Nestled in the heart of Germany, amidst the picturesque landscapes of Glashütte, lies the renowned A. Lange & Söhne manufacturing site, a horological gem that has captivated the world with its exceptional timepieces. This article delves into our recent visit to the hallowed halls of Lange, tracing its deep-rooted connections with its homeland, the art of precision watchmaking, and the legacy it upholds.
Day 1: Dresden
Our voyage commenced in Dresden, a city steeped in culture and history. Here, we embarked on a journey that allowed us to glimpse the heritage that has shaped A. Lange & Söhne into the legendary watchmaker it is today. The first stop was the majestic Semperoper, a magnificent opera house that stands as a symbol of Dresden’s cultural wealth. A. Lange & Söhne takes pride in being a sponsor of this cultural gem. One of its most striking features is the iconic Five-Minute Clock situated above the stage, whose design inspired the outsize date of Lange’s Lange 1 model in the early 1990s as we already described through a dedicated article on A. Lange & Söhne history.

Following our visit to the Semperoper, we embarked on a private tour of the Galerie Neue Meister. This art gallery was adorned with the works of Gerhard Richter, a renowned artist born in Dresden who had become well-known worldwide. The exhibition was made possible by the sponsorship of Lange & Söhne and was a testament to the brand’s commitment to fostering the arts and connecting with its surroundings. These experiences in Dresden allowed us to understand how Lange’s horological excellence is deeply rooted in its local heritage and how Lange is continuously working in partnership with local institutions aiming at the preservation and promotion of local cultural treasures. By actively participating in cultural endeavors like the Galerie Neue Meister exhibition, A. Lange & Söhne not only showcases its commitment to craftsmanship but also its dedication to the community, ensuring that the legacy of both art and precision watchmaking thrives for generations to come. This symbiotic relationship between Lange and its surroundings speaks volumes about the brand’s values and its deep roots in the cultural heritage of the Saxon region.
Day 2: the manufacturing site
The next day our journey led us to the heart of A. Lange & Söhne watchmaking site, Glashütte, a town whose destiny was forever changed by visionary entrepreneurs like Adolf Lange. In the 1850s, when the local mines were running dry, Adolf answered the call to bring prosperity to the region. After him, many other watchmakers set up their manufactures in this little town, making it today the hearth of German watchmaking.
Upon entering the A. Lange & Söhne manufacture, we were greeted with an introductory video that shed light on the brand’s principles. At A. Lange & Söhne, form follows function, and every watch undergoes an intricate process where it is assembled, disassembled, and meticulously refined to ensure maximum precision. This emphasis on precision is at the core of A. Lange & Söhne’s philosophy and is evident in every watch they create. A distinctive feature of A. Lange & Söhne is its commitment to in-house production, including its mainsprings. This unique approach allows them to adapt to various power requirements in different watch models, ensuring each timepiece is finely tuned to deliver exceptional accuracy thanks to a dedicated in-house design.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the manufacture was the collaborative nature of watch assembly. Each watchmaker, highly skilled in their craft, works on different components daily. This assembly process, where each watchmaker contributes their expertise, is a testament to Lange’s dedication to producing timepieces of the highest quality. Moreover, it was fascinating to assess how many young watchmakers were in the workshops; this is thanks to the in-house watchmaking school that Lange offers, showing again the deep connection with the territory and the desire to look to the future generations.

Our trip through the manufacture began in the Lange 1 laboratory, where skilled watchmakers painstakingly polished each component. It was here that we observed the extraordinary attention to detail that goes into each Lange timepiece. Notably, Lange invests in the creation of specialized tools for assembling each component, showcasing their commitment to precision and craftsmanship.
Our next stop was the engraving laboratory, where the artistry behind Lange’s decoration truly came to life. Here, masters hand-engraved balance cocks and demonstrated the intricate process of dial engraving. The precision and dedication required for this work are staggering. In particular, we were struck by the fact that dial engraving can take up to two days to complete, and any mistakes require the addition of material and a fresh start. It takes three years of rigorous training to achieve the level of expertise necessary to properly engrave a Lange dial, knowing this, this work of art becomes even more fascinating.

The complexity of A. Lange & Söhne’s timepieces became evident when we witnessed the assembly of their intricate watches in the specialized laboratory dedicated to complications. Each complicated watch, such as those featuring a fusée-and-chain transmission, requires a high degree of specialization. For example, assembling the two limited editions of the Turbograph, consisting of just 50 pieces each, took an astonishing six years. This painstaking commitment to perfection and precision is a hallmark of A. Lange & Söhne watchmaking.
The trip culminated with a visit to the laboratory where the iconic Zeitwerk is assembled. This extraordinary timepiece is a true testament to Lange’s innovative spirit and craftsmanship, featuring a digital display of the time that challenges traditional watchmaking conventions but still traces its roots to the Five-Minute Clock of the Semperoper.

Finally, we were treated to a unique hands-on experience, trying our hand at engraving a balance bridge that is possible to be spot under the goose-neck balance regulation. It was a moment that underscored the precision and artistry required to create and finish A. Lange & Söhne timepieces. Even with expert guidance and a simpler technique, it became evident just how challenging the process can be, emphasizing the level of skill and craftsmanship possessed by their engravers.


A great memory
Our journey through A. Lange & Söhne’s manufacture in Glashütte revealed not only the brand’s exceptional watchmaking prowess but also its unwavering commitment to the heritage of its homeland. The deep-rooted connections between Lange and the region were palpable in every facet of our visit, from the Semperoper in Dresden to the masterful craftsmanship in Glashütte. A. Lange & Söhne is more than a watch manufacturer; it is a guardian of time, a patron of the arts, and a testament to the enduring spirit of craftsmanship and innovation. Our time at Lange left us with a profound appreciation for the brand’s heritage and a keen understanding of why Lange timepieces are celebrated the world over. As we concluded our journey, we couldn’t help but marvel at the meticulous precision and artistry that defines every Lange timepiece. It is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to the craft of watchmaking and the legacy it upholds as it continues to produce some of the world’s most exceptional timepieces, each a masterpiece in its own right. A visit to A. Lange & Söhne is an immersion in the art of precision and a journey through time that leaves a lasting impression on all who have the privilege to explore its extraordinary world.