I fell in love with the A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 sometime in 2001, when I first discovered the brand via images in a hotel magazine. Many Lange catalogues later, the Lange 1’s gorgeous, distinctive, asymmetrical dial seeped into my subconscious. I knew I had to have it. Two years ago, I was fortunate to acquire the second generation version in pink gold

Originally introduced in October 1994 as part of Lange’s rebirth, the Lange 1 was one of four models launched – along with the Tourbillon Pour Le Merite (PLM), Saxonia, and Arkade. Its dial design caused a sensation in the horological world and is considered one of the greatest contemporary watches. Along with the Tourbillon PLM, it cemented Lange’s stature as one of the finest haute horology brands and served as a wake-up call to a complacent Swiss watch industry.

In 2015, Lange updated this iconic design. Barely noticeable to the naked eye; the bezel was made slightly slimmer; a slightly different font was used; and the case made slightly slimmer. The new L1 debuted an all new inhouse movement – Calibre L121.1; Lange’s 50th in 20 years! This movement has three key features – a free sprung balance wheel; instantaneous date change at midnight; and zero-reset of the seconds hand when the power reserve runs out. It retains the Lange three quarter plate and is beautifully finished.

The A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 feels solid, and with a case size of 38.5mm, wears comfortably on the wrist. Intended as a dress watch, it is extremely versatile and can be worn with jeans! I could go on appreciating its fine craftsmanship; such as the applied gold markers on the argente dial; and on caseback side; the hand-engraved balance cock and the 6-eccentric poising weights of the free sprung balance wheel. The L1 is pure joy; whether it is winding it to life; watching the date change instantaneously at midnight; or simply gazing at it.