A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1 is one of the modern classics of haute horology. It blends traditional elements of dress watch design with a signature asymmetrical display in a way that feels at once classic and unusual. It also provides a great base for a range of alternative complication editions such as moonphases, worldtimers, and perpetual calendars. Another complication that was initially introduced back in 2010 but which is currently not represented in the existing line-up is the humble days of the week. Now though it makes its return with the new A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Daymatic Honeygold.
To describe it as a humble days of the week version of the Lange 1 is really a bit of an over simplification. Because not only does the dial swap out the power reserve indicator for a retrograde days scale, but also it flips the entire layout on a vertical axis. On the standard Lange 1 the hours and minutes subdial is on the lefthand side while the small seconds, large date and power reserve are on the right – with the Daymatic that’s all reversed. It’s actually not the only Lange 1 to do this as the Perpetual Calendar models are also mirrored, in part because they also feature the Daymatic’s days scale in that 9 o’clock position.
What makes this re-edition of the Lange 1 Daymatic different to the previous days of the week models is that its 39.5mm x 10.4mm case is made from Honeygold. It’s the Saxon brand’s proprietary alloy, featuring a warm tone that’s part way between the red tone of rose gold and the brightness of yellow gold, giving it an attractive lustre. To emphasise the colour of the metal, Lange have paired it with a matte brown dial that’s made from silver. The small seconds subdial and hour scale are highlighted with circular engraving.
Powering the watch and visible through the exhibition caseback is the Calibre L021.1. Where the Lange 1’s dial is relatively restrained and modern, the caseback feels almost baroque and grandiose by comparison. It has the classic Saxon three-quarter plate with Glashütte wave finishing while the balance cock is finely engraved. The gold rotor is also engraved with an irregular hobnail pattern that leaves the brand’s name exposed in relief.
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Daymatic Honeygold is priced at €75,000 (approx. £65,750). That’s roughly £20k higher than the standard Lange 1 but also about £20k less than the most accessible of the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendars, which depending on the model can reach prices well into six figures on the pre-owned market. It’s therefore a mid-range option in the Lange 1 series, which makes sense given its set of complications and mirrored display.
Price and Specs:
More details at A. Lange & Söhne.
