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