A. Lange & Söhne

Released in 1994 as one of A. Lange & Söhne’s inaugural models following the brand’s relaunch, the Lange 1 is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable and defining watches the manufacture has ever created. With its off-center outsize date, inspired by the Five-Minute Clock of Dresden’s Semper Opera House, asymmetrically arranged hour and minute sub-dial, small seconds at 5 o’clock, and power-reserve indicator at 3 o’clock. The Lange 1 has become a cornerstone of the brand’s portfolio of modern icons.

In 2003, A. Lange & Söhne, capitalizing on the growing trend for oversized watches, introduced the Grand Lange 1. The case was enlarged by 3.4mm, measuring 41.9mm in diameter with a height of 11mm. The first generation remained in production until 2012, when the second-generation Grand Lange 1 was unveiled. The 2012 update featured an entirely new, thinner movement, allowing the case to be reduced to 40.9mm in diameter and 8.8mm in height. Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), the hand-wound calibre L095.1 of the second generation uses a single mainspring barrel, unlike the double barrel with stacked mainsprings found in the Lange 1’s calibre L121.1. Despite this, the larger movement diameter enables an impressive 72-hour (3-day) power reserve.

Housed in a platinum case and fitted with a silver dial, the Reference 117.250 balances understated design with the refined craftsmanship that is unmistakably Lange.