A. Lange & Söhne SIHH 2012 Novelties Tokyo Tour

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KIH's report from the A. Lange & Söhne Novelties World Tour in Tokyo offers a firsthand look at the brand's 2012 SIHH releases, including the Datograph Up/Down and Grand Lange 1. His detailed photographs and initial impressions provide valuable insights into how these new models compare to their predecessors, particularly regarding case size, dial aesthetics, and movement evolution, making this a crucial resource for collectors considering Lange's contemporary offerings.

They arrived at Tokyo Boutique yesterday and are to be on display there until March 4. If you are in the area, please visit the boutique to see, touch, and handle the newest offerings from Lange - like the report from Geneva suggested, the new line-up is the solid one. Seeing in the photo and seeing in person + touching and handling is a quite different experience. You may feel that I am just saying positive things, but you will see when you actually meet them at your AD in the future.

One very sorry news is the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar is just the mock up and it couldn't show us the movement and function.... But the dial was VERY Lange 1 and (aside from the size), I like it as one that carries "Lange DNA" for sure.

Without further talk, let's see the pics.

The Boutique Entrance

1. Datograph U/D

Brothers: one is 39mm, another is 41mm.

Caliber L951.1 and L951.6 - having taken such a long time to complete and debut.
(for those who do not know, Lange's caliber numbering system is that the first two digits means the year they started development of the caliber - in this case, in 95, at the same time as the original Datograph)

Not bad at all in person. A bit of "blankness" or "too much space" around the 1:30 and 10:30 area, but will get used to it, I hope.

As a Chronograph, the size is not so bad - even for me who is strictly "under 40mm" guy.

Another brothers shot. Original Dato is very well balanced AND well concentrated in the right sized dial, while U/D still retains its good balance but more "space" or "room" which you may or may not like. I am, in general, okay with that. If I had not had Dato, I might take the plunge

Very similar to L951.1, but of course with increased (from 36 to 60 hours) power reserve and added power reserve meter function.

Thickness got slightly increased from 12.8mm to 13.1mm. The "rim" around the display back got a bit wider.

Side by side on the wrist. Anybody who love Dato COULD live with this size.

2. Grand Lange 1

As I thought, this is the right design, Lange 1 or Grand Lange 1 - to my eyes anyway.

Lange 1 MP (38.5mm) and the New Grand Lange 1 (40.9mm: used to be 41.9mm). I like it, but maybe a bit too big for my wrist as a dress watch..... YMMV

What is more remarkable, which I found having met in person, is its thickness - 8.8mm. Current Lange 1 & Lange 1 MP has 10.0mm thickness, and the old Grand Lange 1 had 11mm thickness. Deserves special mention here.

You see the thickness difference?

Top is the NEW Grand Lange 1 and the bottom is the original Grand Lange 1 - see the difference in thickness.

3. Now, the Main Event! Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar... (without movement...)

41.9mm

Thickness - 12.2mm

Hmmm. I just wish it were 39.5mm like Daymatik....

The design of the dial is very Lange 1 and I DO appreciate it very much. One of the easiest-to-read Perpetual Calendar watch out there.

4. Saxonia Thin WG

Thickness - 5.9mm

The movement (the same as PG version of last year) has the look of the historical caliber.

Diameter 40mm - barely... but could be smaller....

To my taste and eyes, WG version is much sharper look for suits.

5. Timezone WG with luminous hands

And the brothers. The new one looks nice. But the far left PG Gray dial is soooo sexy.....

Novelties with some of the patricipants.

6. For ladies. I would love the PG case, if I were to buy one for someone

7. Some of the Lange which other participants were wearing.

Classic, but I would never get tired of.

Ah, Annual Calendar.... PG version looks much better for this model....

And the desert of the reception. Lange 1?

That's it. Hope you got a bit deeper dig on the novelties Lange offers this year.

And you all should see this!
www.alange-soehne.com

Like I said, very solid collection from Lange this year. I hope to see the working sample of Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual one day soon.

Best,
Ken

Special thanks to:
Mr. Kesselmann - Brand CEO of A. Lange & Sohne (Japan)
Ms. Sakuma - Manager of Lange Boutique Tokyo

This message has been edited by KIH on 2012-02-25 15:45:29

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Datograph Up/Down (41mm) features more 'open space' on the dial compared to the original 39mm Datograph, a design element that may divide opinions among collectors.
The Datograph Up/Down's caliber L951.6, developed since 1995, increases power reserve from 36 to 60 hours and adds a power reserve meter, with a slight increase in case thickness from 12.8mm to 13.1mm.
The Grand Lange 1's thinner case and larger movement contribute to a lighter feel, making it potentially more elegant and wearable for those with larger wrists, despite its increased diameter.
Some collectors expressed disappointment with the new Datograph Up/Down, preferring the original's proportions and finding the increased power reserve less useful for occasional wear, especially given the price difference.
The Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, while a technical achievement, received criticism for its 'messy' dial layout and lack of aesthetic appeal, despite its legibility.
The Saxonia Thin was praised for its simplicity and elegance, suggesting a preference for minimalist dress watches among some collectors.

The Discussion

amanico

Feb 25, 2012

There is a nice work behind this watch... The proportions are harmonious. A Black dial and it is a hit, a killing piece. Such as the Saxonia Thin. The rest is not for me... Best, and thanks for this interesting post, specially the comparisons you made about the evolution in thickness. Nicolas

KIH

Feb 25, 2012

That might be interesting... Yeah, the thinner case is very nice, I think. Ken

foversta

Feb 25, 2012

As you pointed it out, slenderness is the key point of the new Grand Lange 1 thanks to the use of a single barrel. I was really seduced by this watch even if I regret the absence of a WG version. Thanks a lot for the report... and thanks also for the pics of the Lange 1 MOP! Fx

KIH

Feb 25, 2012

... you mean L1 MP Tokyo Edition? Now that's my love Ken

foversta

Feb 25, 2012

I was filmed 3 minutes after my arrival at SIHH... It was a bit difficult but I appreciated the shooting. I did the same in 2011 with Tino about the Saxonia Dual Time. Fx

BABKA

Feb 25, 2012

Thanks for posting. I had a blast viewing/reading this post!

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