The Saxonia Annual Calendar returns to the A. Lange & Söhne catalog this week with the introduction of two new 36mm references sporting a new automatic caliber in the L207.1. The watch was a staple of the previous generation when it was released in 2013, and makes a welcome return in a new form factor and a subtle evolution of the design. The newest member of the Saxonia family is being introduced in two new references sporting white and pink gold cases, along with a more user-friendly feature set.
A. Lange & Söhne is no stranger to calendar complications, with multiple perpetual calendar expressions existing within the Saxonia family. But there’s something about the annual calendar design that just hits a bit different. There’s complexity in the design, but also more clarity than something like a perpetual calendar in that there’s slightly less information being presented. Plus, making a single adjustment each February isn’t too much of a challenge for the tradeoff. With the new caliber being used here, that part is easier than ever.
The L207.1 replaces the L085.1 from the previous example (ref. 330.026), and one of the first changes you’ll notice is the addition of a button at 10 o’clock along the case. This button advances all components of the calendar collectively, though hidden correctors are still present to make individual adjustments as needed. The new movement also boasts a larger power reserve of 60 hours when fully wound.
As for the information being presented, it’s everything you need, and very little that you don’t. The day of the week is situated within the nine o’clock sub register, while the month sits opposite at three o’clock. At the bottom of the dial you’ll find the running seconds indication and a phases of the moon display. The sub-registers are sunken into the dial in a dish-like manner, with concentric rings that create just enough contrast to distinguish themselves from the base dial. Small details can also be enjoyed in the applied indexes, which feature faceted ends. Finally, the defining oversized date takes residence at the top of the dial, dominating the personality of the design.
The new Saxonia Annual Calendar has been downsized from 38.5mm, to 36mm in diameter, and remains under 10mm in thickness at just 9.8mm. The proportions of the bezel look noticeably trimmer here, allowing the dial enough space to make an impression as well as remain user friendly. Overall, the new aesthetic remains faithful to the Saxonio family DNA, but represents something clearly new in the small details. A. Lange & Söhne
