The Lange 1 Time Zone in Platinum
A Lange & Sohne’s updates their Lange 1 Time Zone model line with a new platinum-encased reference with a matching rhodium dial.
A Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1 is arguably the quintessential dress watch. Introduced in 1994, its instantly recognizable Germanic approach has quickly become one of the all-time great dress watch designs in horological history. The Lange 1 collection has already integrated a plethora of complex watch complications, including tourbillions, perpetual calendars, and many more. The Lange 1 Time Zone was introduced in 2005 and was updated most recently in 2020 with the new in-house L141.1 calibre.
This newest release is the first Lange 1 Time Zone cased in platinum and it is paired with a silver-tone rhodium dial. The slight shimmer of the dial compliments the blueish shine of the 950 platinum case, creating a monochromatic dress look. Unconventional in its approach, the Lange 1 is completely asymmetrical yet perfectly balanced. Included on the dial are the Lange 1 staples: a time-only sub dial with applied platinum Roman numerals and small diamond shaped indices; a small seconds sub dial, Lange’s historied “up-down” style power indicator and the notable large digital date window in the top-right. This reference incorporates a 12-hour sub dial in the usual location of the Lange 1’s small seconds dial (which has been moved to the time-only sub dial on the left side of the dial).
Surrounding the outer edge of the dial is a rotating rhodium disk that reads 24 individual time zones from all around the world. This complication is extremely practical for travel as a quick click of the eight o’clock button will adjust the time accordingly.
The Complications
Lange is no stranger to highly complex timepieces, being well renowned for their mastery of grand complications. Creating complex watches is arguably as important to Lange’s brand identity as the unique designs themselves. Lange’s technical department, led by Tony de Haas, has time-and-time-again managed to unobtrusively incorporate high complications, such as tourbillions and perpetual calendars, within the brand’s iconic designs. Simply put, an extremely highly complicated Lange 1 would be as recognizable and inoffensive as the standard Lange 1.
The time zone indicator is located at approximately five o’clock and is highly visible due to its singular use of bright red. The platinum case incorporates a button at eight o’clock that can be pressed to call one time zone after another, rotating the time zone disk one click at a time. In addition to the time zone functionality, the timepiece incorporates a day/night indicator, 12-hour sub dial, and the signature A Lange & Söhne power reserve and large digital date.
Our Commentary
There is perhaps no greater modern-era dress watch than the Lange 1. Thoughtfully designed, perfectly finished, and highly sought-after, Lange’s most iconic design is rightfully one of the most highly praised timepieces in the world of horology. The ingenious incorporation of high complication within the completely true-to-form Lange 1 is always impossibly well-executed, and the Lange 1 Time Zone Ref. 131.025 is no exception. That being said, the timepiece is nothing unique by Lange’s standards, and similar references have been staples of the collection for nearly 20 years. Still, the undeniably Lange-esque platinum and rhodium dial combination is breathtaking and a worthy addition the Lange 1 collection.
The Lange 1 Time Zone Ref. 131.025 is a beautiful example of understated elegance. Combined with the highly practical time zone functionality, the iconic Lange 1 design delivered in a monochromatic platinum-encased package will undoubtedly be in high demand at A Lange & Söhne boutiques.
