Lange & Söhne: The Story of a German Watch Empire from Revival to Global Prominence

Glashütte, Germany– In the valley of the Eastern Ore Mountains, where the roots of German watchmaking run deep, A. Lange & Söhne stands tall as one of the most prestigious luxury brands that overcame destruction and wars to reclaim its prominent position. 

The Beginning: A Dream That Changed a City (1845) .

In 1845, Ferdinand Adolph Lange established his small workshop in the Saxon town of Glashütte, driven by a vision to transform it into the "Geneva of Germany." He introduced innovations that revolutionized watchmaking, including: 

- The three-quarter plate for enhanced movement stability. 

- The power reserve indicator (Up/Down). 

- Unprecedentedly accurate pocket watches, patented by the King of Saxony. 

The Golden Age: "Work Machine" Masterpieces for Royalty

By 1900, his son Emil Lange led the brand to become the official supplier to: 

- The court of Russian Tsar Nicholas II. 

- The royal family of Dresden. 

- Europe's elite through pocket watches like the "Chronometer No. 42500." 

The Catastrophe: War Destruction and Obscurity (1945-1990)

On May 8, 1945, Allied bombings completely destroyed the factory. After the war, the communist government expropriated the company and merged it into **GUB**, where it produced mass-market, inexpensive watches. 

The Miracle: A Legendary Revival (1990-1994)

It was a historic moment," recalls Walter Lange (the founder's great-grandson). After the fall of the Berlin Wall, he returned to Glashütte with the late  Günter Blümlein (the architect behind IWC's revival) to launch: 

- The Lange 1 (1994): An icon with an off-center time display and German "Grizo" design. 

- The Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite": The first modern German watch with a fusée-and-chain mechanism. 

The Richemont Era: Going Global (2000-Present)

After being acquired by the Richemont Group, the brand maintained its independence while joining the "Big Three" league through: 

- The Double Split (2004): The world's first double rattrapante chronograph.

- The Triple Split (2018): A complication capable of tracking intervals up to 12 hours. 

- Annual production not exceeding 5,000 pieces, each handcrafted with over 600 hours of work. 

Achieving Exceptional Precision  

A. Lange & Söhne watches are renowned for their exceptional precision, with every movement meticulously controlled through advanced technology and stringent quality monitoring. The brand relies on a team of skilled craftsmen with years of experience, ensuring the production of timepieces that embody both precision and beauty. Each model is considered a unique work of art, meticulously designed and handcrafted with the utmost care.  

The Importance of Innovation  

A. Lange & Söhne places a strong emphasis on innovation in its designs, consistently pushing beyond traditional boundaries. The brand has introduced numerous groundbreaking technologies that have revolutionized watchmaking, such as the double-pusher mechanism and advanced display techniques. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, the brand continues to strengthen its position in the market.  

A. Lange & Söhne embodies the excellence of traditional German watchmaking. Through its distinctive designs and innovative techniques, the brand upholds its legacy and maintains its status among the world’s finest watchmakers. Preserving this heritage while continuously innovating ensures the brand’s enduring success.  

A Historic Moment  

"It was a historic moment," recounts Walter Lange (grandson of the founder). After the fall of the Berlin Wall, he returned to Glashütte with the late Günter Blümlein (the engineer behind IWC’s revival) to relaunch A. Lange & Söhne.

By the Numbers: A Luxury Empire

Average Price | €50,000

Most Expensive Model (Grand Complication) €2.5 million

Expert Commentary

There are only a few brands that combine heritage and innovation like A. Lange & Söhne.