How to see some seriously grail-worthy German watches in the metal

Source:  Images and content by Mike Christensen @ gq-magazine.co.uk.  See the original article here - https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/watches/article/grail-worthy-german-watches

Name a better way to learn more about the work of A. Lange & Söhne than by getting to grips with its seminal pieces yourself, I’ll wait. Indeed, it was the Lange 1 and Datograph models ( aka the heroes of Phillips’ exhibition) that arguably put the brand back on the horological map in the 1990s. 

Its through no fault of its own that A. Lange & Söhne was off the map, by the way. The main production building was destroyed in a bombing on the last night of World War II in 1945, thus the company was expropriated in the Soviet-occupied zone and consequentially disappeared until the Berlin Wall fell in November 1989. That’s when OG Walter Lange, the great-grandson of Ferdinand Adolph Lange (who founded the original company), turned a dream of his – and many other watch lovers – into a reality by re-registering the company as its trademark.

The first range of wristwatches presented in this new era of the brand was the Lange 1 in 1994 with the Dategraph making its debut in 1999, and this is another reason why this exhibition is particularly worthy of our attention. If you need any more convincing, the Dategraph has since drawn a decent amount of celebrity interest – and affection – in the shape of major baller Michael Jordan and a pre-Breitling-engaged Brad Pitt. 

Marks believes a key factor for this infatuation could be the use of German silver as it’s a clear differentiation that makes A. Lange & Söhne watches even more unique – as is the fact the brand is known for always siding with quality over quantity.

“Quality should never be compromised, never become preoccupied with reference or fashion. A collection should always be judged on its quality and not its size,” adds Marks, which for anyone looking to buy a pre-owned watch, is failproof advice from an expert in his field.

Running from March 9-14, the exhibition is made up of 20 killer Lange 1 and Datograph watches from 1994 to 2008. It includes some limited editions so quite frankly it’s a wonderful chance for anyone – whether you’re new to watches or a mega enthusiast – to see some grail-esque pieces in the flesh. How knows, given he’s such a Datograph fan, maybe you’ll bump into the Jumpman himself too. He’s found his holy grail watch so now it’s time to go find yours.

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