A. Lange & Söhne

Did anyone else notice that the Lange 1 Daymatic's calibre is L021.1, meaning development was begun in 2002?  I count at least 7 movements that were started after this one but released before:

L031.1 Lange 1 Time Zone

L034.1 Lange 31

L041.2 Richard Lange

L042.1 Cabaret Tourbillon

L043.1 Zeitwerk

L044.1 Richard Lange PLM

L051.1 "New" 1815

Now, I certainly I understand that developing a new movement takes several years, and that due to both the development time and market conditions, the order of new releases will not match the order of the development of the movements.  However, I am now left wondering whether the L021.1 movement hasn't been "ready" for some time, but has been put "on hold" until now (especially since more "complex" movements that were started later were released earlier).  If that is indeed the case, I am wondering why and what that means for other releases we can look forward to in 2010?  In other words, after starting so many new movements in 2004, what does the subsequent movement pipeline look like (although, notice that L032.1 and L033.1 have not been released, as far as I know)?  I would not be surprised that 2005 saw fewer new projects, and those started in 2006 may not be ready for release in 2010.  Bottom line, I think the release of this L021.1 calibre may signal that we may not see many new releases in 2010 as we did in 2009, which of course would not be surprising since we saw so many in 2009 (RL PLM, "new" 1815, and Zeitwerk, excluding metal/dial variations).  So I think we may need to look forward to more new variations in 2010 than brand new calibres. 

Lastly, I am also wondering whether the release of so many new calibres in 2009 (and the possible "dearth" of new movements in 2010) may have contributed to the management disagreements between Herr Krone and Richemont.  But that is pure speculation on my part.

Curious to hearing others' thoughts on this.  Here's to hoping I am proven wrong in 2010!

... to the Lange 1 family.. I do think there is a spot for an automatic Lange 1, and Lange have done well by flipping the dial so it is easy to distinguish between an automatic Lange 1 and a manual one.

Unfortunately not my cup of tea. I would prefer the manual wound Lange 1 over this as I already have a Langematik.

Very interested to see the back though. Can they do a better automatic back than the Langematik????

I'm just not used to the dial layout yet, I would have perferred the regular dial layout on this watch but in time maybe I'll get used to it. I'm very curious to see the movement.

Tony

sure, why not...... I suppose you could grouse about Lange diluting the L1, with an automatic inside... or adding another complication.... but it's okay... sort of hmm-whatever....

Hope to see the movement and nice to see something new and interesting from ALS.

Thanks SJX

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design, I like the plat one.

The red S does stand out

Hope the name Daymatic not been "slang" like today in Aussie (no offend here) .... LOL

thanks JX

 

But it makes more sense.  With the new design, I don't need to pull my long sleeve to read time.  On hindsight, the original Lange 1 should have this design.

Regards

Ling

For a while I thought the Daymatic was a prank until I saw it on timezone as well and also the fact that it is still December and far from April Fool's Day.

I own an original pour le merite (the tourbillon version), the Anniversary, and the Wempe Gangreserve.  Unfortunately the recent Lange introductions have been very disappointing.  One of these days I might add a Lange 1 MP and/or a 1815 Chronograph.

The Daymatic shows a lack of creativity.  I don't know if it is milking the Lange1 design for all it's worth.  If a lack of creativity is the theme, then Lange is better off introducing different dial colors and different case materials for the L1.

The Zeitwerke is very interesting, but for me it will never sing to me like the other classic Lange's do (I mean the 1815 series and Lange 1).  The face is a bit ugly.

The Lange 31 is a great concept, but winding the watch with an external tool is a bit of a pain.  Imagine going away for a 32 day trip (oops) and having to carry that tool with you in your luggage.

I love the Double Split, but there is something lacking in the dial.  Perhaps a simple touch, such as changing the color combination can improve the attractiveness of the watch?  I don't know.

I am a bit disillusioned with this brand.  I used to be a huge fan.

Sorry I may sound a bit harsh.

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A surprise indeed. Eagerly waiting to see the case back.
Getting mixed reviews but I must say I'm liking it.
Thanks SJX.

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Although the design is a winner, I do have mixed feelings....

a spin off Lange 1, it is beautiful and the day function is very nice....

However.....

I am skeptic about the automatic movement... personally I prefer the manual..
We have to wait to see the movement...

We also have to see how, after we absorb the "new" watch, we still like it or we prefer the Lange 1.....
I wonder how many owners of Lange 1 would consider this one.... time will tell.....

In conclusion, my first thought are positive but I still prefer the Lange 1......

Cheers

In one respect (and one only) this reminds me of the Lange 31:  the new feature is pointless.  Just as I don't need a watch that needs winding only once per month, I also don't need a watch whose vaunted new complication is to tell me the day of the week.  Just not interesting to me.  (Now, if it kept track of Jupiter's moons, THAT would be interesting.) 

Perhaps last year's new models (Zeitwerk,RL PLM,1815), created enormous anticipation for this year's novelties.
Unfortunately L1 Daymatic doesn't stand up to it.
Let's hope that Lange has another surpise too.

Aris

First of all, thanks for the pictures and info. Nice piece from L&S.

Have a question - looking at the technical specifications, it looks like this is an automatic watch. Is this going to be the first automatic from L&S?

Thanks!

AL&S already produced some automatic movements ,they go under the denomination of SAX-O-MAT.The most notorious/famous models in the collections are :the Langematik first of all in all its variations,the wonderful Anniversary,and the Saxonia Automatik.I think that s all.Guys correct me if I'm mistaken.Mo

Thank you for enlightening me. Had forgotten about them.

I realize that those have the smaller rotors - would the Daymatic have a full-sized one by any chance?

THANK YOU for he Write up. !  lovely New Addition to the Lange Family .

  reversing the Date and the Time's Dial make a lot of sense.! i think it looks much better that way.

 but WISH it  was in 46mm like the Lange 31.

Cheers

 Tony