Phillips Perpetual has announced a new exhibition taking place at their Berkley Square showroom March 9 – March 14. The theme of the showcase is “Made in Germany, A Tribute to Early Lange 1 and Datograph”, celebrating Glashütte watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne. It’s nice to see German watchmaking on the pedestal it deserves, although if you fancy seeing an exhibition with more Swiss influence there’s also the upcoming OAK collection.
As the name of the Phillips exhibition suggests, the watches that will be on display hark back to a very specific time in the watchmaker’s history: the years of the early Lange 1 and Datograph from 1994 to 2008.
A. Lange & Söhne ref. 403.035 with meter dial and platinum bracelet / A. Lange & Söhne ref. 111.025 with early MIG and case engraving
The story of the Lange 1 is linked intrinsically to that of the brand itself. The Glashütte watchmaking region was devastated by the impact of World War II and the majority of established brands were forced to close, an issue exacerbated by the following quartz crisis. However, modern watchmakers refused to let their heritage be forgotten and so A. Lange & Söhne was revived and the Lange 1 was one of the first watches the re-established brand created. It’s a celebration of Germany’s haute horological achievements past and present. On display you can find Lange 1s like the Ref. 111.025, an early example with ‘Made in Germany’ proudly engraved on the dial.
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph ref. 403.032 (2010)
In addition to the spotlight on the Lange 1, Phillips Perpetual’s exhibition also focuses on the Datograph. Datographs are A. Lange & Söhne’s take on the chronograph function with the addition of their signature oversized date complication. The date and the two subsidiary dials form an equilateral triangle on the watch’s face, providing a satisfying symmetry. References on display include the ultra-rare 403.025X, one of 10 produced for Milanese retailer Pisa Orologeria.
In total there will be around 20 rare and significant Lange 1s and Datographs on display, none of which are for sale. Although, if you did want to purchase an A. Lange & Söhne there will also be previews of several that are heading to auction with Phillips later this year as well as some available for private sale.
More details at Phillips.
