A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Tourbillon Collection

KIH · 2015-07-26T03:57:45Z

KIH reviews four A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Tourbillons, including the black enamel LE, discussing their history and enamel dial quality.

KIH

WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum

13 replies7307 views7 photos

KIH offers a rare glimpse into a 'Lange Piknik' event, highlighting the convergence of four historical A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Tourbillons, including the exclusive 20-piece black enamel edition. This post not only showcases these exceptional timepieces but also delves into the brand's strategic development of complications in the late 1990s, providing valuable historical context for collectors. KIH's personal reflections on the event and the watches offer an intimate perspective on Lange's enduring appeal.

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It's been really a while to visit here myself.

Today, I was invited to the Lange Piknik, intended for the wanna-be Lange owners and new Lange owners where Joanna talked about the history and line ups of Lange, as well as Mr. al-s (THE big collector here) talked about his unbiased view to the brand and its revolution, followed by the quiz contest to get nice Lange goods, which I didn't win any :-(

Anyway, the highlight (to me anyway) was FOUR historical Lange 1 Tourbillon all in one place, including the latest LE of 20 black enamel one. Also, it was very fruitful to get acquainted with the new owners as well as waiting for the ordered one to arrive and tell them what fascinated me into this brand. A very good event to broaden the fan base, indeed. Joanna said she was going to Singapore next, so the similar event may be held in Singapore soon.

Here you go! (sorry for bad quality of the photos - still iPhone 5S):

The historical three Lange 1 Tourbillons. From right, Lange 1 Tourbillon PT (LE of 150, 2000 - 10th Anniversary of the new ALS inception), PG (LE of 250?, 2000), Honey Gold (LE of 150?, year 2010 - 165th Anniversary).... The Honey Gold has the stop second mechanism.

The first version of Lange 1 Tourbillon introduced in 2000 was for the 10th Anniversary of the new ALS, as an entity or concept, inception. The caliber number is L961.1 - started development in 96. After launching the "original four" in 1994, the brand or its models were not such a big success. Remember that Datobraph caliber number was and still is L951.x, meaning it started development in 1995. Mr. al-s' analysis is that after seeing the not-so-hot going of the brand, they started development of really great complication in 95 and 96. Datobraph debuted in 1999, and Lange 1 Tourbillon debuted 2000. And we should also note that there are no L97X.x, or L98X.x, or L99X.x. This means that Lange was busy enough to complete the two most important iconic models of Lange complication for these entire three to four years. Seeing with fresh eyes together with such a background history, these original Lange 1 Tourbillon is still my grail watch.....

Honey Gold may be great - with stop second. But I don't like the color and I don't like the concept of "165th" Anniversary. What is that? There was not 155th Anniversary, I am sure. And will they do 170th, 185th as well in the future? C'mon!

Now today's highlight. Very difficult to take the texture of the dial. Well made enamel. Too good to believe if it is really made with the traditional method. There should be one or two or even several small "bubble", but none, nada, zero. Looks great, but I have some reservation....... Well, I couldn't afford it anyway.

"Four brothers in one shot" - first ever?

Oh, I wish I had the original PT one!

Have a great Sunday.

Ken

Key Points from the Discussion

The author expresses frustration with Lange's marketing tactics for the black enamel Lange 1 Tourbillon, noting it was exclusively offered to a select group of recent wealthy buyers, potentially alienating long-time loyal supporters.
The enamel dial of the new Lange 1 Tourbillon is remarkably flat with no visible bubbles, leading to speculation about a technological revolution in its production method.
The absence of bubbles in the enamel dial is noted as highly unusual and difficult to achieve, raising reservations about the traditional grand feu enamel technique being used for this piece.
The platinum version of the first Lange 1 Tourbillon, released for the 10th Anniversary, is cited as a dream watch due to its perfection.
A link to Lange's enameling process for this watch is provided, offering insight into the brand's technique for achieving such flawless black enamel dials.

The Discussion

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Jul 26, 2015

Ken I saw it a few times and like you I found zero bubble and I used a loupe and looked at it like for 15 mins (annoying other guests who wanted to see it too). Very strange indeed. I too have my reservations in how the grand feu enamel technique is done for this piece Cheers Robin

Keyz

Jul 26, 2015

Isn't black the hardest and most difficult one for enamel ?

Jul 26, 2015

Yes, black is quite difficult. I believe this link was posted before -- it is about Lange's enameling process for this watch .

MichaelC

Jul 26, 2015

The first one in platinum, definitely my favorite, and one I used to dream on quite a bit. Alas, I doubt I could ever own such an expensive wristwatch, but if I could, that could be the one. Perfection. Thanks, Ken.

Arie - Mr Orange

Jul 26, 2015

WOW! So cool. Supposedly that is very very difficult to make and one of, if not the main, reasons why the 1815 Anniversary FA Lange dial is not made from enamel. According the ALS people.

TMReds

Jul 27, 2015

Thank you for report , Ken-san ! We spent very interesting time . And I won two items :-) I wish more times will be held . The Four were quite beautiful ! Never to be bored to gaze. The enamel dial is really flat , technological revolution has occured ?

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