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 like if the brand never ceased operations in 1948.
What we have here today, however, is not your typical Lange 1. This is the Little Lange 1. For those unfamiliar, the Little Lange 1 debuted in 1998 as a scaled-down version of the original, developed at the request of an Asian retailer seeking a smaller alternative to the standard 38.5mm case. Originally marketed as a men’s watch, it eventually found a strong following in regions like Japan and Singapore, where more compact case sizes were welcomed in higher demand.
Among the many iterations of the Little Lange 1, the “Darth” stands out as one of the most visually distinctive. With its deep black dial, matching date discs, contrasting white date numerals, and complete absence of any striking colors, it offers a bold and stealthy reinterpretation of a design celebrated for its asymmetrical elegance and legibility. Despite being the original's smaller-sized sibling, do not be misled by the “Little” appellation in its name. Yes, on paper, its 36mm x 10mm case is slightly more compact than the standard Lange 1, but in reality, there is nothing little about this watch. Apart from the fact that its case is crafted from hefty platinum, which gives it a discernible sense of gravitas when worn on the wrist, it also retains all the hallmark features of the original Lange 1—and as you read on, you will see exactly why. This is a watch that commands attention quietly and rewards the wearer profoundly.
On the rich black dial, the design and aesthetic codes of the Lange 1 family are immediately recognisable with the off-centred hours and minutes, along with the small seconds sub-dial. Inspired by the five-minute clock of Dresden’s Semper Opera House, the watch also features the signature instantaneous jumping date with enlarged numerals and a power reserve indicator placed between 2:00 and 4:00. In keeping with its Saxon roots, the indicator is inscribed in German with AB (down) meaning empty and AUF (up) meaning full. The inscription Doppelfederhaus at 7:00, which literally translates to ‘double barrel’, signals the presence of twin mainspring barrels which provide a robust 3-day power reserve.
One of the best things about owning an A. Lange & Söhne timepiece is the opportunity to admire the movement from behind. Powering this little but mighty complexity lies the brand’s manual-winding Cal. L901.0 movement. With its emphatic finishing throughout, stunning ¾ plate, charming German silver architecture, and beautifully engraved balance cock, the Cal. L901.0 is a fitting tribute to the incredible watch it powers.
Ultimately, I think the Little Lange 1 ‘Darth’ stands as one of A. Lange & Söhne’s rarest and most visually captivating offerings. Produced only between 1998 and 2006, it is believed—though never definitively confirmed—that fewer than 100 examples exist, making it even more elusive than the already uncommon full-sized Lange 1 ‘Darth’ 101.035. Despite its more compact case, the watch carries the same horological grandeur and iconic design language of the classical Lange 1. For many enthusiasts, myself included, this size strikes the perfect balance for a dress watch, blending German efficiency, elegance, and legibility. The Little Lange 1 Darth remains a quietly spectacular masterpiece from one of the most revered names in German watchmaking.
