A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 25th Anniversary 191.066, 2019

Dealer description — S.Song Watches

When it comes to German watchmaking, it's no surprise that A. Lange & Söhne stands among the finest the region has to offer. Among their standout creations, the Lange 1 holds a special place, boasting something of a cult following among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Released in 1994 shortly after the brand’s post-reunification resurgence, the Lange 1 is widely regarded as one of the most recognisable timepieces to emerge from the brand’s hallowed halls. Known for its archetypal design, the Lange 1 marries classical dress-watch aesthetics with a striking dial layout, creating what has since become a true icon and a cornerstone of the brand’s core identity. Released as part of the brand’s relaunch collection in the 1990s, the Lange 1 was meant to surprise the watch world, win over critics, and answer the question of what a modern A. Lange & Söhne watch might look as if the brand never ceased operations in 1948. What we have on offer today is a stunning example of an A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 191.066. Produced in a limited edition of 250 pieces, it was released back in 2019 to commemorate the Saxon watchmaker’s 25 th anniversary since its modern rebirth. Beginning with its case construction, the 191.066 features a beautifully crafted 38.5mm x 10.7mm white gold case, perfectly circular with softly rounded edges, elegant lugs, a brushed mid-case and a gently domed bezel. As you can see in the photos, the polished surfaces catch the light with a soft warmth, contrasting the muted tones of the brushed areas. Given its anniversary-edition status, the watch features some subtle aesthetic refinements that set it apart from the regular Lange 1s: the sub-dials and indications sit within recessed matte areas framed by slightly raised borders, replacing the flat dial layout as seen on standard Lange 1 models. Visually, the solid silver dial complements the white gold case wonderfully while preserving the Lange 1’s signature asymmetrical layout. Set against this serene dial backdrop, the logo, date numerals, minute markers, Roman numerals, and hands are all rendered in blue, lending the watch a nice touch of contrast and vitality. The off-centre oversized date, inspired by the Five-Minute Clock of the Semper Opera House, immediately identifies it as a Lange 1. True to the model’s classic configuration, the hour and minute sub-dial sits at 10:00, the small seconds at 5:00, and the power-reserve indicator at 3:00. In keeping with its Saxon roots, the indicator is inscribed in German with AB (down) meaning empty and AUF (up) meaning full. The inscription Doppelfederhaus at 7:00, which literally translates to ‘double barrel’, signals the presence of twin mainspring barrels which provide a robust 3-day power reserve. From an aesthetic point of view, every element, from its case to dial, all work in harmony, reinforcing the understated elegance that defines this anniversary edition. In terms of proportions, the 191.066 is marginally thicker than the standard Lange 1 by 1mm, yet it remains remarkably slim and highly wearable. This extra thickness accommodates the hinged dust cover, or Cuvette , which is engraved with a detailed illustration of the A. Lange & Söhne headquarters from 1873, the names of Walter Lange and Günter Blümlein, as well as an inscription in relief reading “25 JAHRE – LANGE 1”, which directly translates to “25 YEARS – LANGE 1”. It is also worth highlighting that the inclusion of their names is deeply symbolic: Walter Lange, the great-grandson of founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange, was instrumental in reviving the brand after German reunification, while Günter Blümlein provided the strategic leadership that established the modern manufacture as a benchmark of contemporary Saxon watchmaking. Powering the 191.066 from within is A. Lange & Söhne’s in-house, manual-winding Cal. L121.1, revealed in full when the hinged dust cover is opened. Featuring a total of 368 components and beating methodically at 21,600 vph, it delivers a 72-hour power reserve. In line with Lange’s uncompromising standards, the movement is impeccably finished: high-polished bevels, blued screws, gold chatons, and prominent Glashütte ribbings (a technique similar to Côtes de Genève , but deeper and more pronounced). Like all Lange calibres, the balance cock is meticulously decorated; here, it is specially engraved with a “25” to mark this anniversary edition, with all engravings filled in blue to echo the dial’s accents. With its ¾ plate, German silver architecture, and signature artisanal touches, the Cal. L121.1 is as visually captivating as it is technically accomplished—a movement perfectly suited to the watch it powers. This A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 191.066 is undoubtedly an impressive watch that eloquently illustrates Lange’s no-compromise approach to watch design and construction. The fact that there are only 250 pieces of this particular commemorative reference ever produced makes it all the more special and collectable.