Service
Sigo's 2017 post ignited a significant discussion about the challenges of servicing vintage A. Lange & Söhne watches, particularly those predating the brand's modern revival. This thread offers crucial insights into the manufacturer's service policies for historical pieces and the broader implications for collectors of vintage German horology. The community's diverse perspectives shed light on brand heritage, service protocols, and the role of independent watchmakers.
From: OELSCHLÄGEL Susan (ALS-DE)
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 5:51 PM
To: CHIN Brian (RIC-SG) <[Email address suppressed for privacy]>
Cc: SCHAAL Anne (ALS-GB); BENTFELD Alexander (ALS-DE)
Subject: Shipment of two ancient watches
Dear Brian,
Hoping you are well.
This is to confirm that we have received your order
80176473 – wristwatch w/o strap and buckle – individual number: 45705
80176500 – wristwatch w/o strap and buckle – individual number: 103122
Shipment has been arranged through Mr./ Mrs. See Hong Onn.
We are anxious letting you know that both watches are going to be returned without taking any further action. Our decision is based on following:
Please see attached e-mail correspondence by our head of service department Alexander Bentfeld informing that with until further notice we do not accept repairs for historical watches due to capacity reason. Both watches are not considered as one of our modern watches as they have been manufactured way before 1990.
Order 80176473 – individual number: 45705
This watch was manufactured by Walter Lange and his brother Ferdinand Adolf Lange in Pforzheim (Germany) and not in Glashütte. This watch has nothing to do with our manufactory and we would not consider taking it on for repair at all.
Order 80176500 – individual number: 103122
Watch approx. manufactured around 1930. It is hand wound with a Swiss made ALTUS movement. We normally overhaul this type of watch however; due to capacity reason would not offer an estimate as of now.
Furthermore; we would like to point out that our plattforms, dealers and boutiques should not accept any historical watches to forward them to our manufactory due to assurance reasons. Alexander did state this in his e-mail too.
If you have clients looking for an overhaul of pocket watch or historical wrist watch you may let them know to get in touch with us directly. Please use as contact Susan.
We would appreciate if you could update your team.
Thank you for your comprehension.
With the best wishes for the impended holiday season and all the best for 2018
Warm wishes from Germany,
Susan
Susan Oelschlägel
Kundenservice / Customer Care
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Lange Uhren GmbH
Ferdinand-A.-Lange-Platz 1
D-01768 Glashütte
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Anyway, I understand your position and I understand the Lange’s one if they have no parts in stock to service and repair your watches. As previously said, if you know a good watchmaker, a full service of these two Lange shouldn’t be too tricky for him. Hope you’ll find a satisfying solution soon. Best wishes Alkiro
Hello and welcome to the forum! I agree with Nico and Alkiro that any good watchmaker in Singapore can repair your watches as the movements are quite straight forward. However, if I was posed with a similar predicament (and I live close by in Kuala Lumpur), I would only give these vintage watches to Somlo Antiques based on the Burlington Arcade off Piccadilly in London. They are true experts in all things vintage be it pocket watches or vintage watches and Peter Speake Marin used to work for the
However, as a premium brand, if I were Lange, I'd tell the client that the manufacture will do its best to restore it, but give the time it would take, and the estimated cost. And, if Lange already has a capacity problem now, either the watches have a high service rate, or Lange should have hired/trained more watch makers/repairers.
... and has a department that will service any historical timepiece made in that region? I seem to recall that from a visit there several years ago. It's worth considering IF, for some reason, you can't get them serviced locally as others have suggested.
given the strong message of their connection to the past when marketing and promoting the brand (I just read the first page of A Lange & Sohne website). But they will not take any Lange watches not from their Manufactory or anything pre 1990? for service. This is disappointing for those collecting vintage Lange.
It is not unreasonable for customers to expect that any model that has been manufactured since the inception of the company can be serviced as long as the watch is authentic.
This thread is active on the A. Lange & Söhne forum with 60 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
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