When it comes to German watchmaking, it's no surprise that A. Lange & Söhne stands among the finest the region has to offer. Among their standout creations, the Lange 1 holds a special place, boasting something of a cult following among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Released in 1994 shortly after the brand’s post-reunification resurgence, the Lange 1 is widely regarded as one of the most recognisable timepieces to emerge from A. Lange & Söhne's hallowed halls.
Known for its archetypal Lange design, the Lange 1 marries classical dress watch aesthetics with a striking asymmetrical dial layout, creating what has since become a true icon and a cornerstone of the brand’s core identity. Designed as part of the brand’s initial relaunch collection in the 1990s, the Lange 1 was meant to surprise the watch world, win over critics, and answer the question of what a modern A. Lange & Söhne watch might look as if the brand never ceased operations in 1948.
Offered here is the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar 345.036E ‘Darth’. For context, the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar debuted in April 2022 in two configurations: a limited edition in white gold with a salmon dial, and a regular production model pairing a grey dial with a pink gold case, both of which we have listed previously. The example presented here represents the third and latest iteration to join the lineup and was introduced in 2023. Rendered in an ice-cool platinum case with a deep black dial, it carries a noticeably cooler, more restrained presence, a deliberate contrast to the classical warmth typically associated with Lange.
For those unaware, the “Darth” nickname emerged organically within collector circles, a nod to the watch’s monochromatic colour palette and imposing, almost cinematic, stealth-like stature. Much like other black dial, platinum Langes that have earned similar monikers over the years, the appeal lies in its understatement. It is discreet at first glance, yet unmistakably serious once you lean in for a closer look.
The Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar is one of the largest members within the Lange 1 family. It sports a 41.9mm x 12.1mm case, which is 3.4mm larger (diameter-wise) than the classic Lange 1s you are probably used to seeing on the site. That said, considering the number of components and features being offered in this reference, 621 parts to be exact, the case remains surprisingly compact and visually restrained. The proportions are well-judged, with a balanced diameter to height ratio, and despite its status as a grand complication, I think it is a watch that remains highly wearable by contemporary standards.
When I think about a Lange 1, I always think about its emblematic dial layout with its appealing asymmetry. Here on its stealthy black dial, we have the outsized date window at 11:00, a day-of-the-week indicator at 9:00, the large hours and minutes counter on the right side, and the moon phase cum small seconds indicator at 7:00—a layout that is reminiscent of the Daymatic design. The two remaining indications that complete the perpetual calendar, the month and the leap year, are handled with equal restraint. The month is displayed via a peripheral ring, complemented by a discreet leap year pointer at 6:00. Both are integrated cleanly, preserving the characteristic visual balance of the Lange 1 layout that enthusiasts know and adore.
Powering this complexity from within lies A. Lange & Söhne's magnificent self-winding Cal. L021.3 movement. Methodically beating away at 21,600 vph, this movement provides an impressive 50-hour power reserve and is proudly displayed behind the Lange 1's exhibition caseback. It is fitted with a winding mechanism that features a unidirectional winding rotor made from 21-carat gold and a centrifugal mass crafted out of platinum. This rotor right here is an aesthetic masterpiece that carries the design DNA of the original rotor on the Langematik. Again, with its emphatic and superlative finishing throughout, charming German silver architecture, and beautifully engraved balance cock—as is A. Lange & Söhne's signature, the Cal. L021.3 is an ultimately fitting tribute to the incredible watch it powers.
Overall, the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar is undoubtedly an impressive watch that eloquently illustrates A. Lange & Söhne’s no-compromise approach to watch design and construction.
