Comments:
I have Peter's book, which I am reading or browsing at 4 pages every other day, so I don't finish it too fast! Slow digestion. His photography skills is just astounding, esp when he explain how he does the macro and the printing process.
Best,
Horo
All good things please multiply 200%, and all bad things discount 75%....
-
Best,
Horo
PLM Events in Tokyo
PLM Events in Tokyo
This weekend Lange held events for PLM, starting with the Press Conference followed by 3 days of lunch/dinner with the owners/clients and dealers.
There are three parts:
Part 1: Press Conference on Thursday, 13th.
Part 2: Lange Owners Club Japan lunch on Friday, 14th.
Addendum: Lange retailers/ clients dinner on Saturday, 15th.
I hope you enjoy the report and please read on!
Ken
Teaser display cases.
Will show you more detail with better equipment and light in Part 2.
This message has been edited by KIH on 2011-10-17 18:28:13
This weekend Lange held events for PLM, starting with the Press Conference followed by 3 days of lunch/dinner with the owners/clients and dealers.
There are three parts:
Part 1: Press Conference on Thursday, 13th.
Part 2: Lange Owners Club Japan lunch on Friday, 14th.
Addendum: Lange retailers/ clients dinner on Saturday, 15th.
I hope you enjoy the report and please read on!
Ken
Venue - Very posh restaurant "Sant Pau" (Spanish/ French) in Nihonbashi area (mostly business district).
Teaser display cases.
Will show you more detail with better equipment and light in Part 2.
===================================================================
This message has been edited by KIH on 2011-10-17 18:28:13
Part 1: Press Conference
PLM Event - Part 1: Press Conference on Thursday, 13th
Mr. Wilhelm Schmid - CEO, Lange Uhren GMBH
Young watchmaker at demonstration booth where he de/assembles RL Tourbillon PLM movement
Slides
The history of PLM
“Pour le Mérite”, an accolade for the superb horological skills of Lange’s master watchmakers. The name came from the order of merit inspired by Alexander von Humboldt and sponsored by King Frederick William IV in 1842 for outstanding, predominantly scientific accomplishments.
Lange now has had four (4) PLMs, all are in LE and hard to come by.
Fusee Chain (or Fuse-and-Chain) parts
What happened in 1807 - Mr. Schmid's presentation and Quoted from Lange's website
All about accuracy - "There is hardly another watchmaker who can take more credit for the advancement of precision horology in Saxony than Johann Heinrich Seyffert (1751-1817). At the royal court and among scientists, his timepieces were immensely popular. His design concepts influenced the most talented artisans of his guild, elevating the art of horology in Dresden to new heights. In 1845, this trend culminated in the establishment of the first German watch manufactory by Ferdinand A. Lange. The circle of prestigious buyers of Seyffert’s fewer than one hundred exquisite timepieces also included the famous explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. For his expedition to South America, he acquired a Seyffert chronometer and took the time in 1797 to travel to Dresden expressly to learn the art of navigation with a sextant and barometer. According to Humboldt’s notes, Seyffert’s chronometer was accurate to four or five seconds a day and when stationary, its rate accuracy even improved to less than one second in 24 hours. Even today, two hundred years later, this degree of precision is nothing short of impressive. The regulator he crafted in 1807 is a particularly attractive exemplar. It is now part of the collection of the Mathematics and Physics Salon in Dresden. Its dial features three intersecting circles for the time indications. In its calibre, a fusée-and-chain mechanism is responsible for the constant transmission of power. This watch, with the serial number 93, was the blueprint for the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”. - Wow!
The recently announced "Handwerkskunst" version, LE of 15
The engraver has to engrave toward eight (8) directions
Beautiful engraving on the movement, too.
And, THIS is the book Mr. Peter Chong authored dedicated solely for Lange PLMs. Lots of information you have never heard or known.
He talked a bit about Japan Market - Boutique
And the other Point of Sales - no plan to increase
Record Sales at Auction...
... and Cheers!
Thank you very much for presentation, Mr. Shmid, and Lange Japan staff for all the preparation.
Wonderful drinks and foods followed...
Please read on to Part 2. (note and apology: Mr. Chong was here at the press conference, but somehow I couldn't find his photo in my camera... sorry). He will appear in Part 2.
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2011-10-15 17:38:26
Mr. Peter Kesselmann - Brand CEO, Japan
Mr. Wilhelm Schmid - CEO, Lange Uhren GMBH
Young watchmaker at demonstration booth where he de/assembles RL Tourbillon PLM movement
Slides
The history of PLM
“Pour le Mérite”, an accolade for the superb horological skills of Lange’s master watchmakers. The name came from the order of merit inspired by Alexander von Humboldt and sponsored by King Frederick William IV in 1842 for outstanding, predominantly scientific accomplishments.
Lange now has had four (4) PLMs, all are in LE and hard to come by.
Fusee Chain (or Fuse-and-Chain) parts
What happened in 1807 - Mr. Schmid's presentation and Quoted from Lange's website
All about accuracy - "There is hardly another watchmaker who can take more credit for the advancement of precision horology in Saxony than Johann Heinrich Seyffert (1751-1817). At the royal court and among scientists, his timepieces were immensely popular. His design concepts influenced the most talented artisans of his guild, elevating the art of horology in Dresden to new heights. In 1845, this trend culminated in the establishment of the first German watch manufactory by Ferdinand A. Lange. The circle of prestigious buyers of Seyffert’s fewer than one hundred exquisite timepieces also included the famous explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. For his expedition to South America, he acquired a Seyffert chronometer and took the time in 1797 to travel to Dresden expressly to learn the art of navigation with a sextant and barometer. According to Humboldt’s notes, Seyffert’s chronometer was accurate to four or five seconds a day and when stationary, its rate accuracy even improved to less than one second in 24 hours. Even today, two hundred years later, this degree of precision is nothing short of impressive. The regulator he crafted in 1807 is a particularly attractive exemplar. It is now part of the collection of the Mathematics and Physics Salon in Dresden. Its dial features three intersecting circles for the time indications. In its calibre, a fusée-and-chain mechanism is responsible for the constant transmission of power. This watch, with the serial number 93, was the blueprint for the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”. - Wow!
The recently announced "Handwerkskunst" version, LE of 15
The engraver has to engrave toward eight (8) directions
Beautiful engraving on the movement, too.
And, THIS is the book Mr. Peter Chong authored dedicated solely for Lange PLMs. Lots of information you have never heard or known.
He talked a bit about Japan Market - Boutique
And the other Point of Sales - no plan to increase
Record Sales at Auction...
... and Cheers!
Thank you very much for presentation, Mr. Shmid, and Lange Japan staff for all the preparation.
Wonderful drinks and foods followed...
Please read on to Part 2. (note and apology: Mr. Chong was here at the press conference, but somehow I couldn't find his photo in my camera... sorry). He will appear in Part 2.
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2011-10-15 17:38:26
Part 2: Lange Owners' Club Japan Lunch
Lange PLM Events - Part 2: Lange Owners' Club Japan Lunch on Friday, 14th
The display
Big model of the chain
Will show the demonstration later
Look at the door - as always, very Lange event Nice.
Herr Walter Lange - Mr. Schmid told us that Mr. Lange was so sorry that he can't come to travel and come to his beloved country, Japan.
Some of the displayed pieces
=================================================
Now the lunch starts - Mr. Kesselmann
Mr. Schmid to the members of Lange Owners Club Japan
And now, Mr. Peter Chong talked about PLM.
One copy was given to the LOC Japan. Thank you!
Full of interesting story in the book. For example, even the auction house data on the number of each ref. # of the first PLM are wrong and this book shows the correct information. All the data were collected at Glashutte, but they had been scattered here and there - made him stay there for two months and then, a year and a half of dedication to complete the book (he even quit his job to focus on the project). Amazing that all the photo of the book, I mean all, were taken by Mr. Chong himself.
============================================
And today's lunch
Sorry, only Japanese.... But seeing is believing anyway....
You see the "fusee-and-chain" shaped thing on the left?
Mr. Chong and Mr. Arnd Einhorn, Director Press and Public Relations behind him
==================================================================
Okay, now the pics with better equipment. Did my best, but can't beat Mr. Chong's book!
The first PLM - WG, WD, BH: my droooooling watch. Do you know how many of this were made?
Tourbographe
And the more recent RL PLM - Stephen's "King"
The most recent model - RL Tourbillon PLM
A trivia from the book: the red "30" position was move 0.1mm from the prototype to the actual production model. Sooo detailed and anal, in a good sense.
====================================================
Here are the wrist shots of the Club members.
A rare color MOP dial in PT case.
Changes color dramatically depending on the light.
Mr. Schmid
Mr. Chong taking Lange 1 Tourbillon in HG of the lady sitting next to him.
On a gentleman's left wrist while on the right wrist was something else (later)
THE original Lange 1 Tourbillon in PG
Oh, my brother!
Umnn, this is actually his wife's...
Very pretty Little Lange 1 Darth on a lady's wrist
AND THIS!
This is not display model or dealers piece. He took delivery just today (thus got late for this lunch!) and this is the first time for all, including Mr. Schmidt, to see it in the wild. Huge Congrats!
The owner generously let me take a few pics of his just delivered masterpiece
Rivalry?
This is the one on the right wrist of the gentleman whose left wrist had HG Lange 1 Tourbillon
==================================================
Now the time for today's demonstration
That is it. Thank you for reading through this lengthy post.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did the lunch GTG.
Many thanks to Mr. Schmid, Mr. Einhorn and Lange Uhren team as well as Mr. Kesselmann and Lange Japan team. Wonderful hospitality and detailed preparation, as always. And lastly, but not the least, thank you, Mr. Chong for your wonderful effort of authoring such the wealth of information and making a trip to Japan. Hope you are enjoying your little trip to the foliage area now
Please read on to the Addendum, the last of the series.
Best,
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2011-10-15 19:45:14
The display
Big model of the chain
Will show the demonstration later
Look at the door - as always, very Lange event
Nice.Herr Walter Lange - Mr. Schmid told us that Mr. Lange was so sorry that he can't come to travel and come to his beloved country, Japan.
Some of the displayed pieces
=================================================
Now the lunch starts - Mr. Kesselmann
Mr. Schmid to the members of Lange Owners Club Japan
And now, Mr. Peter Chong talked about PLM.
One copy was given to the LOC Japan. Thank you!
Full of interesting story in the book. For example, even the auction house data on the number of each ref. # of the first PLM are wrong and this book shows the correct information. All the data were collected at Glashutte, but they had been scattered here and there - made him stay there for two months and then, a year and a half of dedication to complete the book (he even quit his job to focus on the project). Amazing that all the photo of the book, I mean all, were taken by Mr. Chong himself.
============================================
And today's lunch
Sorry, only Japanese.... But seeing is believing anyway....
You see the "fusee-and-chain" shaped thing on the left?
Mr. Chong and Mr. Arnd Einhorn, Director Press and Public Relations behind him
==================================================================
Okay, now the pics with better equipment. Did my best, but can't beat Mr. Chong's book!
The first PLM - WG, WD, BH: my droooooling watch. Do you know how many of this were made?
Tourbographe
And the more recent RL PLM - Stephen's "King"
The most recent model - RL Tourbillon PLM
A trivia from the book: the red "30" position was move 0.1mm from the prototype to the actual production model. Sooo detailed and anal, in a good sense.
====================================================
Here are the wrist shots of the Club members.
A rare color MOP dial in PT case.
Changes color dramatically depending on the light.
Mr. Schmid
Mr. Chong taking Lange 1 Tourbillon in HG of the lady sitting next to him.
On a gentleman's left wrist while on the right wrist was something else (later)
THE original Lange 1 Tourbillon in PG
Oh, my brother!
Umnn, this is actually his wife's...
Very pretty Little Lange 1 Darth on a lady's wrist
AND THIS!
This is not display model or dealers piece. He took delivery just today (thus got late for this lunch!) and this is the first time for all, including Mr. Schmidt, to see it in the wild. Huge Congrats!
The owner generously let me take a few pics of his just delivered masterpiece
Rivalry?
=============================
Non-Langes:
And who was wearing his wife's Lange - his RM fitted with pink strap and therefore she was wearing this most of the time.
Non-Langes:
And who was wearing his wife's Lange - his RM fitted with pink strap and therefore she was wearing this most of the time.
This is the one on the right wrist of the gentleman whose left wrist had HG Lange 1 Tourbillon
==================================================
Now the time for today's demonstration
See how small each part of the chain is?
That is it. Thank you for reading through this lengthy post.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did the lunch GTG.
Many thanks to Mr. Schmid, Mr. Einhorn and Lange Uhren team as well as Mr. Kesselmann and Lange Japan team. Wonderful hospitality and detailed preparation, as always. And lastly, but not the least, thank you, Mr. Chong for your wonderful effort of authoring such the wealth of information and making a trip to Japan. Hope you are enjoying your little trip to the foliage area now
Please read on to the Addendum, the last of the series.
Best,
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2011-10-15 19:45:14
Excellent, simply excellent ...
coverage of a very nice event, Ken.
It is not the first time that I would like to live in Japan
Thanks a lot for sharing with us!
Oliver
It is not the first time that I would like to live in Japan
Thanks a lot for sharing with us!
Oliver
Nice to hear such comment....
... yeah, please visit one day.... You have home-country disadvantage, I guess
I may need more Leica... hehehe.
Thank you! Glad you enjoy the read.
Ken
I may need more Leica... hehehe.
Thank you! Glad you enjoy the read.
Ken
Thanks for the super report Ken!
Interesting to see cool exhibits like the giant chain.
The variety of ALS owned by the people are amazing. The pair couple Lange 1 really nice!
Did you manage to record the 'ding-ding' of the working Hour Striker?
Wow! Patrick_Y's timing is extremely accurate to be there during the event. Lucky!
Like your pictures of those micro-components!
Kong
The variety of ALS owned by the people are amazing. The pair couple Lange 1 really nice!
Did you manage to record the 'ding-ding' of the working Hour Striker?
Wow! Patrick_Y's timing is extremely accurate to be there during the event. Lucky!
Like your pictures of those micro-components!
Kong
Thanks! The Striker came on the last day and it was so....
.. crowded and noisy, so I gave up recording or taping. I will try to do it one day soon! It was beautiful sound, a little low volume, though. But, it did not disappoint us.
Ken
Ken
Superb watches. The Lange One Darth is growing on me. Thanks, Ken! [nt]
No message body
That is "Little" Lange 1 Darth - must fit your wife's wrist?
In fact, it is relatively rare.... Very attractive and tempting, I agree...
Addendum: Clients/ Retailers Dinner
PLM Event - Addendum: Retalers/ Clients Dinner.
Well, you have seen twice already and I will just post the notable pics.
The Dinner
The watches:
This is the WORKING PRODUCT - YES, it DINGS nicely!
Rare pair of birds - one is regular Lange 1 size while another is Little Lange 1 size - a nice couple.
Our friend Patrick_Y is in town - what a cuff link
Yup, PLM night. My wrist, someone else's Tourbographe.
Lange 1 Tourbillon - Three (3) HG, One (1) PG - what a sight...
Thank you for reading through all two and a half parts.
It has been fun weekend and I thank very much every one of the Lange staff. Thank you!
Best,
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2011-10-15 11:56:50
Well, you have seen twice already and I will just post the notable pics.
Start of the night.
The Dinner
The watches:
This is the WORKING PRODUCT - YES, it DINGS nicely!
Rare pair of birds - one is regular Lange 1 size while another is Little Lange 1 size - a nice couple.
Our friend Patrick_Y is in town - what a cuff link
Yup, PLM night. My wrist, someone else's Tourbographe.
Lange 1 Tourbillon - Three (3) HG, One (1) PG - what a sight...
It has been fun weekend and I thank very much every one of the Lange staff. Thank you!
Best,
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2011-10-15 11:56:50
Ken, nobody write a report like you!!!!!
I was at the event last night, but found it much more enjoyable to experience it through Ken's great photos and descriptions! Sort of like watching a football game at the stadium while listening to the commentators on the TV! Ken, thanks for all the hard work and for an "inside" look at the world of Lange PLM.
Thanks, Jeff.
Thanks, Jeff.
Thank you for the kind words. It was good series event, to begin with.
.. I just reported it
A night to be remembered...
An amazing write-up! Makes me want to visit Japan even more often to attend these wonderful gatherings with truly passionate connoisseurs!
Thank you for taking and posting these wonderful photographs!
Thank you Ken and all the members of the A. Lange & Soehne staff for the memorable evening!
It was good to have you there, finally meet up in person.
.. pleasure meeting you there!
Ken
Ken
Excellent report that captured the event
I have Peter's book, which I am reading or browsing at 4 pages every other day, so I don't finish it too fast! Slow digestion. His photography skills is just astounding, esp when he explain how he does the macro and the printing process.
Best,
Horo
Err......
All good things please multiply 200%, and all bad things discount 75%....
-Best,
Horo
PLM: certainly not for the merits of the mainspring used
First a big thank you for a very enjoyable read with many none the less detailed pictures.
The picture with the fusee held by a pair of forceps is for me the most informative one as it showes what I was thinking about the
mainspring used in the PLMs: it is not the most linear and therefore best spring in the watch world.
It has to be of, let us say, minor quality to be useful for this kind of a watch.
But having said that: it is one of top movements to own.
Regards
Moritz
PS: Yes, I noticed also the shoes ...
The picture with the fusee held by a pair of forceps is for me the most informative one as it showes what I was thinking about the
mainspring used in the PLMs: it is not the most linear and therefore best spring in the watch world.
It has to be of, let us say, minor quality to be useful for this kind of a watch.
But having said that: it is one of top movements to own.
Regards
Moritz
PS: Yes, I noticed also the shoes ...
Yeah! I heard about that from Daniel...
... please report the event!
Thank you, Tony!
Ken
Thank you, Tony!
Ken