The 'Homage to FA Lange' is an exercise in refining the basics continuously until perfection. Released to honor A. Lange & Söhne's 175th anniversary, this ref. 239.050 is arguably the most special 1815 Thin which has been made, a limited release of 175 examples. It is in Honey Gold, Lange's signature slightly pale proprietary gold alloy, which is far harder and more difficult to machine than traditional yellow gold. Notably, this is also the only 1815 Thin with an enamel dial.
Enamel dials are not common in Lange, the last time-only Lange with an enamel dial was over two decades ago in the Langematik Anniversary. The dial is extremely glossy and almost layered in person, with slightly warm tone and magnificent depth, where the Arabic numerals appear to have a floating shadow at an angle. The three dots at the quarters are a historic nod to traditional Saxon porcelain. Its dual Honey Gold hands often shimmer warmth down reflected on the dial below.
The 239.050 is an ultra-thin 6.3mm thin overall thanks to a manual Calibre L093.1, treated in quite a special way. Unlike most Glashütte calibres, the three-quarter plate is frosted instead of striped, with black rhodium hand-applied into the fine lines of the balance cock and text. This is intended to echo traditional German watchmaking in all aesthetics. All anglage feels like it has been executed to a higher-than-normal standard, even down to the bridge for the pallet fork below the balance and individual gear teeth. Circular graining to the crown and ratchet wheel make the gear teeth anglage even more obvious.
The Homage to FA Lange was made alongside a Turbograph and 1815 Split Seconds to celebrate Ferdinand Adolph Lange's start, good company to keep. This is clearly a project born out of pure passion, it feels like what might've resulted had Philippe Dufour been born in Glashütte a century ago. This is a watch that celebrates handcraft in materials, finishing, and engineering. The 239.050 doesn't just celebrate the founder's start, but is the most refined dress watch package which has yet been crafted by Glashütte.
