A. LANGE & SÖHNE - La beauté de l'invisible

Les techniques traditionnelles de finitions de A. Lange & Söhne.

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Press release
 

A. Lange & Söhne timepieces of the 21st century constitute the link to a heritage that began in Saxony more than 165 years ago. From the very beginning, Ferdinand A. Lange described his business philosophy as follows: “With the knowledge that quality craftsmanship always assures the most advantageous purchase, we are aware that we can render the best service to our clientele by supplying only watches of the highest class.” Lange still upholds this commitment to the ethics of the artisan, because this alone creates a little piece of eternity in an ever changing world. 

Left: Circular graining is used on round shapes such as wheels. Unlike most other finishes, this one is applied by rotating the part around the tool. 
Right: Linear finish: The fine lines in a parallel direction are achieved by sliding a part in one direction over a piece of abrasive paper. © A. Lange & Söhne

Indeed, A. Lange & Söhne timepieces still feature quality hallmarks that were once the norm in high-end watchmaking, but which were gradually abandoned in favour of cost-effectiveness in production. Among the typical hallmarks are the surface finishes applied to nearly all movement parts. For the owner of such a piece of art, the composition of aesthetic details is matched by the mechanical precision of the movement. Every single one of them illustrates the manufactory’s uncompromising quest for perfection. 

Left: The perlage consists of  small, overlapping circles, achieved with a rotating grinding tip. In A. Lange & Söhne watches, it is mainly used for bridges and plates. 
Right: The mirror-smooth surface of the flat polish is achieved by rubbing the part in a figure-eight motion on special foils coated with diamond dust. © A. Lange & Söhne