First introduced in 2011, the Saxonia Thin by A. Lange & Söhne follows a clear design principle: by combining slender hands, elongated baton markers and the display of only hours and minutes, the watch embraces a deliberately pared-down aesthetic. Following the 2018 edition with aventurine glass, the collection now sees the addition of a new model featuring an onyx dial, offered in two versions – one in Honey Gold and one in platinum. The following outlines the key details of these new timepieces.
The dial adheres to a consciously restrained design logic, focusing solely on the essential functions of a mechanical watch. Two gold Alpha-shaped hands, thirteen slim baton hour markers, and the gently curved Lange logo form a dial that is limited to the indication of hours and minutes only.
At the centre of the new models, however, lies what provides the background to the slender hands and indices: a dial set with onyx, underlaid with a base of solid silver (925). Onyx, a gemstone rarely used in fine watchmaking, offers a deep black, glossy surface whose effect varies subtly between the two versions. In the platinum model (950), the onyx dial appears more refined and creates a pronounced contrast. In the Honey Gold (750) version, the dark dial takes on a warmer tone, with hands and markers standing out clearly against the background.
Both new versions of the Saxonia Thin share a 40 mm case – crafted either from A. Lange & Söhne’s proprietary Honey Gold or from 950 platinum. Yet what defines the Saxonia Thin most of all is its remarkably slim profile of just 6.2 mm, making it the thinnest watch in the manufacture’s history and ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist.
A key element of this comfort lies in the slim, polished lugs that extend outward from the case. Their design can be traced back to Günter Blümlein, the German watch executive and one of the driving forces behind the revival of A. Lange & Söhne. Blümlein placed great importance on a distinctive case architecture, and so specified stepped lugs that are clearly separated from the case body. The central section of the case is satin-brushed, while the bezel is gently domed and highly polished. The composition is completed by a crown engraved with the Lange signature.
Turning the watch over reveals the key to its slim profile through the sapphire crystal caseback: the manually wound calibre L093.1, just 2.9 millimetres in height and composed of 167 individual parts. Among its technical features is a mainspring barrel that, despite its compact construction, delivers a power reserve of 72 hours while maintaining a balance frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
At the same time, the movement showcases the fine decoration for which Lange is renowned. The ratchet and crown wheels are integrated visibly into the three-quarter plate and finished with a spiral sunburst pattern. Blued screws are positioned in harmony around three screwed gold chatons, while the untreated German silver plate carries the traditional Glashütte ribbing. The balance cock is hand-engraved.
A closer look reveals the true extent of the decorative work. The edges of the three-quarter plate are bevelled and polished by hand to a mirror finish, while even the teeth of the ratchet and crown wheels feature painstaking micro-faceting. Completing the picture is a baseplate decorated with classic perlage. The movement runs on 21 jewels and is adjusted in five positions – a standard typically reserved for haute horlogerie and chronometer-grade watches.
Each version of the Saxonia Thin with onyx dial is paired with a glossy black alligator leather strap to complement the dark aesthetic. Both editions are limited to just 200 pieces. Each Saxonia Thin model is priced at approximately 45,000 euros.
A. Lange & Söhne
Saxonia Thin
750 honey gold: 211.052
950 platinum: 211.062
Honey gold and platinum
Diameter: 40.0 millimetres
Height: 6.2 millimetres
N/A
925 sterling silver, coated with black onyx
Alligator leather, shiny black
Manufacture Calibre L093.1
Manual winding
72 hours
21,600 vibrations per hour
Time display with hour and minute
Approx. EUR 45,000
