n the world of horology, where precision meets aesthetics, A. Lange & Söhne has been a revered name for years. Their Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar, first introduced in 2021, left watch aficionados spellbound with its intricate design and impeccable craftsmanship. Now, in a bold move that’s sure to captivate the hearts of watch enthusiasts once again, the iconic Saxon watchmaker is back with a striking new version of this masterpiece – the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar in a platinum case, boasting a sleek black dial.
When it comes to watch design, subtlety often speaks volumes. In the case of the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar, the latest iteration brings forth purely aesthetic changes, while retaining the beloved Lange 1 case’s dimensions. It measures 41.9mm in diameter and 12.1mm in height, striking a perfect balance between substantial presence and wearable comfort.
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the mesmerizing black dial, meticulously crafted from solid silver. Against this dark canvas, the moon phase indicator takes center stage. Its solid-gold celestial disc, adorned with graduated blue hues, shines brightly amidst a sea of black, accentuated by crisp white markings. It’s a visual symphony that draws you in.
True to the Lange 1’s unique style, the dial layout of the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar deviates from the traditional perpetual calendars you might have encountered. Instead, it embraces the classic off-centered Lange 1 style. The oversized date display, a signature Lange feature, takes its place, while the retrograde day of the week indicator finds a home between 8 and 10 o’clock. The month elegantly encircles the dial’s outer edge, and the leap year indication discreetly resides at the six o’clock position. A charming combination of the moon phase and day/night indicator graces the seconds sub-dial. And of course, the hours and minutes can be read from the off-center display on the right. This asymmetrical layout not only imparts a wealth of information but also does so with an artistic flair that’s quintessentially Saxon.
While the dial of the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar might bear a resemblance to the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, the heart that beats inside is entirely distinct. Enter the calibre L021.3, a masterpiece influenced by the architecture of the L021.1 found in the Lange 1 Daymatic but elevated with the complexities of a perpetual calendar.
What’s truly fascinating is that all calendar indications on the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar change instantaneously, creating a mesmerizing display at the stroke of midnight when the month transitions. The white-gold moon, with its precise orbital dance of 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 3 seconds, only needs a correction of one day after a staggering 122.6 years, assuming the watch never stops ticking.
Completing this horological masterpiece is a black hand-stitched leather strap, exuding elegance and comfort in equal measure. Secured on the wrist with a platinum prong buckle, it ensures that this work of art stays close to you, as it was meant to be.
The price is available upon request but the 2021 model went for CHF 100,000, so prices are expected to be similar.
