First introduced in 2011 and refreshed in 2016, the Saxonia Thin has always been the most distilled expression of A. Lange & Söhne’s philosophy of elegance, reducing watchmaking to its essentials with just two hands and a perfectly judged sense of proportion. This year, the manufacture presents two new special editions that bring a modern face to this minimalist icon. Crafted in Lange’s exclusive Honeygold and in 950 platinum, both now feature a black onyx dial, a rare gemstone that transforms the familiar Saxonia Thin into something even more refined.
The new Onyx versions of the Saxonia Thin case retain the rest of the collection’s svelte profile, with a 40mm diameter and a height of just 6.2mm. The three-part case has the lightness and clarity that defines the Saxonia Thin, its slender lugs curving gently for comfort and discretion. In 18k Honeygold, the warmth of the alloy harmonises with the depth of the black dial; in platinum, the contrast between the cold metal and the glossy dial surface is dramatic and highly legible.
The new dial is the defining element of these editions. Onyx, which is applied to a solid silver base dial, offers a deep, glossy black surface that appears almost liquid under the light. It creates a pure stage for the rhodiumed gold hands and baton appliques, each elongated and polished to a sharp finish. The composition is reduced to nothing but the indication of hours and minutes, yet it is rich in atmosphere, echoing the principle of beauty through simplicity.
Visible through the sapphire caseback is the manufacture calibre L093.1, Lange’s thinnest movement at only 2.9mm in height. Manually wound, it delivers a solid 72-hour power reserve from a flat mainspring barrel. Every detail is finished to the highest standards: the three-quarter plate in untreated German silver with Glashütte stripes, the hand-engraved balance cock, the three gold chatons secured by blued screws, and the precisely polished bevels and graining. Even a movement reduced to hours and minutes alone is given the same care and artistry as Lange’s most complex complications, including being assembled twice.
The two new Saxonia Thin Onyx editions, limited to 200 pieces in Honeygold and 200 in platinum, are worn on a glossy black alligator leather strap and secured with matching prong buckles. Price is upon request. Just as a comparison, the classic Saxonia Thin with a silver dial is currently priced at EUR 26,000. More details at www.alange-soehne.com.
https://monochrome-watches.com/a-lange-sohne-saxonia-thin-onyx-edition-platinum-and-honeygold/