Since its debut in 2021, the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar has been the brand’s flagship pure-play perpetual calendar that combines the trademark Lange 1 design with a sophisticated movement, while doing away with the tourbillon of its bigger brother. The model now gets a new of platinum with a black dial, a combination nicknamed “Darth”, and remains powered by the L021.3.

Initial thoughts

The Lange 1 perpetual calendar has consistently impressed with its thoughtful design. The asymmetrical yet streamlined dial effortlessly communicates essential information. And because doesn’t have the tourbillon of the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, it is relatively affordable, at least as such things go.

As for the new version, it does look good. Lange watches tend to look good with white metal cases and black dials, think Datograph or Zeitwerk, and this is no exception. This is especially considering the model was available only with light coloured dials like salmon or grey. 

The rest of the watch remains unchanged, so it has all the pros (and cons) of the earlier iterations. While the movement is impressively executed, it is a large watch, particularly since it only has the calendar complication. At almost 42 mm wide and just over 12 mm high, it has dimensions comparable to a sports chronograph. That said, most complicated Lange watches feel over-engineered, so this is typical Lange in many ways.

“Darth”

The new model retains the dial layout that is a mirror image of the original, base-model Lange 1, with the off-centre sub-dial for time on the right. But it gets a black dial most commonly associated with the original, base-model Lange 1. Notably, the leap year indicator at six o’clock is now black, rather than white as in earlier versions, so it matches the dial.

Unlike traditional calendars that rely on sub-dials, the Lange 1 perpetual calendar integrates the indications into the Lange 1 dial layout. So the months are indicated by a ring encircling the dial read against a small gold pointer at six, while the day of the week is on a fan-shaped scale at nine o’clock.

Aside from the colour change of the dial, the rest of the watch remains unchanged. It is housed in a platinum case that has the same dimensions as its predecessors: a diameter of 41.9 mm and thickness of 12.1 mm.

Mechanically, the Lange 1 perpetual calendar stands out for being instantaneous – all the indications jump crisply at midnight. It’s powered by the automatic L021.3 movement that has a 50-hour power reserve. As is traditional for Lange, the perpetual calendar mechanical is integrated into the base plate, rather than being an add-on module. 

Key facts and price

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar
Ref. 345.036E

Diameter: 41.9 mm
Height: 12.1 mm
Material: Platinum
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: Not available

Movement: L021.3
Functions: Hours, minutes, days of the week, day and night, moonphase and perpetual calendar
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Hand-stitched leather with pin buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: At A. Lange & Söhne boutiques and retailers
Price: Price on Request

For more information, visit Alange-soehne.com.