On this article, considered one of our readers writes in regards to the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Skinny Blue Gold Flux. Joey Spreeuwenberg is a watch fanatic who attends watch get-togethers, and he determined he wished to share his expertise together with his newest buy. Take it away, Joey!
What in the event you might put on the evening sky in your wrist, dreaming away as you gaze into the infinite universe whereas not dropping observe of time? This lovely watch from A. Lange & Söhne makes it doable. First, a brief disclaimer: I’ve been carrying the look ahead to a number of weeks, and I purchased it myself. On one hand, you may say that this makes the evaluation extra impartial. On the opposite, you may say that it’s much more biased. In spite of everything, I did determine to purchase the watch. Now that I’ve been open and trustworthy, I’ll take you alongside on my first “week on the wrist”.
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Skinny Blue Gold Flux
For many who have no idea A. Lange & Söhne but, permit me to offer it a brief introduction. The watch model primarily based out of Glashütte, Germany has been competing with prestigious Swiss manufacturers like Patek Philippe, Breguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet since 1990. A. Lange & Söhne is understood for the proper ending of its watches, together with every bit’s twofold meeting. Every motion is assembled twice to make sure right adjustment and permit further inspection for damages.
The Saxonia (ref. ALS-205-086) I’m reviewing belongs to the model’s entry-level assortment, beginning at €19,000. What appeals to me personally about A. Lange & Söhne is that it claims to make no distinction in ending between its entry-level fashions and excessive issues. In my expertise, this has largely been the case, however I’d look into that matter in additional element in a future article.
Aventurine, quartz, or goldstone?
Is the dial aventurine or quartz? It’s neither. On the planet of watches, we come throughout these sorts of dials, however not fairly often. Omega used aventurine for the Speedmaster Chrono Chime, however H. Moser & Cie has additionally made a model of the Endeavour Perpetual Moon with a stunning aventurine dial. Rolex has used pure aventurine up to now too, I imagine.
A. Lange & Söhne creates these dials from scratch, so they aren’t present in nature. The bottom of the dial is a strong silver plate with an utilized layer of gold flux, which creates this distinctive consequence. In keeping with the gross sales affiliate within the Lange boutique, it is a very tough method, and it takes a median of 5–7 unusable dials earlier than one good instance is produced.
I have no idea the exact method that Lange makes use of, however I presume it includes goldstone. This can be a centuries-old method that includes fusing glass with copper fragments. Calling it copper flux could be extra correct, however Lange calls it gold flux. Gold sounds dearer and stylish, anyway. In spite of everything, the premium for this dial is €5,000!
The thicker slim one
The worth isn’t the one factor that’s bigger. So is that this Saxonia Skinny variant itself. It’s 2mm bigger in diameter (39 as an alternative of 37) and 0.3mm thicker than the common Saxonia Skinny. The proportions should not too unhealthy, and the watch can nonetheless be thought-about slim at simply 6.2mm from crystal to case again. Although some could contemplate it a small watch, I discover it comparatively proportional. I’ve a median wrist of 17.5cm (6.9″), and it wears very properly, as you possibly can see within the photos.
The caliber L093.1 is barely 2.9mm thick and is completed to the very best requirements, the one means Lange is aware of how. The motion boasts an influence reserve of 72 hours and is seen via the sapphire show case again.
One level of criticism is that, because of the lack of a seconds hand, you can’t inform at a look whether or not the watch continues to be working. When you flip the watch over to peek on the bottom, you possibly can examine for motion within the stability wheel and decide if there’s any juice left. It’s no punishment to have to have a look at the engaging bottom for this, however how cool would it not be if there have been a power-reserve indicator seen on the motion?
Legibility
Coming again to the dial, in my view, no adjustments are wanted right here. It’s superbly minimalist, and whereas I already discover the common Saxonia Skinny thought-provoking, this dial is otherworldly. It resembles a starry sky on a transparent evening. The hour markers and palms are in white gold and very skinny. They’re completed with a mirror polish, leading to wonderful readability even in low-light environments.
The Saxonia Skinny case
Up to now, I’ve been pretty optimistic and have few factors of criticism. Nevertheless, the most important criticism I’ve is in regards to the case. This Gold Flux dial would have regarded even higher if it had been obtainable in a rose gold case. Now, I do know that it is a matter of style, and the watch was certainly made in rose gold in 2021. Sadly, I couldn’t get my palms on that restricted version of solely 50 items. The rose gold provides a bit extra heat to the watch. Maybe it will be good in yellow gold as properly.
However I mustn’t complain; I bought the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Skinny in white gold as a result of it is also gorgeous. The case consists of three layers, and the bezel and bottom, together with the lugs, are polished. The mid-case is brushed, leading to a pleasant distinction and making the watch look slimmer. It’s attribute of Lange and is immediately acknowledged by watch connoisseurs.
The Saxonia Skinny is just not waterproof with a ranking of solely 3 bar. Washing your palms or getting caught in a rain bathe is okay, however you must positively not take a shower or swim with it. Other than the water resistance, I discover it disappointing that the crown doesn’t visually appear to be closed. This isn’t associated to this particular variant. Certainly, the opposite Saxonia Skinny fashions are like this as properly, exhibiting a slight hole between the crown and the case. I’m not technically certified to know if that is doable, however it will be a pleasant improve to make it a bit extra flush.
Leather-based strap and gold buckle
The ultimate component is the strap. When you examine the inventory pictures with the images of my watch, you possibly can see that I’ve a distinct strap on it. It’s an unique Lange strap product of matte alligator leather-based, lined with clean leather-based, and with matching stitching. The unique Lange strap that got here with the watch has no seen stitching and a shiny end. Though that strap mixed properly with this Saxonia Skinny, I discover it far more balanced now.
Afterthoughts on the Saxonia Skinny Blue Gold Flux
All in all, this watch is at its finest when seen in full daylight. It lends itself to being worn on the terrace of a classy restaurant in the course of the lengthy summer season evenings or paired with a go well with. I just like the watch, and it’s snug to put on, however I don’t suppose it’s an on a regular basis piece. It’s too elegant, and I’d fairly put on my Lange 1 every day.
If you’re searching for a watch that shimmers and catches your eye however you aren’t too keen on diamonds, it is a good costume watch. In addition to, it’s a good “entry” into Haute Horlogerie.
You could find extra articles about A. Lange & Söhne right here or go to the model’s official web site right here.
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