When it comes to iconic timepieces, few watches carry the same gravitas as the A. Lange Söhne Lange 1. And among its many evolutions, reference 157.121—released in 2015—represents a major technical and aesthetic milestone. It’s a model that respects its roots while boldly stepping into the future of fine German watchmaking.
A Legacy Reborn
The Lange 1 was originally launched in 1994, just four years after the rebirth of A. Lange Söhne following German reunification. This watch, with its asymmetric dial layout, outsize date, and stunning three-quarter movement plate, symbolized not just the revival of a historic brand, but the resurgence of Glashütte as a hub for high horology.
By 2015, Lange sought to refine what was already revered. Enter the Lange 1 reference 157.121. The new model retained the iconic look but featured a completely reengineered heart: the manual-wind Caliber L121.1. This was more than just an update—it was a technical statement.
Case and Design: Same Face, Smarter Engineering
Ref. 157.121 measures 38.5mm in diameter—identical to its predecessor—but feels more cohesive thanks to updates in case construction and dial printing techniques. The signature off-center time display, subsidiary seconds, and iconic “big date” remain untouched, because honestly, why mess with perfection?
The watch was released in several precious metal variants, with reference 157.121 specifically housed in pink gold, paired with a silver dial that gives the piece a refined, understated charm.
Market Positioning: Quiet Luxury Done Right
At launch, the Lange 1 ref. 157.121 was priced competitively within the upper echelon of fine watchmaking. It sat comfortably alongside offerings from Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet but appealed to collectors who appreciated understated craftsmanship over brand flash.
In the modern collector’s market, the updated Lange 1 has held its value extremely well, in part due to its relatively limited production and enduring design appeal.
A Collector’s Darling
Though not a fixture in Hollywood films or on the wrists of celebrities chasing hype, the Lange 1 has a different kind of fame. It’s revered in enthusiast circles and is frequently the subject of deep-dive reviews, horological forums, and Instagram close-ups. In 2019, A. Lange Söhne marked the 25th anniversary of the Lange 1 with a special run of 250 watches featuring blue-printed dials and hand-engraved hinged casebacks—a nod to the model’s enduring legacy.
Nerd Alert: 5 Deep-Cut Details for the Watch Geeks
- Jumping Date: Unlike gradual date changes, the L121.1 instantly snaps to the next day at midnight—mechanical poetry in motion.
- German Silver Movement Plates: Made of untreated German silver, the movement parts naturally develop a patina over time, adding character with age.
- Gold Chatons: Functional and beautiful, these hold the movement’s jewels in place and are secured by heat-blued screws.
- Hand-Engraved Balance Cock: No two Lange 1s are the same thanks to this one-of-a-kind flourish by the brand’s engravers.
Three-Quarter Plate: A Glashütte hallmark that increases stability and enhances the movement’s visual depth.
