For the past 27 years, A. Lange & Söhne has often been rather cold and restrained, with a typical German style largely offset by their expressive movements. However, in recent years, the brand has added a touch of flair and a slight dose of extravagance to some of its collections, creating visually more ornate watches. An example is the 'Gold Flux' concept, first applied to the Saxonia Thin model in 2018, resulting in watches reminiscent of a starry night sky. Elegant and stylish, this copper-sparkling dial in a new color combination appeared this year in the new A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin Blue Gold Flux Dial and a pink gold case.
The Gold Flux dial first appeared in Lange's collection back in 2018, when it was placed in a 39mm case of the thin Saxonia model. Initially introduced with a blue dial paired with a white gold case, another model was added in 2020. Besides the new color combination - a white gold case with a black dial - the case was slightly updated to 40mm. This case was used for the new, limited edition of shimmering ALS watches in 2021.
New to this edition is the combination of a blue dial with an 18-carat pink gold case. These watches stand out from other models in the Saxonia collection mainly because of the dial, as the case and mechanics are well-known. This means a design approach based on 'less is more,' with an ultra-thin shape and extremely elegant elements throughout. The new 18-carat pink gold case retains the dimensions of the 2020 black version: 40mm in diameter and only 6.2mm in height, making it perfect for ultra-thin tuxedo-style watches. The case also retains the classic combination of a polished bezel and lugs, along with matte straps.
The real novelty here is that the warm-colored case is paired with a dark blue dial with the copper sheen of the first 2018 'Gold Flux' watches. Resembling the so-called aventurine glass dials found on many watches today, A. Lange & Söhne does it their way. The base of the dial is solid silver, onto which a thin layer of blue gold flux is applied. Thousands of tiny copper oxide crystals are embedded in the material, resulting in copper-colored specks that shimmer depending on the surrounding light. Combined with the dark blue background, this creates a starry sky effect. The production process of golden flux originates from Venice in the 17th century.
The display of the new A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin Blue Gold Flux model remains the same as the classic Saxonia Thin version: only two hands move across the dial, indicating hours and minutes. The starry blue surface is slightly adorned with simple faceted gold applique markers and gold hands. This glass-like blue dial is paired with a glossy seamless dark blue alligator leather strap, closing with a pin buckle.
Beneath the sapphire case back is the ultra-thin L093.1 caliber manufactured by Lange, manually wound and only 2.9mm high. Despite its compact size, this 2-hand movement is capable of maintaining a 72-hour power reserve when fully wound. Typical of the German school of watchmaking, the movement is built around a large 3/4 plate of untreated German silver, decorated with fine stripes and gold chatons secured with blued screws. The movement beats at 3 Hz, is fully hand-decorated like all ALS calibers, and has precise regulation in five positions.
Availability and Price
The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin Blue Gold Flux Pink Gold (ref. 211.088) is a limited edition of 50 pieces. It will retail for 25,800 euros (including German taxes).
More detailed information can be found on the website www.alange-soehne.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – A. LANGE & SÖHNE SAXONIA THIN BLUE GOLD FLUX
Case: 40mm diameter x 6.2mm height – 18-carat pink gold case, matte and polished – sapphire crystal front and back – water-resistant (no depth indication)
Dial: solid silver covered with dark blue gold flux, shimmering with copper particles, hands and applique markers in pink gold
Movement: Lange L093.1 caliber – manually wound – plates and bridges in untreated German silver, balance cock engraved by hand – 167 parts – lever escapement – in-house balance spring with a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour – precision regulation system – 72-hour power reserve – 21 jewels – 3 gold chatons – hours and minutes
Strap: Seamless dark blue alligator leather strap with 18-carat pink gold buckle
Reference: 211.088
Availability: Limited to 50 pieces
Price: 25,800 EUROS