Five years ago, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Lange 1 collection, and this year marks the special occasion of its 30th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, we invite you to the exhibition "30 Years of the LANGE 1," taking place at ION Atrium in Singapore from October 24 to 29, 2024. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of this iconic model and A. Lange & Söhne’s commitment to precision and innovation.
Attendees will have the chance to view an exclusive collection of LANGE 1 timepieces, showcasing significant references that have shaped the model's evolution. Highlights include:
The LANGE 1, introduced in 1994
The Original LANGE 1: Introduced in 1994, this pivotal timepiece played a crucial role in re-establishing the brand and reflects the enduring design principles of the LANGE 1 family over the past three decades.
LANGE 1 “Luminous”: This striking white gold piece features a black dial with luminous markers, offering a bold, contemporary interpretation of the classic LANGE 1 design.
LANGE 1 “25th Anniversary” Series: This series includes ten limited-edition models released in 2019, all crafted in white gold with blue accents, emphasizing A. Lange & Söhne’s dedication to artistry and craft. Noteworthy pieces include:
LANGE 1 “25th Anniversary” model: Distinguished by a hand-engraved hinged cuvette, its silver dial and blue details embody the timeless elegance of the original design.
GRAND LANGE 1 Moonphase “25th Anniversary”: This timepiece features a moonphase complication, blending practical functionality with celestial allure.
LANGE 1 Tourbillon “25th Anniversary”: A sophisticated tourbillon complication that enhances the precision of the signature design.
The LANGE 1 “Luminous” in white gold
Apart from viewing the timepieces, visitors will witness live demonstrations by a master engraver from the A. Lange & Söhne manufacture in Glashütte, Saxony. Guests will see firsthand the rare and intricate art of hand engraving, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship involved in every timepiece—from the balance cocks to the decorative elements on the case backs.
There will also be a video featuring four segments with creatives, entrepreneurs, and design leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, including three distinguished Singaporeans. These A. Lange & Söhne enthusiasts will share personal stories that reveal defining moments in their lives, sources of inspiration, and guiding principles behind their achievements.
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While it may seem surprising that A. Lange & Söhne is only now celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Lange 1 collection—given the brand’s rich history dating back to 1868—the story is both complex and fascinating. It began when Ferdinand A. Lange started as a clockmaker’s apprentice at age 15 in Germany. After completing his apprenticeship, he traveled to France, England, and Switzerland, documenting his horological insights in a journal that is now displayed at the Glashütte manufactory.
Ferdinand chose Glashütte to establish his workshop in order to create jobs for residents affected by the decline of ore mining. He introduced the metric system for creating timepieces and developed the signature three-quarter plate, a design still in use today, ensuring the movement's stability.
In 1868, Ferdinand rebranded the company as A. Lange & Söhne when his son Richard joined the business, followed by his younger son Emil.
Following Ferdinand's death in 1875, Richard and Emil continued their father's legacy, leading to significant innovations, including a chiming mechanism, minute repeater, split-seconds chronograph, and perpetual calendar with moonphase display in 1902.
Richard’s most notable contribution was the reworking of the hairspring—a crucial component found in every mechanical movement. By adding beryllium to nickel and steel alloys, he enhanced the hairspring's quality for greater accuracy.
From 1948, the manufactory was nationalized by the communist regime until 1989 when communism in Germany ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall that kept East and West Germany apart. It was left to the late Walter Lange to revive the brand—which he did in 1990. Four years later, the iconic Lange 1 was born.
Exhibition Details:
Dates: October 24 to 29, 2024
Time: 10 AM to 8 PM daily
Venue: ION Atrium, Level 1
Registration:
