Situated in a quaint German town called Glashütte, a veritable haven for any self-respecting watch aficionado, one uncovers a plethora of Germany’s most prominent watch occurrences. Yet, amidst them, A. Lange & Söhne stands tall, its reputation in high horology underpinned by guarded doors and a tantalizing air of mystery. As the heavy doors swing open to reveal the brand’s intimate secrets, one can only marvel at the iconic models that ushered in a revival of virtuosity in watchmaking.
In October 1994, Günter Blümlein ignited a resurgence in high-end watchmaking with the unveiling of A. Lange & Söhne’s inaugural silhouettes in yellow gold. Among these, the Lange 1 model, with its unique asymmetrical dial design, big date, and non-linear power reserve indicator, became a brand hallmark. Even today, the Lange 1 bears the same fundamental design elements, resonating with its rich history from over thirty years ago.
Despite a late entry into watchmaking in 1955, China now reigns as a titan and produces more timepieces than all of Europe combined, commanding over 30% of the world market. While China’s watch exports, at about 600 million units in 2025, far exceed Switzerland’s roughly 15 million, the picture changes when we look at the value of these exports: $18 billion for China versus $31 billion for Switzerland. One of the secrets to China’s prodigious output is their enticing blend of affordability and reliability with an increasingly high-end range that includes features like tourbillons, micro-rotors, and repeaters, underscoring China’s standings in the global watchmaking industry. The nation is also nurturing a burgeoning independent watchmaking scene.