Manufacture
Gary G offers a captivating recap of the A. Lange & Söhne Napa Akademie, focusing on the intricate watches and the hands-on horological experiences. His post, rich with personal observations and detailed photographs, highlights the brand's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and technical innovation, particularly within their tourbillon collection.
Very hard to come close to the earlier post on this topic -- wow! Great photos that really communicated the experience.
As usual for me, while it's all about the people, the photos are mostly about the watches 
. Nothing too fancy -- all taken hand-held with my P&S. Let's get started...
I did get a few shots of the proceedings -- here's Simone's engraving station, where she was doing her magic (and dispensing with extremely kind guidance to those of us who were trying out some very elementary engraving techniques of our own:
Master watchmaker Martin (who had a Dato Up/Down movement under glass, and who assisted us with our technical attempts) with Simone:
Different exercises at different tables: here I am on the engraving exercises, while a fellow attendee at the rear attempts to place rubies in a pallet fork. I did the exercise in which we removed and then re-inserted rubies in a bridge using a press, but I didn't even attempt the pallet fork! Apparently "wiggling" was the key word...
On to the watches, and not a moment too soon! Perhaps "tourbillon" is not the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Lange, but perhaps it should be -- great examples at this event, both on the wrists of attendees and displayed by Lange. As a starter, how about the L1 tourbillon?
The more recent PLM Tourbillon, with shutter to fill in the missing portion of the hour dial as needed. I'm a Handwerkskunst man myself, but this piece in person isn't too shabby, either...
The most recent addition to the tourbillon line, the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon. A gorgeous piece, full of technical innovations (like replacing the 48-tooth perpetual wheel with a feeler mechanism around the perimeter of the watch and the instant change date and month mechanisms). Wears well, too! The daytime NorCal light was great for getting some clear wrist shots:
A friend's original PLM Tourbillon with two more recent pieces -- all we were missing was a Tourbograph (make mine the honey gold with guilloche dial, please )
Back outdoors for a final action shot of the L1 tourbillon...
...and its reverse:
Many other super Lange pieces in attendance as well! A real fantasy assortment on the table:
We also had the opportunity to strap 'em on! I'm liking the Dato Perp better and better -- may need to swap up to one of these in RG, although the PT was none too bad and the WG with the grey dial is stunning as well. Sits great on my wrist, and the key info (time and date) is extremely legible. While in photos the moon phase can seem a bit small, in person I find it to be just fine...
Another watch I've coveted for years, the L1 Zeitzone. For some reason it just doesn't seem to sit perfectly for me -- perhaps something about the ratio of diameter to thickness. That said, I love the look of this piece -- and I'm a "yes" on this WG version with luminous hands as well. Anyone who has awakened briefly on an overnight transcon flight and is trying to figure out the time in the darkness, without glasses on, will know why . My wife saw this watch later at the AD and loved how it looked on me -- uh oh...
Annual calendar meets perpetual. The Annual was a revelation to me -- those big blued hands are fantastic! A very classy piece, IMHO.
And of course, let's not forget the "simpler" classic pieces...
...as well as an icon from the past, the lovely 1815 moonphase with zillion-year moonphase gearing
Also seen: RL PLM with its beautiful enamel dial...
...and fusee and chain movement
Lots of fun (and great food) at the closing dinner at the 3-star (Michelin) Restaurant at Meadowood. After enough wine, it was easy to start seeing things, and even to lose track of the date:
After dinner with Cognac and cigars by the outdoor fire, with Patrick seen here -- ah, the life of a PuristS moderator!
A truly wonderful event. Many, many thanks to Herr Schmid and the entire Lange organization for the invitation to this special experience!
Best,
Gary G
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 reference 206.032, introduced in 1999, is a notable example of the brand's commitment to traditional watchmaking principles. This model is part of the 1815 collection, which pays homage to the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange and emphasizes classic design elements such as Arabic numerals and blued hands, drawing inspiration from historical Lange pocket watches. It represents a more understated and purist aesthetic compared to some of the brand's more complex offerings, focusing on fundamental horological excellence.
This particular reference features an 18k rose gold case measuring 36mm in diameter and 7.5mm in thickness. It houses the manually wound L941.1 caliber, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front, protecting a solid silver dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.
The 1815 206.032 appeals to collectors who appreciate classical proportions and a focus on fundamental watchmaking without excessive complications. Its smaller case size reflects a more traditional approach to men's wristwatches, making it a desirable piece for those seeking a discreet yet highly refined timepiece. The combination of rose gold and a silver dial offers a warm and legible presentation, consistent with the collection's historical inspirations.
I get to enjoy more of the event! Those are some very serious lineups! Hope you had a superb one Gary along with the others! Tschuss Stephen
this superb event with us Gary with your beautifil pics. .... a master even with a P&S! :) cheers fernando
and impressive watches in one post and especially the "group shots" are nice for comparison. At least, my favorite picture is this one: because there are seven nice watches in one picture, but one stands out clearly. The understated but impressive (in detail) Richard Lange , still one of the best. I can imagine that you all had a great time, for sure :-) Gary, thanks for sharing! Oliver
Wonderful report & photographs!! Best, -- Richard.
Thanks for reporting us a bit of this warm atmosphere Gary. We all have our favorite among the watches you shot: I would go for the Pt RL or the Langematik Perp I think. So hard to chose... Cheers, Mark
Thanks for sharing. Nice watches on parade! Drooling.... :-) Ken
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