A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Automatic - "Blue series" - 380.028

Origin

Despite the name A. Lange & Söhne being around since the 1800s, the brand came into its own during the 1990s when it was re-established by Walter Lange. With the great-grandson of the founder at the helm, A. Lange & Söhne released four brand new models in 1994, one of which was the Saxonia. This rather reserved time and big date only reference was the most understated model on launch with a case width of just 34mm. However, what this restrained piece lacked in bold, statement-making features, it made up for with slender proportions and an appearance steeped in elegance.

The Saxonia would soon be joined by similarly simplistic references, the 1815 time only in 1995 and the Langematik in 1997. The latter had the closest resemblance to the original Saxonia thanks to its big centralised date at twelve, although the Langematik favoured luminous alpha hands and an automatic movement. Along with the other three Lange models (the Lange 1, Arkade, and Tourbillon Pour le Mérite), the Saxonia helped re-launch the A. Lange & Söhne name with its stripped-back and Germanic styling, conservative sizing and straightforward manner.

The Saxonia has enjoyed a long and fruitful time in the Lange lineup. In 2007 the previously mentioned Langematik was consolidated under the Saxonia umbrella, further strengthening the model's dominance of the watchmaker's range. The big date complication was removed from the Saxonia in 2007 in favour of a pure time only focused design. Today, the Saxonia family comprises seven different ranges, including the Saxonia Outsize Date, the closest example to the original Saxonia of 1994. 2007 also saw the Saxonia increase in size to 37mm and set the range on its way to becoming the entry-level model for aspiring Lange owners. Annual calendars, moonphases, dual time complications, and even ultra-thin examples all are represented in the Saxonia lineup today.

The Watch

This A. Lange & Söhne reference 380.028 represents a mint example of the Saxonia which was a part of the Blue Series of watches released in 2017. This automatic Saxonia features a deep blue solid silver dial alongside a Lange 1, Lange 1 Daymatic, and a manually wound 35mm Saxonia. Cased in an unassuming 18-carat white gold, this 38.5mm wide watch features signature notched lugs complete in a polished finish with accompanying tapering and a gentle downturn. The case is skillfully constructed with satin flanks sandwiched between a polished bezel and caseback, delivering an overriding air of refined simplicity. Said polished bezel carries a rounded design that directly plays into the hands of wearability and dynamism, setting the stage for the striking dial.

Wholly contemporary and tastefully understated, the dial of this Saxonia is a galvanised solid silver blue carrying white gold dial furniture and white printing throughout. Delicately applied and remarkably slim baton hour markers surround the watch's dial made up of multi-faceted angles. Such markers are doubled up for the twelve, three, six, and nine placements which subtly accentuate coherence. However, the six o'clock markers do feature a cut design to allow for the sub-register to track the running seconds of the piece. A concentric circle guilloché design with a sunburst effect adds texture to the sub-register, accompanied by additional depth thanks to its recessed configuration. White printing internally surrounds the seconds register for a contrast friendly aesthetic.

Completing this modern timekeeper is a handset delivered in textbook A. Lange & Söhne style. Produced in white gold, the hour and minute hands are Alpha style in design with an elongated needle style hand with a diamond-shaped counterbalance elegantly measuring housed in the six sub-register. 

The Movement

Powering this Saxonia is the L086.1 automatic calibre from A. Lange & Söhne. Visible through the display caseback of the watch, this thin movement is particularly impressive. Made up of 209 parts with 31 jewels, this movement beats at 21,600 vph and comes with a long 72 hours of autonomy. When it comes to the finishing of this movement, naturally, no corners have been cut by Lange. Glashütte striping dominates the ¾ bridge, perlage can be found on the movement base plate with a gold winding rotor complete with engraving and a platinum mass dominate the aesthetic. Black polishing, thermally blued screws, and beautiful anglage naturally feature here.

With its signature highly engraved balance cock housing its swan-neck regulator, fine finishing is quite literally everywhere you look.

How It Wears

This Saxonia is a pure box ticker on the wrist. 38.5mm in width combined with a staggeringly slight 7.8mm thickness makes this Lange a masterclass in balanced proportions. Its white gold case is heavy and substantial to touch yet reassuringly hefty on the wrist. Mix its slenderness with its precious metal case, and the luxurious wrist presence is unavoidable. Although it's not black or silver, its deep blue dial is contemporary, sleek, and pure sophistication. 

Dress up or down this Blue Saxonia confident in the knowledge that the watch will be able to handle all manner of outfits, styles, and occasions.

Condition

This 2017 A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Blue 380.028 is presented in mint condition. The watch is sold as a complete full set with the original Lange white gold pin buckle and the original, unworn watch strap included. Additionally, the watch is paired with a Mr Watchley Taupe Saffiano strap to highlight just how versatile the piece truly is. 

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium.

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