A. Lange & Söhne

amanico
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Lange Observation watch, the missing link: Langematik Limited Edition for Wempe

From the pocket observation watch, released in the very early XXth Century ( I read somewhere that only 15 pieces were made ... ) :



To the Richard Lange, introduced in 2006:



There is a watch we didn't often speak about ... The Langematik made for Wempe, in 2005.



If you compare the dial of this watch with the " Grosse " ( 57 mm ) Observation pocket watch dial shown above, there is, obviously and undisputably, an " air de famille ", as they both share the same small seconds and power reserve subdials.

This is also an homage to the tradition of Chronometry from Wempe, hence, through this watch, the link between the 2 german brands is very clear and logical.

So, the idea behind this time keeper was certainly brilliant.

Let's talk about the watch itself, now.

If I'm not wrong, this is the first and only Langematik to display a power reserve indicator.

It is interesting to notice that both the pocket watch and this very special Langematik share a 48 hours power reserve indicator, too.

The Langematik for Wempe is a very desirable watch, in my opinion.

First of all, the dial, not only charged in history, but also aesthetically " very Lange ".

Discrete, sober, understated, well, very elegant, with a nice and original balance as we are rather used to see the power reserve and small seconds subdials displayed in an horizontal way.



Even the writing is symmetrically located, making a kind of line between the 3 and the 9 o' clock indexes.

The heated blue hands ( hour, minute, power reserve and small seconds ) give this touch of life to the dial... Superb.



The case is another appealing point, in my opinion.

The Lange codes of " Belle Horlogerie " are here:

- Brushed sides, contrasting with the polished parts.

- Elegant lugs.

- Harmonious proportions ( 40, 6 mm big for an estimated 9 to 10 mm thickness )



Compared to another cult Langematik, the famous Anniversary, this " Gang Reserve " looks much bigger, with its additional 3,6 mm.

It may be seen as less subtle, but in my opinion, it is still very elegant.



The movement, as on every Lange watch, is not less interesting...

Hand engraved balance cock:



Swan Neck:



Reset to Zero mechanism:



Maillechort ( German Silver ) for the bridges and plates, screwed chatons 3/4 rotor, heated blue screws:





The Cal L 921.6 is a true Lange movement, receiving an expected finish for such a watch with the interesting and useful reset to zero sophisitication.

Another view on the movement, and specially on the three quarter rotor in solid glod and platinum:



The Langematik for Wempe was a Limited Edition in Rose Gold, Yellow Gold and Platinum.

The funny thing is that the RG is the rarest version, while I would have thought that, as usually, it would have been the platinum.

Indeed, the RG was made in 25 pieces, while the YG and the Pt were released in a limited Edition of 100 pieces each.

Conclusion:

You got it, I fell in love with this watch, once again.

I saw it in the flesh some 4 years ago, and at this moment, I was positively impressed.

Seeing it again in the flesh and having the opportunity to " play " with it for some time lately was just a pleasant revelation.

I'm a bit stuck in my wish list right now with two other obsessive pieces, the 1815 Moonphase and the Cabaret platinum, but yes, this may well be my 5th Lange!

I Hope you'll enjoy the reading, and I look forward to hear your comments and thoughts on this very unusual and rarely seen watch.

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-10-24 02:05:45 This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-10-28 06:58:41

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