It’s an extremely important year for A. Lange & Söhne. First of all, we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of its founder, Ferdinand Adolph Lange, through a number of events and exhibitions punctuating 2015. In parallel, we are finalizing construction work on the new wing of our Manufacture. We presented 12 new models at the SIHH, thereby bringing our portfolio of references to 63 models. For the first time since its launch 20 years ago, the iconic Lange 1 has been entirely revisited, notably with a new caliber, the 50th since the new era currently being enjoyed by A. Lange & Söhne. We are not planning to stop there this year, since our brand is a never-ending source of surprises, and plenty of them are still in store for its fans over the coming months.
If you were to recommend two new models ?
The new Lange 1 is a must for everyday wear and represents the A. Lange & Söhne flagship model. Its new caliber comprising 368 parts is housed in a slightly smaller-diameter case and its large instant date jumps exactly at midnight – all with a three-day power reserve. On a more technical level, the new Datograph Up/Down with flyback chronograph function features the same large date, but with a mechanical 451-part movement displaying the power reserve as well as a high-precision jumping minutes counter. Now available in pink gold with a black dial, this incredible technical content also appeals through the aesthetic contrasts of its exterior.
What are the distinctive characteristics of the Swiss market ?
As far as demand is concerned, one must distinguish between tourists and local clients. Both groups have been growing steadily over the past two years. Asians are in a majority when it comes to opting for our watches, and their tastes are in line with those to which A. Lange & Söhne is accustomed in the rest of the world, with a clear preference for the 1815 and Saxonia lines. As far as the Swiss customers in Geneva or Zurich are concerned, these are mostly collectors looking for complicated models and who are keen devotees of the Datograph, Zeitwerk and Pour le Mérite lines. Since our distribution remains highly selective, we only have around ten points of sale in Switzerland to date. This network will perhaps be complemented by one or two other establishments if suitable opportunities arise in certain cities, but no more than that. We will also be celebrating the 200th anniversary in Switzerland, and GMT readers will be the first to know the details !
