A Perfect His and Hers Set: The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 20th Anniversary Commemorative Set 101.063 & 811.063

Many couples these days collect watches together, but what better way to collect than seeking out a matching set? The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 20th Anniversary Commemorative Set 101.063 & 811.063 was created for such an occurrence. These two pieces create a deep bond between the two wearers as they are both closely matching and special limited editions for the brand’s 20th anniversary of the collection. Each timepiece is stunning, with exquisite engraved blue dials.

A. Lange & Söhne 20th Anniversary Commemorative Set — A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 20th Anniversary Commemorative Set 101.063 & 811.063

History

The Lange 1 was one of the first ever watch releases when A. Lange & Söhne was revived in 1994. It has been one of its most recognized collections since its inception. In 1998, the first limited edition model was the Lange 1 112.021A, limited to 100 pieces. It had a beautiful guilloché dial done by a CNC machine into its solid gold dial plate. That same year Lange released its first smaller-sized Little Lange 1, which was 2mm smaller than the standard Lange 1. The brand has released several sets over the years, but the first with a Lange 1 and Little Lange 1 pair was a rare “floral” set made for the Japanese market in 2007. This pair both shared a beautiful engraved floral pattern on the dial. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Lange 1 in 2014, the brand released five sets of Lange 1 and Little Lange 1 models in varying colors and materials. They all featured the guilloché dial style of the first Lange 1A. This white gold set with the blue guilloché dial was among those five sets. The following year (2015), Lange released the final version of the 101 series, the Lange 1 101.050 in Honey Gold. It has been replaced with a similar-looking model but with a newly updated caliber, and the Little Lange 1 has followed suit with the same updates, which are both currently in production.

Design Details

Like the original Lange 1A, the highlight of this anniversary set is the blue guilloché dial. The wave pattern carved into both pieces gives them a unique look, which stands out against Lange’s typically more understated style. The logo and dial information is all printed in white on the flat areas of the dial. The bright white printed lettering and marks stand out considerably against the blue background. These timepieces feature sword-style hands in white gold, as well as, white gold roman numerals at three, six, nine, and twelve, paired with diamond-shaped hour markers in between. This set is meant to be a his and hers matching pair, with the smaller case inlaid with 64 brilliant-cut Wesselton diamonds. Both cases are robust and utilitarian, with a prominent 10mm case thickness. The Little Lange 1 differs here slightly again with a recessed pusher for the date rather than the full pusher seen on the Lange 1 at the 10 o’clock position. Both are coupled with blue alligator straps, but the Lange 1 has matching blue stitching, and the Little Lange 1’s strap is seamless. White gold pin buckles are fitted to both straps and are prominently engraved with the word “Lange” across the buckle.

Inner Workings

Both of these models contain the Caliber L901.0, one of Lange’s first calibers the brand created. This movement is quite complex and consists of 365 parts and 53 jewels. Nine of those jewels are set in gold chatons held in place by blue steel screws, as is tradition for Lange calibers. As the “doppelfederhaus” written on the dial eludes, this caliber has twin barrels that give it a 72-hour power reserve when fully wound. The self-compensating flat balance spring beats at 21,600 vph, which can be adjusted via its swan-neck regulator. The whole movement is made of untreated German silver that will develop a golden patina as the timepieces age. Several high-level finishes can be viewed throughout the movement, from the striping on the three-quarter plate to the perlage on the base plate. The typical hand-engraved balance cock also features the number 20 etched into the tip, which is unique for these commemorative sets.

Versus The Competition

It may not be a set, but the F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain Nacre can appeal to both men and women equally. It shares the blue theme but with a blue mother of pearl and a white guilloché design on the dial. The Lange 1 is a staple of A. Lange & Söhne, the same as the Chronomètre Souverain is to F.P. Journe. The 40mm case is a bit larger in this Journe than either Lange will be; however, it doesn’t feel much more substantial because of the lugs and strap that hug tightly to the wearer’s wrist. The beauty of Journe’s rose gold movement is also on par with Lange’s German silver movements. All in all, this Journe would suit the tastes of most Lange collectors.

Personality

The biggest draw will be a collector couple, as mentioned earlier. Not many sets have been created in watchmaking, but this pair is among the nicest due to this brand’s highest level of excellence. It also appeals to a considerable collector of A. Lange & Söhne, regardless of the intent to share with a significant other, because it is a limited edition and created to celebrate a milestone of the brand. This will most likely fit into an extensive collection, although it could be even a first endeavor into the watch world. Some couples now have been opting to get matching watches as wedding gifts or even replacing rings. Still, even for that, it most likely won’t be the first pieces in the collection.

Final Thoughts

Anniversary models will always be collectible timepieces, but few allow couples to celebrate together. Blue dials are usually quite sought after, which would make this set highly desirable among the other commemorative sets. Regardless of the reason for loving this set, because of its low quantity made, it will not appear that often on the market.