Black, the hallmark symbol of refinement, sophistication and elegance lends its deep, dark splendour to the newest variant of A. Lange & Söhne’s Saxonia Moonphase.
The moonphase made an appearance in Lange’s Saxonia line of watches in 2016, where it featured a traditional silvered dial with a gold and blue moonphase indicator at 6 o’clock. The new black-dialed Saxonia Moonphase which made its debut at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in January this year, is technically identical to the original timepiece from 2016, but the new dial colour makes it seem like a completely different (and if possible, even more striking) creature.
Set in a 40mm white or warm pink gold case, the iconic Lange outsize date at 12 o clock is a special feature of the model which so far has been available exclusively with an argenté-coloured dial. In this version, to match the black dial, the date numerals are white on a black background rather than vice-versa. The outsize date and the seconds subdial with the integrated moon-phase display are centred on the vertical axis, underscoring the sleek elegance of the overall design.
The moon-phase display is decorated with 852 stars and calculated to remain accurate for 122.6 years. It is connected to the hour-wheel continuum and, just like the moon itself, constantly in motion.
Without getting too technical, we would be remiss if we made no mention of Lange’s mechanically brilliant in-house movement that powers the Saxonia Moonphase. The L086.5 automatic movement is a work of art in itself, and provides approximately 72 hours of power-reserve to the watch. A large central rotor with a centrifugal mass in platinum reliably winds the manufacture calibre which is finished by hand to the most exacting standards. A classic screw balance, a freely oscillating Lange balance spring, a three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver and a hand-engraved balance cock are among the traditional quality features that connoisseurs around the world associate with the A. Lange & Söhne brand.