A. Lange & Söhne

The history behind Germany's most prestigious watch brand

When it comes to haute horlogerie and exclusive luxury watches, A. Lange & Söhne is often mentioned among the world's absolute best watch brands. Since 1845, the German manufacturer from Glashütte in Saxony has been synonymous with uncompromising quality, technical innovation and craftsmanship of the highest standard. The history of A. Lange & Söhne is also the story of a brand that survived war, expropriation and decades of absence to return as one of the world's most respected watch manufacturers.

1845: Founding in Glashütte

The story begins on December 7, 1845, when Ferdinand Adolph Lange established his watchmaking production in the small town of Glashütte near Dresden. His vision was to create a German watch industry that could compete with the best Swiss manufacturers.

By training local craftsmen and developing advanced production methods, Lange laid the foundation for what would later become the center of German watchmaking.

1868: A. Lange & Söhne is born

After several years of success, Ferdinand Adolph Lange's sons Richard and Emil joined the company. In 1868, the name was officially changed to A. Lange & Söhne, marking the beginning of a new era for the family and the brand.

The company quickly became known for its precision pocket watches, which were used by scientists, officers and European aristocrats alike.

Early 1900s: International recognition

In the early 20th century, A. Lange & Söhne gained great international recognition for its chronometers, observatory clocks and complicated pocket watches. The brand's technical level placed it among the world's leading watch manufacturers.

Many of the period's most advanced pocket watches were produced in Glashütte, and the name A. Lange & Söhne became a symbol of German precision.

1945: War and cessation

World War II was a decisive turning point. Shortly before the end of the war, the company's factory in Glashütte was destroyed during a bombardment.

In 1948, the company was nationalized by the East German authorities, and the name A. Lange & Söhne disappeared from the watchmaking world. In the following decades, the brand no longer existed as an independent manufacturer.

1990: Rebirth after the fall of the Wall

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Walter Lange, great-grandson of the founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange, returned with the ambition to revive the family's historic brand.

Together with industry pioneer Günter Blümlein, he re-established A. Lange & Söhne in 1990. The goal was not only to restart production, but to create some of the world's finest mechanical watches.

1994: The first modern models

Four years after the relaunch, A. Lange & Söhne presented their first collection of modern wristwatches:

• Lange 1
• Saxonia
• Arkade
• Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite"

The Lange 1, in particular, attracted attention with its asymmetrical design, large date display and distinctive dial. The model has today become one of the watchmaking industry's most iconic designs.

2000: Part of the Richemont Group

In 2000, A. Lange & Söhne became part of the Richemont Group, which also owns other prestigious watch brands such as Vacheron Constantin and Cartier. The acquisition provided the company with additional resources for development and international expansion, while the brand maintained its independent identity and production in Glashütte.

2000s and beyond

In the following decades, A. Lange & Söhne launched a number of models, including:

• Datograph
• Zeitwerk
• Richard Lange
• Lange 31
• Grand Complication
• Odysseus

The brand is particularly known for its hand-decorated movements, three-dimensional constructions and the characteristic movement bridge in untreated German silver.

Why is A. Lange & Söhne so sought after?

A. Lange & Söhne combines more than 180 years of watchmaking history with modern innovation. The brand is known for:

• Extremely high finish on the movements
• Production in Glashütte, Germany
• Limited annual production
• Hand-assembled mechanical movements
• Iconic models such as Lange 1, Datograph and Zeitwerk
• Strong value among collectors and enthusiasts

For many watch connoisseurs, A. Lange & Söhne represents the pinnacle of German luxury watch production and a unique combination of tradition, innovation and technical perfection.

Find your next A. Lange & Söhne at Stæhr Preowned

If you want to experience the special combination of German precision, historical heritage and uncompromising craftsmanship, you will find a carefully selected range of A. Lange & Söhne at Stæhr Preowned. Whether you are looking for an iconic Lange 1, a technically impressive Datograph or a rare collector's model, we are ready to help you find your next A. Lange & Söhne watch.