The automatic version of the iconic Lange 1, now sheathed in the German watchmaking house’s delectable gold sheen
You can almost taste it—the sweet allure of A. Lange & Söhne’s self-concocted gold alloy, honey gold—each time the German watch marque rolls out another new, exclusive model clad in the special precious metal.
Emanating the subtlest shade of gold that, under a different light, might trick your eyes into wondering if the soft, warm hue was actually present, honey gold is said to be markedly hardier than other gold alloys despite its understated sheen.
The material first surfaced in 2010—the same year that the Lange 1 Daymatic debuted—on three commemorative-edition models paying tribute to the brand’s founder, Ferdinand Adolph Lange. Since then, this proprietary gold has featured on 17 limited-edition offerings, including this year’s Lange 1 Daymatic Honeygold, which is limited to 250 pieces.
The self-winding twin to the manually wound Lange 1, the Lange 1 Daymatic is recognised by the same off-centred dial configuration, complemented by the brand’s famed outsized date display—but presented as a mirror image. Also, instead of the power-reserve indication on the Lange 1, the Lange 1 Daymatic features a fanning retrograde day display to complete the look.
Somewhat of an anomaly in the Lange 1 collection—given that the exuberantly finished movement on the hand-wound Lange 1 watches, featuring the three-quarter German-silver plate, is a hallmark of the brand—the Daymatic makes up for the difference by offering modern-day convenience and finishing that is just as refined and exceptional as any in the brand’s repertoire.
Awash in the patented gold’s soft glow and a regal cigar shade, the new Lange 1 Daymatic Honeygold adopts the same colour combination as the Odysseus Honeygold introduced this year. Here, the case’s slightly elusive gold tint pairs with the deeper brown tone on the dial, creating a balanced contrast that brings out the best of both finishes.
Elsewhere, the Lange 1 Daymatic Honeygold retains all the attributes of the original model from 2010. From the watch’s sensibly sized 39.5mm case to its automatic calibre L021.1 with a 50-hour power reserve, the new offering wears with the familiar weightiness and refinement that one would’ve come to expect from a Lange thoroughbred.
