A. Lange & Söhne Updates The Lange 1 Moon Phase

This latest iteration of the Lange 1 Moon Phase updates the previous Lange 1 Moon Phase (which debuted in 2012) by now including the same operating caliber as the updated Lange 1 movement A. Lange & Söhne introduced two years ago. This means the time and moonphase indicator on this watch now features that watch’s twin mainspring barrel, maximum power reserve of 72 hours, instant-jump outsize date display, an escapement with a cam-poised balance and a free-sprung Lange hairspring (suspended beneath the always beautiful hand-engraved balance cock).

New caliber L121.3 here, despite requiring seventy additional parts for the moonphase function, is only somewhat larger than the caliber L121.1 inside the newer Lange 1. The characteristic A. Lange & Söhne asymmetric solid-silver dial sets the stage for the time and power-reserve indications, the time and date display, the moonphase display, and the day/night indicator.

Caliber L121.3

The arrangement of the watch’s moonphase display is based on a new concept that A. Lange & Söhne considers more ‘realistic.’ A separate solid-gold moon orbits in the foreground while a behind it a solid gold disc – also made of solid gold – rotates once a day. On that disc A. Lange & Söhne’s artist have depicted the sky as seen at different times of day, primarily using varying blue hues. During the day, it shows a bright sky without stars, but at night it depicts a dark sky with contrasting laser-cut stars. Thus, the moon always orbits against a realistic background that doubles as a day/night indicator when setting the watch.

This new Lange 1 Moon Phase measures an unchanged 38.5mm in diameter and is available in white gold with a black dial, pink gold with a silver dial or platinum case with a rhodium dial. Prices will range from about $42,400 for the gold models to about $56,000 for the platinum model. While technically not an SIHH 2017 preview, this Lange 1 Moon Phase will be just one of several highlights we expect to eye during that upcoming week of debuts. Look for our coverage of all SIHH debuts starting January 16th, 2017.