The most refined model in the series' history. Why a watch magazine editor recommends the Grand Lange 1 over other masterpieces.

The titanium-cased Odysseus was the watch that attracted attention at the A. Lange & Söhne booth at Watches & Wonders 2022. There's plenty to write about, but it's limited to just 250 pieces. I'll delve deeper into this in the Japanese edition of Chronos, which will be released on June 3rd, but what I want to focus on online is the new Grand Lange 1. It's safe to say that this is the most refined Grand Lange 1 yet.

The 19th-year "definitive edition" of the new Grand Lange 1 is just like "Flamingo"!!!

　The Grand Lange 1, released in 2003, was characterized by its large case, as its name suggests. Its diameter was 41.9mm, 3.4mm larger than the standard Lange 1. However, the movement used in this model was simply an enlarged version of the standard Lange 1's baseplate, which somewhat disrupted the balance of the design. It wasn't until the second generation, released in 2012, that it began to take on a distinct personality. With the adoption of the new Caliber L095.1, the case thickness was reduced from 11mm to 8.8mm, and the dial design became almost identical to that of the Lange 1.

　However, the way the watch is worn is quite meticulous. The outsize date at 1 o'clock has been enlarged by approximately 10% and widened horizontally. The inside of the date frame has also been redesigned to have a "frame-like" design, improving the sense of recession of the date display. Furthermore, perhaps in line with the enlargement of the outsize date, the indices have been made slightly longer. While not large enough to be called grand, A. Lange & Söhne appears to have prioritized balance as a watch. This is purely my personal opinion, but it was after this model that the company began to seriously consider comfort.

　The new Grand Lange 1 for 2022 is an extension of this trend. The case size remains almost the same as before at 41mm. The movement is also unchanged from Cal. L095.1. However, the case thickness has been further reduced from 8.8mm to 8.2mm, resulting in an even better fit. Without fear of being misunderstood, this is the "Thach" of the Lange 1. It is fair to say that the Grand Lange 1 has now acquired a personality that is clearly different from the Lange 1.

A dedicated and maniacal approach to slimming

　The Grand Lange 1 is powered by the Caliber L095.1, which is 4.7mm thick. Despite this, the previous model was astonished to achieve a case thickness of 8.8mm, but the 2022 version is an additional 0.6mm thinner. This is simply impossible. The familiar Tino Beauvais explained:

"The second generation, released in 2012, was a highly refined watch. This time, our challenge was to reduce the case thickness from 8.8 mm to 0.6 mm," says Beauvais, a method typical of A. Lange & Söhne. "This time, we halved the thickness of the indices and also made the frame for the outsize date thinner," says Beauvais. Head designer Anthony de Haas adds, "We also slightly reduced the thickness of the crystal and case back."

　However, the key point of this model is that it's not just thinner. When a watch becomes thinner, it inevitably looks flatter. In response, A. Lange & Söhne has emphasized the contrast with the subdials by roughening the dial (probably with a blasted finish). As far as I can see, the depth of the subdials remains roughly the same as before. Nevertheless, the three-dimensional effect is emphasized thanks to the roughened gray dial. Also, the bezel has been made slightly thinner, which gives the impression that the distance between the crystal and the dial has been shortened. I really like the design of the new Grand Lange 1.

　This is purely speculation, but perhaps A. Lange & Söhne roughened the dial surface due to the smaller distance between the crystal and the dial, as watches with a smaller distance tend to have an overly luminous dial.

Conclusion: If you own a Lange 1, this is for you.

　The new Grand Lange 1, with its even thinner design, has a distinctly different character from the Lange 1. Rather than simply making it thinner, the skill with which it emphasized its three-dimensionality is nothing short of impressive. Perhaps the people who can best appreciate the appeal of this model are those who already own a Lange 1. If you're interested, we recommend trying it on in store. It feels surprisingly light and comfortable, unlike a Lange.