Saxonia specials

FERDINAND Adolph Lange laid the foundation of fine watchmaking in Germany on Dec 7, 1845, when he set up A Lange & Sohne in Saxony, a region in south-east Germany and an early pioneer in the country's industrialisation. Thirty years ago on the same day, his great-grandson Walter literally raised the brand from the ashes after its headquarters and main production building were razed to the ground in a Soviet air raid at the end of World War II.

To celebrate the two anniversaries, A Lange & Sohne, which has since carved a reputable niche in the luxury watch market, recently released three new "mechanical works of art" from its Saxonia watch family: the Saxonia Outsize Date in a pink and white gold case and the Saxonia Thin encased in white gold, framing a black copper-coloured shimmering dial.

Saxonia refers to Saxony which, of course, has been in the vanguard of technical developments over the course of history. And each of the 12 models in the current Saxonia line, including the world's first triple split chronograph, reflects Ferdinand Lange's quest for perfection in timekeeping and continuing improvement of mechanical designs.