Richard Cantley
When A. Lange & S?hne release a new watch there is always a collective ooh and ahh that resonates within the watch community. Germany's most prestigious brand has always earned respect and admiration for staying?true to their design philosophy. So it isn't too often that we get to see an ALS special?edition that offers a new look on a classic model, but with the arrival of these new Saxonia Automatics that's exactly what you get.In celebration of the reopening of the Lange boutique in Ginza, Tokyo the watchmaker has produced two Saxonia Automatic models with ‘terra-brown’ coloured, solid-silver dials. Luckily for?everyone not in Japan they will be available globally.It's a little surprising that Lange created these models given that as a whole, they are quite reserved in terms of?taking risks with design. The Saxonia is a success precisely because A. Lange & S?hne rarely mess with it. It's a prime example of the quintessential dress watch. Simple, clean, and utterly elegant in its presentation, paired with a modest case size and dressed-up leather strap. Although Lange has tinkered with the Saxonia in the past by adding a gray dial to the line in 2015 with their Boutique Edition, this is the first time we have seen them get this playful with colour.Released in two 38.5mm variants one in pink gold, the other in white the Saxonia hits that?sweet-spot in terms of wrist-presence and we wouldn't expect anything less from the terra brown?versions. the The rich brown dial offers a new take on the Saxonia, altering the tone of the watch?and?providing contrast with the case and hands. The dial retains the classic small seconds, it is still uncluttered and clean. Of course, the hands and hour-markers are solid gold and match the cases accordingly.These Saxonia Automatics are powered by the self-winding Lange L086.1 and at just 3.7mm tall, it offers a solid 72-hour power reserve. As with most of A. Lange & S?hne's movements, this features their hand-engraved balance cock. Hand-stitched alligator straps, dark-brown for the white-gold and red-brown for the pink-gold complete the picture.A. Lange & S?hne Saxonia Automatic in Terra Brown Australian pricingA. Lange & S?hne Saxonia Automatic with?Terra Brown dial, $30,600, in pink or white gold.
26.08.16