A. Lange & Söhne is Germany's most prestigious watchmaker, and many collectors rank its finishing among the best in the world. We have 119 Lange watches in stock, from $13,595 to $316,800, with a median of $43,995.
A short history
Ferdinand Adolph Lange founded his company in 1845 in Glashütte, in Saxony, and turned the small town into Germany's centre of fine watchmaking. After the Second World War the company was expropriated and its name disappeared for four decades.
After German reunification, his great-grandson Walter Lange re-founded the company in 1990. The first new collection, presented in 1994, included the Lange 1, whose off-centre dial and outsize date became the brand's signature. Later landmarks include the Datograph chronograph (1999) and the Zeitwerk (2009), a mechanical watch with jumping digital hours and minutes. Lange has been part of the Richemont group since 2000.
The collections
Lange 1. The asymmetric dial with the outsize date, hours and minutes, small seconds and power reserve. Grand Lange 1 is the larger, slimmer version. In stock: 21 Lange 1 and 10 Grand Lange 1.
Saxonia. Lange's purest round dress watch, often the entry point. In stock: 12, from $13,595.
1815. Named after the founder's birth year, with railway minute tracks and Arabic numerals in a pocket-watch style. In stock: 9.
Zeitwerk. Digital time read through windows, driven by a mechanical jumping mechanism. In stock: 7.
Perpetual calendars. The Langematik Perpetual and Datograph Perpetual combine calendars with Lange's movements. In stock: 7 Langematik Perpetual and 4 Datograph Perpetual.
What makes a Lange different
- German silver plates. Lange movements use untreated German silver, which develops a warm patina.
- The three-quarter plate, a Glashütte tradition, supports most of the gear train.
- Hand-engraved balance cocks, each slightly different.
- Two-fold assembly: each movement is assembled, taken apart, finished and assembled again.
What A. Lange & Söhne costs
Our Lange prices run from $13,595 to $316,800; unworn pieces start at $14,475 and pre-owned at $13,595. Saxonia and 1815 models are the most accessible; the Lange 1, Zeitwerk and complications cost more.
References we stock most
- 136.029 — 3 in stock, from $37,795
- 148.038 — 3 in stock, from $81,840
- 363.068 — 3 in stock, from $40,475
- 117.028 — 3 in stock, from $29,875
What to check on a pre-owned Lange
- Precious-metal cases. Most Langes are in gold or platinum; check the hallmarks and look for dents on the lugs.
- The movement. Ask for photos through the case back: German silver should look even, without scratches from careless servicing.
- Outsize date and calendar settings. Calendar complications should be set as the instructions say; ask how the watch has been set.
- Papers and service history. Lange servicing is specialised; a recent factory service adds value. See our pre-owned checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is A. Lange & Söhne German?
Yes. It is based in Glashütte, Saxony, where Ferdinand Adolph Lange founded it in 1845.
Why is the Lange 1 dial off-centre?
The asymmetric layout, with the outsize date in the upper right, is a deliberate design that has been the Lange 1's signature since 1994.
What is the cheapest A. Lange & Söhne?
Usually a Saxonia or an 1815. Our Lange watches start at $13,595.
How does Lange compare with Glashütte Original and Nomos?
All three come from Glashütte. Lange is the haute horlogerie house; see also our Glashütte Original guide and best German watches under $5,000.
