Pursuit of Precision

A Lange & Söhne celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Lange I with four new limited-edition timepieces

- Annabel Tan

When A Lange & Söhne debuted the Lange 1 in 1994, it marked a bold new direction for the brand and over the years, it has become a hallmark of modern precision watchmaking. Since the beginning, the Lange 1 series has stood out for its asymmetrical dial layout, a feature that sets it apart from traditional watch designs. The hours‑and‑minutes subdial is positioned on the left side of the dial, horizontally centralised to an outsize date window and a seconds subdial that sit, respectively, near the top and bottom of the face on the right side, with the power reserve indicator spanning the arc between the two. This unique arrangement adheres to the principles of the golden ratio, ensuring a harmonious balance that remains visually appealing even after three decades.

Alongside the innovative and groundbreaking off‑centre dial configuration and the distinctive outsize date display, the Lange 1 incorporates traditional Saxon elements such as a three‑quarter plate, screwed gold chatons and a screw balance. Certainly, this unique blend of modernity and heritage has etched the Lange 1 into the annals of watchmaking history.