A. Lange & Söhne is rounding out the year in poetic fashion with the release of a new Lange Daymatic reference built in the band’s proprietary 750 honey gold, aka Honeygold and a brown dial made of 925 silver. I say poetic because it mirrors the format of their first big release of the year, a Honeygold Odysseus with the same brown dial. While brown on brown felt slightly at odds with the sporty Odysseus platform, it feels very much on point in the context of the Lange 1 Daymatic. This is the first new Lange 1 Daymatic reference since the anniversary edition released in 2019, and just the ninth total since its introduction in 2010.
The Lange 1 Daymatic is a great example of just how versatile the Lange 1 design can be, working just as well when mirrored from its usual composition. Structurally, nothing has changed, though the hand that usually provides the power reserve indication has been repurposed to a retrograde day of the week complication. It’s a beautiful solution, and one that is further built upon in the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar. The same balance of proportions are achieved here to keep that Lange 1 magic intact, and as this collection rarely sees new additions, it feels all the more deserving of a Honeygold execution.
This year has been an active one for Honeygold, and this watch marks the third release to feature the material, joining the Odysseus from earlier this year, and the Saxonia Thin release at the Audrain Concourse. Like the Odysseus, this Lange 1 Daymatic uses a brown dial constructed from 925 silver, making it the second such configuration. All this to say, this is a special metal being used on a special watch, but there is a trend forming, and when that happens with Lange, it leads me to believe we might not see it again for some time, as the last thing they like to be is predictable.
As with most watches from A. Lange & Söhne, the case and dial are only half the story. Inside we find the automatic caliber L021.1 finished to the brand’s lofty standards. Small details, from the balance cock engraving to the gold chatons and blued screws are all cast upon the German silver bridges, making for a view that only gets better upon closer examination. The oscillating weight uses a platinum weight at its very edge, while the rest of it gets the same attention to detail as the rest of the movement.
A big part of the Lange 1 charm is owed to its surprisingly thoughtful dimensions. The Daymatic is no different in that regard, measuring 39.5mm in diameter, and 10.4mm in thickness, making it only slightly larger than the Lange 1, with about equal proportions. In keeping with the monochromatic theme, this Daymatic is affixed to a brown/taupe alligator leather strap, making for a value based level of contrast throughout the design as a whole.
A. Lange & Söhne will produce 250 examples of the Lange 1 Daymatic in Honeygold, and the price is by request. Stepping back, it’s also a great reminder of just how well the Lange 1 platform works with complications, and the Daymatic in particular being pushing the unique character of the watch into new territory. A. Lange & Söhne