A. Lange & Söhne (Lange) has unveiled two new versions of the SAXONIA THIN – the brand’s simplest model. One is crafted from the brand’s proprietary 750 HONEYGOLD® alloy, while the other features a case made from 950 platinum. Both showcase a jet-black, glossy onyx dial.
Key Features
Functions and Operation
Image: Platinum version. Just the essentials – hours and minutes.
Central hours and minutes. Crown at 3 o’clock for winding and setting the time.
Dial
Left: HONEYGOLD version. Right: Platinum version.
Black onyx dial on a 925 silver base. HONEYGOLD version: Hands and baton-shaped hour-markers are made from 750 HONEYGOLD. Platinum version: Hands and baton-shaped hour-markers are made from 750 gold and feature a rhodium finish.
Image: A closer look at the platinum version. Notice the polished chamfered finish of the applied hour-markers, and the brushed finish of the inner case.
“The onyx-faced dial that graces the new model versions endows the aesthetic composition with a particularly noble appearance. Rarely used in precision watchmaking, the gemstone mesmerises with its jet-black, glossy surface. In the 750 honey-gold version, the dark hue perfectly matches the warm lustre of the precious metal. Conversely, it provides a fascinating contrast in the version of cool-toned 950 platinum, making the appliques and hands distinctly stand out against the background of the dial.”
Case
Image: HONEYGOLD version. “The patented honey gold, which is reserved for very few, exclusive models, is particularly remarkable. It is harder than other gold alloys and registered under the trademark of HONEYGOLD®. The material owes its name to the warm hue, ranging between pink and white gold.” Click here to read our coverage on the ODYSSEUS HONEYGOLD, another watch crafted from this exclusive alloy.
Case is made from 750 HONEYGOLD and 950 platinum.
Image: Notice the three-part case, curved lugs, and brushed finish of the caseband. Almost mirror like reflections on the dial.
Diameter: 40 mm. Thickness: 6.2 mm. Dial and caseback feature a sapphire crystal, with a Mohs hardness of 9. Water resistant up to 3 bar or approximately 30 metres. Both versions come with a glossy black alligator leather strap, fitted to a prong buckle made from 750 HONEYGOLD and 950 platinum.
Movement
Image: Notice typical Lange features such as the hand engraved balance cock, three-quarter plate, and screwed gold chatons among others. Calibre L093.1 is only 2.9 mm thick – let this sink in. And kudos to the brand for showcasing it via a sapphire crystal caseback. Limited edition number is engraved on the caseback.
Powered by Lange manufacture calibre L093.1, a manually wound movement that drives the hours and minutes. “Crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards, decorated and assembled by hand; precision-adjusted in five positions; plates and bridges made of untreated German silver; balance cock engraved by hand.”
Diameter: 28 mm. Thickness: 2.9 mm. Parts: 167. Jewels: 21. Screwed gold chatons: 3. Frequency: 21,600 vph or 3 Hz. Power reserve: 72 hours. Movement features: Lever escapement. Shock-resistant screw balance. Lange manufactured superior-quality balance spring. Precision beat adjustment system with lateral setscrew and whiplash spring.
Image: Another view of this marvelous movement. While most brands typically opt for a higher beat rate of 28,800 vph or 4 Hz, Lange opts for a more luxurious 21,600 VPH or 3 Hz movement for their most simple movement. Only the calibre L155.1 DATOMATIC powering the ODYSSEUS and calibre L156.1 powering the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH beat at 4 Hz.
“The proportion between crown wheel and ratchet wheel, the prominent shape of the stop-click spring, the arched lines of the three-quarter plate, the size of the flat polished endpiece, even the position of the blued screws around the gold chatons are meticulously harmonised with a view to mechanics as well as to the aesthetic overall impression. “With their combination of gold, ruby red and cornflower blue, the three screwed gold chatons additionally provide a striking colourful accent.” – Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development at A. Lange & Söhne. (Anthony, better known as Ton, just completed 21 years at the brand.)
Our Thoughts
Image: “Simple” yes. “Entry-level” no. Both versions will be expensive. As impressive as any other watch in the brand’s catalogue. HONEYGOLD version is my favourite.
If you glance at Lange’s catalogue, you will notice that complex watches form much of the brand’s range across their six collections. They craft only about 5,000 watches per year. The brand has little in terms of “simple” or “entry level” watches. The SAXONIA THIN 37 mm and 1815 three-hander come closest.
Yet when they unveils such a watch, the horological community takes notice. The recently launched 1815 34 mm version with its blue dial cased in a white or pink gold case was one of the hits of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025.
The SAXONIA THIN in both HONEYGOLD and platinum are breathtaking examples of the brand’s desire and ability to craft an elegant dress watch.
Please click here, here, and here to read our earlier coverage on the brand.
Additional Details
Name: SAXONIA THIN
Reference: 211.052 – HONEYGOLD version
Price: Upon request.
Limited to 200 individually numbered pieces.
Reference: 211.062 – Platinum version
Price: Upon request.
Limited to 200 individually numbered pieces.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
