Grand Lange 1 Lumen represents one of
A. Lange & Söhne‘s most technically refined and visually striking executions of its iconic Lange 1 design. The model continues the brand’s obsession with symmetry, legibility, and mechanical excellence — now presented through an impressive luminous concept.
Sometimes, the first thing we look at on a watch is not the time, but the date. This idea is central to the philosophy behind the
Grand Lange 1 Lumen. Unlike most watches where the date is secondary, Lange places it at the heart of the design. The famous
Outsize Date is not merely decorative — it is engineered for true daily functionality and optimal legibility. Unveiled in Geneva, the
Grand Lange 1 Lumen Limited Edition retains the signature asymmetric layout: hours and minutes on the right, small seconds at 5 o’clock, power reserve at 3 o’clock, and the oversized date at 1 o’clock. Every element is perfectly balanced, creating a dial that feels architectural yet effortless. The 40.9mm case is crafted from
white gold and finished with alternating polished and brushed surfaces. The semi-transparent sapphire dial reveals parts of the movement, including the oversize date discs and luminous components beneath. Its subtle smokey tone contrasts beautifully with the stark white luminous coating used on the hands and date numerals. Thanks to this special luminous treatment, the
Grand Lange 1 Lumen remains highly legible even in complete darkness. This effect is not only visually stunning, but also functional — giving the watch real-world usability beyond daylight conditions. Powering the watch is the hand-wound
Calibre L095.2, one of Lange’s most advanced movements. The main plate and bridges are made of untreated German silver, offering a warm, golden hue that develops unique patina over time. Every movement is meticulously assembled and hand-finished twice, a hallmark of true Saxon haute horlogerie. The movement features a power reserve of 72 hours, beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. It is also finely adjusted in five positions, ensuring precision and long-term reliability.
A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 “Lumen” Ref. 117.035
- White gold case, 40.9mm diameter, 9.8mm thickness
- Sapphire crystal front and caseback
- Rhodium-plated hands with white luminous coating
- Calibre L095.2 manual-winding movement
- 42 jewels, 400 components, 72-hour power reserve
- Black alligator leather strap, platinum pin buckle
- Limited edition of only 200 pieces worldwide
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, outsized date, power reserve display, manual winding.
How the Lange Outsize Date Works
The legendary Lange Outsize Date mechanism was inspired by a large five-minute digital clock designed by Ferdinand A. Lange in 1841 for the Dresden Semper Opera House. The goal was simple: allow audiences to read the time clearly from a distance. To achieve this on a wristwatch, the Grand Lange 1 Lumen uses two independent discs:
- A large units disc displaying digits 0–9
- A tens disc showing 1–3 and a blank segment
During the date transition, the mechanism performs a precisely controlled switching sequence, especially during complex changes like from the 31st to the 1st. This process is governed by two program wheels and carefully calculated gear ratios, making it one of the most refined date mechanisms in modern watchmaking. With its luminous dial, white gold case, mechanical artistry, and historical inspiration, the Grand Lange 1 Lumen stands as one of the most desirable limited editions ever produced by A. Lange & Söhne — a true grail watch for serious collectors.
