In the Swiss-dominated world of haute horlogerie, German watch manufactory A. Lange & Söhne rests at the pinnacle of watchmaking, crafting exclusive timepieces with unparalleled technical ingenuity.
Sometimes one is wont to believe that the glory of a watch brand is reposed in its celebrity brand ambassadors. Not for A. Lange & Söhne. The company has never ever signed on a brand ambassador, famous or otherwise, during the course of its more-than a-century-old watchmaking history. The truth is, it has never really needed one because of its brand ethos: the watch is, and will always be, the hero in its narrative, something that the brand’s CEO Wilhelm Schmid reiterates gently.
A brand etched in time
Ferdinand Adolph Lange, who was fascinated with precision techniques and fastidious tools, founded the brand in 1845 from an atelier in Glashütte, Germany. He created pocket watches, which, for the next century, were among the most coveted timepieces in the world. Despite surviving two World Wars, the company was out of business for some 40 years after the second war. In 1990, the late Walter Lange, the great-grandson of Ferdinand, revived the brand and rolled out its first collection within just four years.
So, how does a brand that’s steeped in tradition, make itself relevant in the 21st century? By “innovating,” says Schmid. “By taking the established rules of fine watchmaking and craftsmanship to create ingenious new solutions.” Among the numerous inventions credited to the brand, he lists out the first tourbillon with a stop-seconds feature, the first mechanical watch with exactly jumping numerals and uniform power delivery, and the first double Rattrapante (a type of chronograph that has two seconds’ hands), to name a few.
This story is from the July 2017 edition of BlackBook — India's Luxury Insider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2017 edition of BlackBook — India's Luxury Insider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
No Stone Unturned
BlackBook travels to Surat to explore the step by step journey of a Forevermark-approved diamond—and what the grading giant has planned for its india expansion
The Revival Of Retail
There is nothing quite like browsing through a physical store full of curiosities and beautiful things. Is that why we are seeing a resurgence of luxury boutiques?
Bringing Their A-game
Inside Mumbai’s snazzy co-working and leisure club, The A, a members-only space with a built-in prohibition-style speakeasy and a virtual reality zone
Will India Sail Through?
The long neglected coast of India has received a new lease of life from the Indian government which is developing its ports to attract cruise tourism to the country.
The Ultimate Address In Luxury
Stellar views and large living spaces are real estate gold when it comes to residential properties in a space-starved metropolis like Mumbai. Vivarea by K Raheja Corp, with its world-class amenities, offers the best of both.
the economic outlook for 2017
with the last year ending on a weak note, the industry is adopting new strategies to hedge risks in 2017.
raising a toast to the emirates
dubai has seen an influx of indian chefs who are breaking boundaries with their inventive cuisine.
The Design Doyenne
Gayatri Ruia has created a niche for herself in the world of luxury through her diverse pursuits in art, interiors and fashion.
The golden boy
Siddharth Kasliwal, who represents a vibrant new face of luxury, upholds his family legacy even as he forges ahead with his own vision of opulence.
Jaipur Hospitality's New Finesse
For decades, royal abodes have been Jaipur’s most esteemed getaways. Now, stylish havelis, impeccable boltholes and standout restaurants dot the landscape.
