The Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar was initially introduced two years ago, and stands out thanks to its innovative approach to preserving the Lange 1 family’s signature design with off-center and non-overlapping displays. Instead of the traditional 48-step cam-controlled month display, Lange’s watchmakers introduced a peripheral month ring that advances instantaneously at the end of each month, a feature first seen back in 2012 on the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar. Of course, followers of the brand will know they’ve got plenty of form when it comes to bespoke technical solutions. Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development, explains, “The commitment to tailor the complex mechanical requirements to the characteristic design of the Lange 1 presented our developers with constructive challenges.”

This latest iteration of this masterpiece comes housed in a 950-platinum case, measuring 41.9 mm across and featuring a striking black dial. This combination is an exceptionally prestigious take on the design. The black background provides an elegant canvas for the outsize date and leap year numerals, ensuring legibility at all times. The watch also features a precise moon phase display, depicting the earth’s companion’s journey across a blue sky, and offering a lone bright spot on the dial. Notably, all calendar indications switch instantaneously, allowing for unambiguous readings, and they can be adjusted collectively or separately using correctors. Once correctly set, the mechanism is programmed to accurately display the month until the year 2100.

The superbly finished Calibre L021.3 is visible through a sapphire-crystal caseback, and is hand-finished and assembled as per Lange’s meticulous standards. The unidirectional winding rotor in 21-carat gold provides up to 50 hours of power reserve.

All told, this latest Lange 1 in platinum is a continued testament to the brand’s dedication to precision and quality, both in perfomance and design.