One of a Kind

The incomparable Lange 1 turns 30 this year and A. Lange & Söhne marks the occasion with its trademark understatement.

- Alvin Wong

We are not being hyperbolic in suggesting that few ‘basic’ watches exude distinctiveness and character like A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1. It might not be the sole watch that shows only the time and date yet oozes this much personality, but Lange 1 certainly ranks among the most charismatic.

Lange 1 was in stellar company when it debuted in 1994. Along with Saxonia, the now-discontinued Arkade and the original Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon, Lange 1 caused a stir at their high-stakes premiere, which marked the modern-day relaunch of A. Lange & Söhne.

Even in those nascent days, Lange 1 arrived fully formed. Immediately distinguishable with its unique dial design featuring off-centred time displays paired with outsized date indicators, the watch was a huge hit and was quickly minted by industry insiders as the brand’s modern-day icon.