.

A stately platinum case with a diameter of 38.5 millimetres protects the artisan-crafted masterpiece. This exclusive collectors’ watch will be unveiled within the scope of an international press conference in Dresden on 24 October 2014. The presentation of the first Lange new-era collection took place 20 years ago on the same date.

*****

Press Release

This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-10-24 10:58:56

Key Points from the Discussion

The LANGE 1 TOURBILLON HANDWERKSKUNST is too subtle in its hand engravings for a 'Handwerkskunst' piece, with only a few parts of the movement engraved.
Many collectors would have preferred a more accessible limited edition, such as a 500-piece black enamel Lange 1 without the tourbillon, to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
The extreme rarity (20 pieces) and high price make this watch largely unobtainable for most Lange enthusiasts, serving more as an 'eye candy' piece.
While beautiful, some feel this tourbillon does not stand out as much as previous 'Handwerkskunst' editions like the Phantom or Zeitwerk HWK.
The decision to release such a limited edition for a significant anniversary is frustrating for long-time Lange lovers who wish to own a celebratory piece.
The black enamelled dial with mirror-polished hour markers and rhodiumed gold hands creates a perfect stage for the watch's exquisite craftsmanship.
The calibre L961.3 movement features lavish decorations, including a solarised three-quarter plate, sculpted engraving on bridges, and diamond endstone bearings, embodying the 'Handwerkskunst' attribute.

The Discussion

amanico

Oct 24, 2014

Pt Case, Black Enamel dial, excellent size, that is a winner, in my opinion.

Just one regret: I would have preferred a simple Lange 1, with such a combination! Best, Nicolas

KIH

Oct 24, 2014

You could well be right....

.. I almost thought this is THE winner, but simpler Lange 1 would have been ideal.... But this one is an excellent, outstandingly Lange among the ones in the past few years.... Just 20 pieces. Who will be the lucky (or wealthy) ones? :-) Could have been simpler Lange 1 black enamel dial LE for 500 (like the old Anniversary)... just for the long time Lange lover like us? Ken

amanico

Oct 24, 2014

Yes, exactly what I had in mind, Ken....

The small LE and the price don't make me dream.... While a simple Lange One Black Enamel, Platinum case would.... Best, Nicolas.

4Js

Oct 24, 2014

You know, if they could make 500 anniversary

While in their infancy, then why not 500 now? A Lange one darth enamel. Simple. Come on Richemont. You can't run a company selling to 20 people I am very frustrated. This is an important milestone, and I would have liked to have one piece to celebrate it. And, I would not care if I had to wait a year to get it, if the dials are that difficult to make Sorry for venting. Excellent report Ken Joe

colton_d

Oct 24, 2014

Agree in full

Well said Nicolas, A beautiful piece, and well thought out.. but simple black enamel would be an instant winner for many of us. Lucky to the few who will be receiving this one, hopefully we get some live shots soon! Thank you for reporting Ken, hope the event has went well Colton

KIH

Oct 24, 2014

I am just holding the fort....

.. as I prepared to post this press release right on time..... Fx is the one who is enjoying the party! Ken

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